What desktops are there for ubuntu. What types of Linux desktops are there? Linux Mint desktop MATE desktop environment

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions developed by Canonical. By default, this distribution uses its own graphical shell - Unity. It is applied on top of the Gnome 3 desktop environment and looks quite nice.

But Unity has one significant drawback- it has too few settings, and there are still some errors and shortcomings. In addition, not everyone likes this shell. But you don't have to use it, you can install any of the available desktop environments for Linux. Here your choice is limited only by your taste. In this article, we will look at the best graphical shells for Ubuntu 16.04, as well as how to install them on this system.

1. GNOME Shell

Gnome 3 or GNU Network Object Model Environment is part of the GNU Project and is developed by the Gnome Project team. This Ubuntu desktop environment is similar to Unity, but quite different from it. Gnome is used as the default Ubuntu desktop for the Ubuntu Gnome edition.

Main features:

  • Composite Manager Mutter or Compiz;
  • View Mode "Actions" allows you to see all open windows on one screen, move them between desktops, search and much more;
  • There is a desktop notification system;
  • Extensions are supported, with which you can change the appearance and functionality of the environment. You can install them from extensions.gnome.org;
  • By default windows cannot be minimized, it is recommended to use desktops and display mode to replace this feature "Actions". But minimizing windows can be enabled;
  • Dynamic number of desktops. You can open them as many as you need.

To install:

$ sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktop

2.Xfce

Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment Ubuntu desktop and other Linux distributions. The environment consumes very little system resources, looks beautiful and is user friendly. Along with the environment itself, several additional applications, panels and plugins are supplied, and it also uses its own window manager Xfwm.

In addition to standard components, this Ubuntu desktop environment includes additional programs with the xfce prefix. To install the xfce desktop environment on Ubuntu run:

$ sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop

3. KDE Plasma

KDE is another very powerful and beautiful desktop environment, similar in functionality and resource consumption to Gnome. But unlike Gnome, there are a lot of settings here and you can configure the environment as you want. KDE has a Windows-like appearance, which is very useful for beginners.

Main features:

  • Can be customized huge amount parameters and literally any aspect of the behavior of the working environment;
  • Panels can be placed on the edges of the screen and can be used as launchpads or taxbars;
  • You can launch programs from the menu, through the launcher, or using shortcuts;
  • You can place Plasma widgets on your desktop;
  • Action mode allows you to switch between desktops and spaces.

To install the desktop environment and all additional packages run in terminal:

$ sudo apt install kubuntu-desktop

4. LXDE

LXDE is another very lightweight desktop environment, focused on minimal resource consumption and maximum performance. Openbox is used as a window manager. But besides this, the environment set includes several utilities with the LX prefix - these are system settings, application loader, panel, session manager, audio player, terminal and much more.

Main features:

  • Consumes little CPU and memory;
  • Looks simple and beautiful;
  • There are many settings you can use to make your environment look just the way you want it to;
  • Environment components can be used independently of each other.

To change the ubuntu desktop environment, run the following command:

$ sudo apt-get install lubuntu-desktop

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a fork of Gnome 3, developed by the distribution team Linux Mint. The environment uses its own shell, which makes the Gnome 3 interface similar to Gnome 2. It uses new software, and at the same time you get a modern interface and the ability to install extensions. In the environment there is a familiar panel at the bottom of the screen, usual menu launch applications, as well as the ability to add widgets to the desktop.

To install:

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:embrosyn/cinnamon
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install cinnamon blueberry

6. MATE

MATE is a fork of Gnome 2, which was created immediately after the announcement of the release of Gnome 3. Many users did not like it new version and they wanted to keep the same appearance. The environment looks exactly like the traditional Gnome 2 interface.

Main features:

  • Has a traditional Gnome 2 look and feel;
  • Comes with older versions of some Gnome 2 applications;
  • All conflicts between MATE and Gnome 3 have been resolved, so both environments can be installed on the system without any problems.
  • GTK2 and GTK3 applications are supported.

To install use this command:

$ sudo apt-get install ubuntu-mate-desktop

7. Pantheon

Pantheon is a graphical front-end for Gnome 3, developed as part of the Elementary OS project. But it can be installed on Ubuntu as well.

Peculiarities:

  • The top panel is called WingPanel, it mixes the best of Gnome 2 and Gnome Shell panels;
  • The Slingshot launcher is used to launch applications;
  • At the bottom of the screen is the Plank dock;
  • The Cerebere utility runs in the background and monitors the operation of all other components, and also restarts them in case of an error;
  • You can choose which environment modules to use on your system.

