Install Gnome Shell on Ubuntu 11.10 and Later | Linux
Exploring Gnome Shell on Ubuntu 11.10
For Ubuntu users who favor the Gnome Shell experience over Unity, a straightforward installation process is available. The Ubuntu team opted to develop Unity as their own desktop environment, diverging from the original Gnome direction.
This development was built upon the foundational work of the Gnome project, essentially positioning Unity as an alternative interface, or shell, for Gnome.
Gnome Shell: An Alternative Interface
Gnome Shell isn't the sole option available. It serves as the default shell for the Gnome desktop environment. Designed as a successor to the widely appreciated Gnome 2, Gnome Shell represents a significant advancement for Gnome.
However, Gnome Shell also faces criticism. A segment of users express a desire to revert to the classic Gnome desktop, leading some to explore distributions like Linux Mint to achieve this.
The Future of Desktop Environments
This preference for classic Gnome is likely a temporary trend. It is highly probable that most prominent Linux distributions will eventually adopt either Gnome Shell or Unity as their standard Gnome desktop environment.
Therefore, familiarizing oneself with one of these desktops is becoming increasingly important.
Installing Gnome Shell in Ubuntu 11.10
If you are running Ubuntu 11.10 and wish to experience Gnome Shell, the installation is remarkably simple.
Note: This guide specifically addresses installation on Ubuntu 11.10.
Here's a quick overview of the process:
- Ensure your system is up-to-date.
- Utilize the appropriate package manager commands to install Gnome Shell.
- Log out and select Gnome Shell as your desktop environment during login.
Installing Gnome Shell on Ubuntu 11.10
A straightforward method for installing Gnome Shell on Ubuntu is through the Ubuntu Software Center. This provides a user-friendly graphical interface for the installation process.
Alternatively, for users who prefer the command line, a single command can be utilized to achieve the same result.
The command to install Gnome Shell is as follows:
sudo apt-get install gnome-shellThis command leverages the apt-get package manager to install Gnome Shell along with any necessary dependencies. The download size is relatively small.
This is because a significant portion of the Gnome desktop environment is already integrated within Unity.
Upon completion of the installation, no immediate changes will be visible.
To experience the newly installed Gnome Shell, a user must log out of their current session and then select the Gnome desktop environment during the login process.
This will then launch the Gnome Shell interface.
Experiencing Gnome Shell
Interested in testing Gnome Shell? Begin by logging out of Unity to reach the login screen. Upon arriving there, locate and click the gear icon positioned next to the password entry field before logging in.
Select "Gnome" as your preferred desktop environment, and then enter your password as you normally would. You are now running Gnome Shell! Further information regarding Gnome Shell’s capabilities can be found online.
Initially, the appearance may not be ideal. The default Unity theme, Ambiance, isn’t fully compatible with Gnome Shell. Consider exploring the top 5 Gnome Shell Themes for improved aesthetics, or switch to Adwaita for the standard Gnome Shell look and feel.
Distinct differences exist between Gnome Shell and Unity. Virtual desktops are dynamically created as windows are added, and the application menu prioritizes currently open programs.
Determining which shell is superior is subjective. It’s recommended to experiment with both to discover which best suits your individual workflow. The ability to try different desktop environments is a key benefit of Linux, offering a unique exploration experience.
At the login screen, you’ll also find two additional options: "Gnome Classic" and "Gnome Classic (no effects)". These desktop environments emulate the functionality of the older Gnome 2 desktop, though with several modifications. Feel free to test these if you have a preference for Gnome 2, but be aware that customization options may be more limited.
The Value of Choice in Desktop Environments
The core principle of open source software lies in providing users with options. The inclusion of Gnome Shell as a readily available desktop environment within Ubuntu exemplifies this philosophy.
While Unity remains my preferred default desktop, it’s beneficial that users dissatisfied with Unity’s development path have a straightforward means of accessing a viable alternative.
Exploring Desktop Preferences
Individual preferences regarding desktop environments are diverse. Gnome Shell offers a distinct user experience compared to Unity, catering to different workflows and aesthetic tastes.
The availability of both options empowers users to select the environment that best suits their needs, reinforcing the flexibility inherent in the open-source model.
Community Engagement and Customization
We encourage readers to share their desktop environment preferences. Let us know in the comments whether you favor Gnome Shell or Unity.
Furthermore, any insights into useful Gnome Shell customizations or helpful tips are welcome and will enrich the community’s collective knowledge.
