Gnome vs KDE? Comments

[mariane_08]

I've been reading some of the newbie post along the lines of "which distro should I use" Nope I'm not going to ask that!

I've been trying Ubuntu (Hardy) as a dual boot with Win XP for a few months now. I really like it and dont use Windows much any more. I've had to ask lots of question, e.g. getting the Broadcom wireless card on my laptop was a bit of a pain. But even that would not turn me off using it. I feel I should try another distro or so to compare and I'll do that on my desktop where I have lots of space.

But first I need to try the KDE desktop which some people are telling me is better. So some questons.

Do I need to install Kubuntu to do that or can I have both running inside Ubuntu?

Is Kubuntu essentially the same as Ubnuntu but with the KDE or are there greater differences?

Are either KDE or Gnome any different in respect to speed or drain on system resources

Thanks
Mariane

[devils casper]

There is no need to install Kubuntu for KDE Desktop. Just install KDE Desktop in Ubuntu and you will have choice to load Gnome or KDE at Login Screen.
I prefer KDE only but all depends on you only. A lot of users prefer Gnome. What matters the most is, what do you like. I would suggest you to install KDE in Ubuntu and check KDE yourself.

sudo apt-get clean all
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install kubuntu-desktop

It will download aroung 250+MB data.

[oz]

Gnome vs KDE? Comments

I'm personally not a fan of mixing Gnome and KDE on the same system because of some weird behavior that seems to always show itself eventually, but I do think that every serious Linux user should try both Gnome and KDE to see what each is about and how they differ. In fact, it's not a bad idea to try out Xfce4 and LXDE, as well.

I started off my own path with Linux as a Gnome user, quickly went to KDE, stayed there for 8 years (but still experimenting with various window managers), then went back to Gnome with the release of KDE4 (ouch!), and now am starting to like KDE again as they are getting past some of the serious stability issues, and deficiencies.

Hope it all works out well for you, whichever route you should take.

[Dapper Dan]

Are either KDE or Gnome any different in respect to speed or drain on system resources

If system resources is an important consideration, there is a third path.... neither. Many Linux users run a simple Window Manager. Most are light, quick and use a minimum of resources. The tradeoff is, the full blown Desktop Managers like Gnome and KDE provide an added level of convenience you might want. I'd take a look at the Window Manager's anyway along with trying both KDE and Gnome to get a full range of ideas about your possible preferences.

[Manchunian]

I was a Kde user when I first started out, and then swtiched to Fluxbox as it's so much faster. I've now got a brand new comp, so I'm running Gnome. Kde is nice because it's well presented and easy to use; however, the new version (Kde 4) is very bloated and slow. I find that Gnome is much snappier and easier to customize. Another option is Xfce - which is very similar to Gnome in many ways, but much lighter.

I'm personally not a fan of mixing Gnome and KDE on the same system because of some weird behavior that seems to always show itself eventually

I have seen this on Archlinux, but I think that as you're using Ubuntu it shouldn't be an issue (as Ubuntu users tend to re-install more often due to the 6-month release cycle). Certainly, you should try lots of different windows environments/managers before you can really make a decision.

[jayd512]

Personally, I have a system with, shall we say, less than top of the line resources (read: old). So I chose the light and slim IceWM. It's far faster on my box than either Gnome or KDE ever were. As mentioned above, feel free to try out several to help you decide which one 'feels' best for you.

[oz]

Kde is nice because it's well presented and easy to use; however, the new version (Kde 4) is very bloated and slow. I find that Gnome is much snappier and easier to customize.

Not sure why, but KDE4 is always more snappy in performance than Gnome on my own machines, and this was true of the KDE3 series, as well. Still, I agree that KDE4 is very bloated, and not easily customized. Those things and the shortage of native KDE4 apps has driven me to Gnome, at least until KDE4 can pull itself back together.

I already mentioned it above, but for those of you that like snappiness in your desktop environment, you should check out LXDE. Note that it uses openbox as default window manager.

[jayd512]

For a good look at what can be done with a good number of the available WM's and DE's take a look at this thread:
Desktop Screenshots. It might help you to get an idea of what you think looks good for you.

[mariane_08]

OK guys!
I see I asked a question which has opened ever more questions. hmmm. I cant even decide for sure which distro I want. I must admit I become comfortable with Ubuntu but I've about six live CD's I created and they all seem good in their various ways. The one thing which is not an issue for e is resources as both my laptop and desktop are quite new. I see I have a lot of exploring to do LOL

Mariane

[oz]

I see I have a lot of exploring to do LOL

That's the spirit!