To install, run the following commands:

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:elementary-os/daily
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install elementary-desktop

8. GNOME Flashback

This is a version of the classic Gnome desktop environment, ported to new technologies such as GTK3 and others. This is its main difference from MATE. It's almost the same Gnome 2, just slightly updated, something between Gnome 2 and 3. It runs better on older hardware.

Peculiarities:

  • Has classic menu applications and panel;
  • The panel is configured in the same way as in Gnome 2, only you need to press Alt;
  • Overall stability has been improved, applets can no longer be moved, and vertical panels work better.

To install, type the command:

$ sudo apt install gnome-session-flashback

9. Awesome

Awesome is not really a desktop environment, it's a tile-based window manager. By default, it comes with a panel where you can place your application applets, desktop switchers, and widgets. There are also several widget libraries that you can add to your desktop.

Tiling allows you to automatically switch the arrangement of windows without overlapping so that they fill the screen evenly, but you can make windows float, as is done in regular environments.

Peculiarities:

  • Don't waste screen space;
  • There is no need to select the location of windows using the mouse or touchpad;
  • Setting up window snaps;
  • There is mouse support.

To install, just do:

$ sudo apt-get install awesome

10. Enlightenment (E)

Enlightenment environments focus on beautiful appearance while using minimal resources. It has a set of its own applications, as well as its own window manager. There is a dock panel at the bottom of the screen, and you can add widgets to the desktop. To install:

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:enlightenment-git/ppa
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install e20

11.i3wm

i3wm is another great and simple tiled window manager. The developers have focused on maximum simplicity of both use, code and configuration.

Peculiarities:

  • Multiple monitor support;
  • UTF-8 support;
  • Easy to set up (no programming language required);
  • Create layouts for window placement dynamically;
  • Processing floating and pop-up windows;
  • Various modes, like in Vim.

To install:

$ sudo apt-get install i3

12.Deepin DE

The Deepin Linux distribution uses its own specially designed desktop environment, integrated with applications such as Deepin Video, Deepin Music and others. Feature this environment - sidebar settings, as in WIndows 8.1, only much more convenient.

Installing the Ubuntu environment is done with the command:

$ sudo sh -c "echo "deb http://packages.linuxdeepin.com/deepin trusty main non-free universe" >> /etc/apt/sources.list"
$ sudo sh -c "echo "deb-src http://packages.linuxdeepin.com/deepin trusty main non-free universe" >> /etc/apt/sources.list"
$ wget http://packages.linuxdeepin.com/deepin/project/deepin-keyring.gpg
$ gpg --import deepin-keyring.gpg
$ sudo gpg --export --armor 209088E7 | sudo apt-key add -
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install dde-meta-core python-deepin-gsettings deepin-music-player deepin-software-center deepin-movie deepin-game-center

13. Budgie

Budgie is a desktop environment based on Gnome and developed by the Solus distribution team. The developers focused on creating the most beautiful interface possible. This graphic ubuntu shell used by default in the Ubuntu Budgie edition, which recently became official.

Peculiarities:

  • Integrates with the Gnome stack;
  • There's a Raven sidebar where you can quickly access settings;
  • All settings are made through the Raven panel.

To install, type the following commands:

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:budgie-remix/ppa
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install budgie-desktop

14.Openbox

Openbox is a highly customizable window manager. It has a minimalistic appearance and is very highly customizable. You can change almost any aspect of the shell. You can customize the look as you log in, and use KDE or Gnome applications.

To install this Ubuntu desktop environment follow.

Variety is one of the best things about the Linux community, as users can try out different options and see which one suits them best. But sometimes this can create confusion. If you are new to the world of Linux, you will be overwhelmed by the number of available options. There are no exceptions regarding the desktop environment. But trying out every desktop environment is not an easy task.

This article summarizes the best Linux graphical shells available for various distributions, along with their pros and cons.

1.KDE

KDE is not just a desktop environment, it is a set of programs, including the desktop shell - Plasma. Latest version KDE is called KDE Frameworks and comes in two editions - Plasma Desktop and Plasma Netbook. KDE is the most customizable and flexible Linux desktop environment.

Unlike other graphical environments, where you need various utilities to configure the environment, KDE has all the parameters in special utility System parameters. You can customize the graphical environment according to your taste without third party tools. You can also install themes, widgets and wallpapers without even opening your browser.

KDE has an excellent set of applications and also supports other applications even if they are not built using the KDE development platform. Some KDE applications don't even have alternatives in other environments.

If you want a desktop environment that works out of the box and at the same time want to be able to customize everything, you can confidently choose KDE.

