Operating Systems
Desktop Environment
Definition
A desktop environment is an implementation of the desktop metaphor made of a bundle of programs running on top of a computer operating system that share a common graphical user interface (GUI).
Why It Matters
The desktop environment defines the look and feel of a graphical OS, including the windows, menus, icons, and other visual elements. On Linux, unlike Windows or macOS, the desktop environment is an interchangeable component.
Contextual Example
GNOME, KDE Plasma, and XFCE are popular desktop environments for Linux. A user can install Ubuntu with the default GNOME desktop, or they can install Kubuntu, which is the same underlying OS but with the KDE Plasma desktop.
Common Misunderstandings
- The desktop environment is separate from the underlying operating system.
- Choosing a desktop environment is largely a matter of personal taste and how much system resources you want to use (e.g., XFCE is more lightweight than GNOME).