What is a desktop environment

Most of you might already be familiar with the concept, but just in case some aren’t, let me explain it briefly.

A desktop environment (DE) is essentially the graphical user interface (GUI) you interact with on your computer. It’s what you see on your screen, including elements like the taskbar, icons, windows, and menus. There are numerous desktop environments available, each offering a unique experience and set of features. Some of the popular ones include KDE Plasma, GNOME, and XFCE.

Lightweight Desktop Environments

Not all desktop environments are created equal in terms of resource usage. Some are extremely lightweight and designed to run efficiently on older or less powerful hardware. For example:

• LXDE (Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment): Known for its low resource usage, LXDE can run smoothly even on hardware as modest as a Raspberry Pi or an old computer. It’s a great choice for anyone needing a fast and responsive interface on minimal resources. (Installable by using “sudo pacman -S lxde lxdm”)
• XFCE: This is another lightweight desktop environment that aims to be fast and low on system resources while still providing a visually appealing user experience. It is highly customizable and offers a good balance between performance and functionality. It’s an excellent option if you don’t have a high-performance PC. (Installable by using “sudo pacman -S xfce4”)

Mid-Range Desktop Environments

• Cinnamon: Originally developed for Linux Mint, Cinnamon provides a modern and user-friendly experience while maintaining a moderate resource footprint. It strikes a good balance between aesthetics and performance. (Installable by using “sudo pacman -S cinnamon”)
• MATE: A continuation of the GNOME 2 desktop environment, MATE is designed to be fast and use fewer resources than GNOME 3. It retains a more traditional desktop layout and is suitable for mid-range systems. (Installable by using “sudo pacman -S mate mate-extra”)

Feature-Rich Desktop Environments

• KDE Plasma: Renowned for its extensive customization options and visually appealing interface, KDE Plasma is a feature-rich desktop environment. However, it can be resource-intensive, which might pose performance issues on older hardware. It’s the default environment for Furreto Linux, but if you’re experiencing lag or slow performance, switching to a lighter alternative might be beneficial. (Installable by using “sudo pacman -S plasma”)
• GNOME: GNOME provides a modern and clean interface, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. It is designed for performance and reliability, though it might be heavier on system resources compared to XFCE or LXDE. GNOME is an excellent choice for users with more powerful computers who appreciate a straightforward, minimalist design. (Installable by using “sudo pacman -S gnome”)

Future Plans for Furreto Linux

We’re planning to add different desktop environments to choose from in the installer, giving users the flexibility to select the DE that best suits their hardware and personal preferences. This feature is still in the planning stages, but it’s a highly anticipated addition that will likely be implemented in the future.