OpenSUSE and Kubuntu distributions use the KDE desktop environment by default.

Pros:

  • The most powerful, multifunctional
  • Modern and beautiful user interface
  • Highly customizable and flexible
  • Wide range of application compatibility

Cons:

  • Consumes more resources than lightweight environments
  • Some things may seem too difficult to use

2. MATE

The MATE desktop environment is based on a code base in at the moment not supported by Gnome 2. It was originally developed for users who were disappointed with the latest version of the Gnome 3 shell. Using the code previous version does not mean that the shell runs on outdated technologies. This means that MATE developers took what already works and continue to improve it using modern technologies.

MATE is a traditional desktop environment with a touch of modernism. It is based on what has been fine-tuned and tested over the years. It works without problems. MATE supports a panel system with various menus, applets, indicators, buttons, etc. All this can be customized the way the user wants.

MATE comes with a standard set of applications, most of which are taken from Gnome 2. Another great feature of MATE is that it consumes only very little large number memory, and therefore can function on older and less powerful computers.

Only Ubuntu MATE uses MATE as its default desktop environment. MATE is also used in editions of several other distributions.

Pros:

  • Intuitive interface
  • Simple and easy
  • Highly customizable

Cons:

  • The interface may seem outdated

3. GNOME

GNOME is, if not the most popular, then one of the most popular Linux desktop environments. Many distributions use GNOME as the default Linux desktop. Gnome also has several popular forks like Unity, Cinnamon, etc. GNOME is designed to be easy to use and highly customizable. The latest version of GNOME 3 features a modern and attractive user interface and the best support for touch devices.

GNOME has almost everything a modern desktop environment should have. For those who don't want to use the modern interface and prefer Gnome 2, there is a classic mode, as well as a main menu, system-wide search, powerful default applications, many themes, support for extensions, and that's not all its features.

However, to set up this environment you need additional utilities eg Gnome Tweak Tool. In version 3.18 some interesting features, for example integrated into file manager disk Google Drive.

One of the disadvantages of GNOME is that it consumes a lot of memory due to its heavy GUI.

Gnome is used in many large distributions, for example: Debian, Fedora, OpenSUSE, Ubuntu Gnome.

Pros:

Modern, touch-ready interface

  • Shell extension support
  • Beautiful interface

Cons

  • Resource intensity
  • Extension management is poorly implemented

4. Cinnamon

The article on the best graphical Linux shells would be incomplete without this shell. Cinnamon, a fork of GNOME 3, was originally developed as a desktop environment for Linux Mint. He is famous for his resemblance user interface with Windows, this helps new ones Linux users get rid of the feeling of discomfort in a still unfamiliar system.

Cinnamon contains various customizable elements such as panels, themes, applets and extensions. The panel is located at the bottom of the screen, it has an application launch menu, a list open windows and system tray.

Cinnamon comes pre-installed with a large number of applications, most of which come from Gnome 3, but some are developed Linux team Mint.

Pros:

  • Sleek, Professional Look
  • Familiar interface
  • Quite customizable

Cons:

  • Sometimes glitchy

5. Unity

Technically, Unity is a graphical linux shell running on top of the GNOME 3 desktop environment. It comes with a large number GNOME applications. Unity was developed by Canonical for use on Ubuntu, and is based on GNOME 3.

Unity is a simple and pleasant environment that integrates well with applications. New technologies such as the search lens, launcher and HUD have been implemented within this skin to improve the workflow. One of the poles of Unity is that it implements the concept of interaction between the user and the computer using a mouse, keyboard, touchpad, or even a touch screen. The panel in Unity and the application launcher is located at the top of the screen. The panel also contains the main menu of the currently active application.

Some people find Unity bloated and slow, while others are fans of it. But despite much controversy, Unity has a large number of users as it is the default desktop environment on one of the most popular distributions - Ubuntu.

Pros:

  • Easy and intuitive
  • Beautiful interface

Cons

  • Lack of customizability
  • Not available for other Linux distributions

6. LXDE

LXDE is a very fast and lightweight Linux desktop environment. It is designed to be lightweight and convenient while using a minimum amount of resources. It uses a modular approach, so each of its components can be used separately from each other. This feature makes it easier to port LXDE to other distributions, as well as BSD and Unix.

LXDE comes with various applications, such as setup utilities, file management applications, audio and video players. It is used as the default desktop environment in Lubuntu.

The successor to LXDE is a project that combines two projects - LXDE and Razor-Qt - LXQt. Currently, this environment is still at a low stage of development and development. It aims to be lightweight, fast and convenient and is available for many distributions.

