Switch Between GNOME & KDE 4.5 on Ubuntu 10.04
Exploring KDE on Ubuntu: A Dual Desktop Experience
Previously, an article detailed the benefits of utilizing the Ubuntu operating system. Several readers inquired about the omission of Kubuntu, with some expressing a preference for the KDE desktop environment. This article demonstrates how to leverage both systems.
Understanding Desktop Environments
Ubuntu, by default, employs the GNOME desktop environment. This provides a practical and relatively uncluttered interface, enhanced by visual effects through Compiz. Conversely, Kubuntu features the KDE desktop, now boasting an extensive array of integrated features.
Installing KDE on Your Ubuntu System
If you currently operate an Ubuntu installation and are interested in experiencing KDE, the process is straightforward. Implementation requires only a few commands followed by a system reboot.
The transition to KDE can be achieved quickly and efficiently. This allows users to explore a different desktop paradigm without needing to reinstall the operating system.
Benefits of a Dual Desktop Setup
- Flexibility: Easily switch between GNOME and KDE to suit different tasks.
- Customization: KDE offers extensive customization options.
- Exploration: Experience different desktop philosophies without commitment.
Having both environments available provides users with a versatile computing experience. It allows for experimentation and the selection of the desktop best suited to individual preferences and workflows.
Ultimately, the choice between GNOME and KDE is a matter of personal preference. Ubuntu’s adaptability allows users to benefit from the strengths of both.
KDE or GNOME?
Beyond visual aesthetics, several fundamental distinctions exist between the KDE and GNOME desktop environments. Currently, users of Ubuntu are typically operating with GNOME, while those on Xubuntu are experiencing XFCE.
GNOME offers a relatively straightforward user experience. It’s generally adaptable to individual preferences and diverges sufficiently from the Windows interface, incorporating its own unique applications and features.
Consider the interface. GNOME is designed to be easily customized to meet your needs.
Conversely, KDE provides a significantly greater degree of control over desktop appearance. While initially resembling Windows, KDE allows for extensive personalization. For users accustomed to Microsoft Windows, KDE may present a more comfortable and adaptable environment.
If a departure from the Windows paradigm is desired, GNOME could prove to be a more invigorating option. KDE includes its own suite of applications, often identified by the prefix "K," such as Konqueror and Amarok.
A potential drawback of having both environments installed is the duplication of software packages. However, associated software can be removed alongside the unneeded desktop environment.
Installing KDE offers a valuable opportunity to explore Linux with a different user interface. Should it not suit your preferences, removal is a simple process.
Integrating Repositories
To begin, the process will utilize the command line interface. Launch your preferred console application – in standard Ubuntu installations, Terminal can be located within the Applications menu, under Accessories – and execute the following command:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kubuntu-ppa/backports
The system will prompt you for your user password. Enter it – note that the characters will not be visible as you type – and press Enter. Subsequently, navigate to the Software Sources application, accessible through the System menu and then Administration.
Select the Updates tab and activate the option for Unsupported updates (lucid-backports).
If desired, you can verify the addition of the repository within the Other Software tab. After completing this step, close the Software Sources window.
Installing KDE
Returning to the command line interface, locate and open the Terminal application. Then, execute the following command:
sudo apt-get update
After the update process is finished, proceed to download the KDE desktop environment using this command:
sudo apt-get install kubuntu-desktop
The system will display information regarding the archives to be downloaded, their size, and the eventual disk space they will occupy. Confirm the download by typing "y" and pressing Enter. The installation process may take some time, allowing you a moment to attend to other tasks. Upon completion, the KDE installer should appear within the Terminal window.
The next step involves selecting a default display manager. Given my positive experiences with GDM, and a past recovery of Ubuntu necessitated by KDM, I recommend the former. However, the ultimate choice is yours. GDM has consistently proven reliable in my usage.
Following your selection, the installation will commence. You can utilize this time to finish your beverage and await the completion indicated by the Terminal’s appearance:
A system restart is now required. However, it is advisable to first disable automatic login to ensure you can select KDE during startup. Within GNOME, navigate to System, then Administration, and finally Login Screen. Enable the option Show the login screen for choosing who will log in and close the window.
After restarting and reaching the login screen, select your username, enter your password, and then choose KDE from the Session dropdown menu before logging in as usual.
KDE should now be launching. Should you wish to revert to GNOME at any point, simply log out and select GNOME as your Session.
Reverting from KDE/GNOME
Perhaps you've explored KDE or GNOME and found they don't align with your preferences. Fortunately, transitioning back to a standard GNOME desktop environment from KDE is achievable with a comprehensive, albeit extensive, command.
Given the command’s considerable length, it has been provided as a downloadable TXT file for your convenience. You can access it here.
Conversely, if KDE doesn't meet your needs, a comparable command exists to completely remove GNOME. This is also available as a TXT file, which can be downloaded here.
When applying these commands within the Terminal, utilize Ctrl+Shift+V for pasting. This ensures the entire command is correctly entered.
The command will uninstall all packages associated with KDE and subsequently verify the integrity of your GNOME installations. Upon the next system boot, you will experience a pristine GNOME Ubuntu environment.
Choosing Between KDE and GNOME on Ubuntu
The availability of both KDE and GNOME desktop environments provides a significant benefit, particularly for those new to the operating system. It allows for exploration and comparison before settling on a preferred interface.
For systems with multiple users, installing both environments can be a practical solution. This caters to diverse preferences within a shared computing environment.
Finding Your Preferred Desktop
Ultimately, individual preference dictates the best choice. Over time, users typically gravitate towards the environment that best suits their workflow and aesthetic tastes.
Personally, a streamlined GNOME setup complemented by a convenient dock is often favored.
Share Your Experience
We encourage you to share your Ubuntu experiences with our community. Let us know which desktop environment you utilize – KDE, GNOME, or perhaps another alternative.
Your insights are valuable, so don't hesitate to join the discussion in the comments section!
