KDE and GNOME are two leading desktop environments in the Linux world today.
| There's no age and time to start learning. The same set of rules are followed by the tech world as well. KDE and GNOME are undoubtedly the two leading desktop environments in the Linux world today. The two are 'tough' competitors when it comes to functionality and user share. And there is XFCE, its robust, lightweight and all in all quite a hit on older computers. |  |
However, does XFCE have enough juice to bring down the mighty? Sure!
1. MATE isn't a lightweight desktop
-Users of KDE and GNOME would say, why XFCE, why not MATE? MATE is often condidered a modern day incarnation of GNOME 2, however it is not lightweight. XFCE on the other hand offers a lightweight, yet visually appealing desktop.
-Never has MATE aspired to target the lightweight desktop crowd.
2. Theming the desktop
-XFCE lacks any specific visual attractiveness upon a fresh installation.
-However, installing a new theme to XFCE is very easy. Find the XFCE theme, extract the theme to the right directory. Thereafter, a tool under Appearance selects the theme easily from a GUI. XFCE doesn't require a tweak tool to install and activate new desktop themes.
3. Desktop navigation
-Traditional users of traditional Windows or GNOME 2/MATE desktop will feel at home with XFCE's desktop navigation. Adding applets to the panel and locating installed applications is quite like a walk in the park.
-Meanwhile, GNOME comes with hot corners and no minimise button by default. Different application layout method takes some time getting used to. Clearly, if you prefer the older methods, GNOME hasn't been built for you. Applets in case of GNOME are handled by extensions which makes matters worse for newbies.
-KDE in the meantime offers a more traditional approach, with simple applets addition by right-clicking. However, on the downside most of the features you are looking for are hidden in case of KDE. And then of course there are 'Activities'!
