8 replies to this topic

[Linoman]

Having reviewed (K)Ubuntu 6.06 (Dapper Drake) I thought I should at least try out Xubuntu. On the same system that I have Dapper Drake Beta installed I decided to install Xubuntu. This review is on Xubuntu 6.06 Dapper Drake Beta. Xfce has been supported in Ubuntu's universe since hoary. The difference now is that the Ubuntu project wants to make Xubuntu an official sibling of Ubuntu. This would mean having live and install cd images for Xubuntu.

This product is still Beta and does not reflect the quality of the final product.

First thing I did was in a terminal I typed "sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop" downloaded all the required files. It took about +-4 hours. Logged out and logged into Xfce.

I have never used Xfce desktop before; as a result I was very eager to try it out.

 startupscreen.jpg   14.81K   1250 downloads

Xubuntu 6.06 Beta (Dapper Drake) uses "Xfce 4 Desktop Environment
version 4.3.90.1 (Xfce 4.3 UNSTABLE)"

 aboutxfce.jpg   50.71K   1213 downloads


First thing I noticed was how quickly Xfce started up. In my experience neither Gnome or KDE has ever booted up at such a speed. Xubuntu's desktop looks like a hybrid between Gnome and KDE (Of cause this is not a hybrid but is Xfce). A Gnome looking panel at the top and a slim downed version of KDE's taskbar at the bottom. Xfce looks very interesting indeed.

 desktop.jpg   37.06K   5706 downloads

Xfce menu is simple but well categorised. All of my Gnome and KDE apps were listed under the correct sub-menus. KDE and Gnome applications load at relatively the same speed in Xfce as if I was running Gnome or KDE.
 XFCEmen1.jpg   3.77K   422 downloads  XFCEmenu.jpg   15.23K   507 downloads

I immediately discovered that Xfce uses Thunar as its file manager. Thunar has no added features, in fact it is very simple but it does get the job done.

 filemanager.jpg   87.92K   4671 downloads

Looking for a particular application in Xfce's menu can be a nightmare especially if you have Gnome and KDE applications installed. This is where Xfce 4 Appfinder comes in handy. Type in the name of the app you looking for and like magic it comes up.

 appfinder.jpg   34.05K   898 downloads

Xfce also includes a basic task-manager. It shows all of the services the system is using. (Similar to task-manager found in Windows)

 taskmanager.jpg   53.7K   677 downloads

Xfce also includes:

Xfmedia (A basic multimedia player, with the correct codecs installed can play mp3's, mpeg's etc)

 XfMedia.jpg   65.34K   1799 downloads

Orage (Basic calendar)

 Orage.jpg   68.57K   1336 downloads

Mousepad (Text editor)

 texeditor.jpg   58.76K   1300 downloads


If your system runs slowly using Gnome or KDE then try out Xfce. On the other hand if you think Gnome or KDE is bloated and you wish you could have a desktop that was like either Gnome or KDE. Then Xfce is for you. Xubuntu is a welcomed member of the Ubuntu family. I look forward to Xubuntu 6.06 final.

For more informaton visit
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Xubuntu

Attached Files

•  logout.jpg   267.51K   3527 downloads

[x2p]

the boys has skills,nice work watch out vista crew lol

Edited by x2p, 26 April 2006 - 12:37 PM.

[Neon]

Another interesting guide. Thanks Lino!

[ShadowFox]

I'm overly impressed with linux lately!!!

[Linoman]

Linux has advanced a lot latley. Infact it almost feels as if it has all happened at once

[ShadowFox]

OMG Lino's on during the week... HELL FORZE OVER!!!

but on another note... I look forward to trying some new Linux OSes soon... I just gotta get the laptop working right....

[Linoman]

ShadowFox hehe yes I checked in at school. Cough cough. Btw get your laptop working asap. lol

[clarky3429]

i know ill be more impressed with linux when i learn how to use it! lol

[ShadowFox]

ohh I'm waiting on E-BAY to end this auction buddy then we can chat