Open Source Desktop: Xfce's Advantages

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Most GNU/Linux users choose GNOME or KDE for desktops without thinking. However, many alternatives exist, ranging from minimalist graphic environments in window managers like IceWM to entire alternative desktops, such as ROX. Of these alternatives the best-known and most polished is Xfce. Now at version 4.4, Xfce resembles a stripped-down version of GNOME, with carefully selected customization options and utilities, as well as a few thoughtful features of its own.

As detailed on the download page, Xfce is available in many distributions. In fact, a growing number of distributions, including Xbuntu, Dream Linux, and Zenwalk use Xfce by default. Alternatively, you can build Xfce from source code, or use its graphical installers. However, if you choose the graphical installers, read the documentation first to make sure you understand what you are doing, and the extra steps that you might have to take if you missed a cue from the installation wizard.

Whatever your installation method, you also have the option of enabling Xfce's composite manager in order to use special effects such as transparent windows. To do so, open /etc/X11/xorg.conf, the file for basic display configuration, in a text editor and add these lines:

Section "Extensions"
Option "Composite" "true"
End Section

Be warned, however, that on older systems or ones with low RAM that are using the composite manager may slow down Xfce slightly, lessening the desktop's main advantage.

The Desktop

You can notice the difference between Xfce and KDE and GNOME immediately upon login.

Reducing KDE and GNOME's default of four virtual desktops to one has an obvious effect on speed on any system, regardless of memory. By contrast, Xfce, with its default four, is as fast as either of its major competitors with one. Reduce Xfce to one virtual desktop, and its general performance shows a turn of speed that KDE and GNOME can never hope to match.

To improve matters further, Xfce offers this responsiveness without the trade off in customization options typical of many lightweight desktop environments. Not only can you choose a color, gradient, or image for wall paper, but, more importantly, you can customize the desktop's fonts and their size, and anti-alias them.

Moreover, the selection of several dozen Window Manager styles, User Interface themes, and icon collections makes Xfce comparable to either GNOME or KDE for visible configuration.