So, you’re a linux newbie… you did the research, found a distribution that you think you might like, installed it on an old(or new) PC… now what? What next?
Well, the real question is What is it that you want to do? Thanks to the open source community, there no real limit to what you can do with your new linux computer. But, let’s get you started with your basic linux necessities. This article assumes that you have at least one distribution that you have chosen and installed and that it has access to the internet.
Desktops
Depending on the distribution you choose, certain Desktop environments come as the default. The most common used by distributions today are gnome and KDE, but there are others such as xfce which is much more reminiscent of windows than the previous two. A Dessktop Environment can be described as a GUI(Graphical User Interface) in which the user can interact with the Operating System(OS). A DE usually consists of a window manager(wm), icons, themes, and little applets designed to help configure the look and feel of your desktop. A user can choose to install any one of these DEs or none at all.
My advice- Most common Distros install both KDE and Gnome. Try both and see which one you are most comfortable with. Please note that some distros only install one by default(Ubuntu uses Gnome… try kubuntu for KDE), and others don’t include a DE at all.(Gentoo lets you decide if you want a DE or just a Window Manager or just an ASCII console.)
WINDOW MANAGERS
A window manager(wm) basically is the software that controls the look, feel, and placement of your application windows. Many of them offer other functions such as virtual desktops, menus, or docks.
Both Gnome and KDE come with their own default wms(metacity and Kwin respectively), but there are many others to choose from such as fluxbox, xfwm, Enlightenment, and many many more.
My Advice- Stick with your DE’s default wm. If you chose not to install a DE, try fluxbox… it’s extremely lightweight and very flexible.
OK- so now we have your desktop set the way you want. you’ve found some cool-looking wallpaper and maybe a nice theme. Now we need some apps to run on your linux machine. Stay tuned – as my next Linux post will be all about the essential apps and the myriad of choices you have for each function.
Tags: gnome, Linux, software, Technology