Pros:

  • Fast and easy
  • Supports almost all distributions

Cons:

  • The user interface may seem unattractive

7. XFCE

Variety is one of the best things about the Linux ecosystem, as users can try different options and find the ones that suit them in the best possible way. However, sometimes diversity can lead to confusion. If you're new to the Linux community, there's a good chance you'll be overwhelmed by the number of options to choose from. Desktop environments are no exception. Having said that, trying out every desktop environment is a very time-consuming task.

In this article, we have tried to collect the best desktop environments available for Linux distributions and list their strengths and weaknesses.

I must immediately warn you that the presented list is not a list of the best environments for programming or other specific tasks. And one more thing - the environments listed are not arranged in any strict order.

1.KDE

KDE isn't just a desktop environment; it's actually a collection of applications, one of which is a desktop environment. The latest version of KDE is called Plasma and is available in two flavors - Plasma Desktop and Plasma Netbook. KDE is the most customizable and flexible environment listed.

While other environments require additional tools to configure, in KDE they are all available in the system settings. You can customize it for yourself without using third party utilities. You can download widgets, wallpapers and desktop themes even without launching the browser.

KDE provides good collection core applications and is compatible with any other applications, even if they were not originally created on the KDE platform. The applications included with KDE provide a variety of features that are not available in alternative programs.

If you want a desktop environment that works right out of the box, or if you want a completely customizable solution, KDE is definitely worth a try.

Some major Linux distributions use KDE by default, such as openSUSE and Kubuntu.

  • The most advanced, powerful and multifunctional environment
  • Modern and elegant user interface
  • Great customization options and flexibility in operation
  • Large amount of compatible software
  • Requirement for resources
  • Some components may seem too difficult to use

2. MATE

The MATE desktop environment is based on code from the GNOME 2 project, which is no longer supported. MATE was originally developed for those users who were disappointed with the latest version of the GNOME shell - GNOME 3. Although it is a fork of an older environment, this does not mean that it uses outdated technologies. This simply means that the MATE project took what already worked and continued to improve it with new developments.

MATE provides a traditional desktop environment with a few tweaks. And due to the fact that it was created on the basis of a project that was debugged and improved over many years, it works flawlessly. MATE supports a panel system with a variety of menus, applets, indicators, buttons, etc., which can be customized as desired by the user.

MATE comes with a set of core applications, most of which are descendants of the corresponding GNOME 2 applications. Another great feature of MATE is that it requires very little memory to run, so it will work well on older and less powerful computers.

Ubuntu MATE (new news!) uses MATE as its default desktop environment.

  • Intuitive and reliable environment
  • Simple and lightweight
  • Great customization options
  • The interface may seem a little old-fashioned (but that's how it was intended)

3. GNOME

GNOME is one of the most popular desktop environments in the Linux world. Many popular distributions use GNOME as their default environment, and there are several popular forks like Cinnamon, Unity, etc. GNOME was designed to be easy to use and customizable. The latest version, GNOME 3, has a modern, attractive user interface and is optimized for better support devices from touch screen.

GNOME contains almost everything a modern desktop environment should have. Users who do not feel very comfortable using the modern GNOME 3 interface and prefer the good old GNOME 2 interface can choose the classic version. Taskbar, system wide search, powerful built-in apps, themes, extension support, window sticking are just a few of its features. key features. However, setting up this environment will require installing an additional tool gnome-tweak-tool. Version 3.18 introduced some new features like Google integration Drive to the file manager.

One of the disadvantages of GNOME 3 is the consumption of a significant amount of RAM due to the use of a “heavy” graphical interface (compared to some other environments).

The main distributions that use GNOME are Debian, Fedora, openSUSE and Ubuntu GNOME.

  • Modern and user-friendly touch devices user interface
  • You can increase functionality using shell extensions
  • Customizability
  • Requirement for resources
  • Inconvenient application management

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon, a fork of GNOME 3, was originally developed as the default environment for Linux Mint. It is known for its similarity to Windows interface, which helps new Linux users adjust to new system without the inconvenience of an unfamiliar user interface.

Cinnamon contains a variety of customizable components such as panels, themes, applets, and extensions. The panel, initially located at the bottom of the screen, has a main menu, an application launcher, a list of open windows, and a system tray.

Cinnamon contains a variety of basic applications, including those ported from GNOME 3.

  • Stylish appearance
  • Familiar interface
  • Good customization options
  • Errors may occur from time to time

5. Unity

Unity. Technically, it is a graphical shell that runs on top of the GNOME environment and contains most of the main GNOME applications. Unity was developed by Canonical for use with the Ubuntu desktop OS. The Unity shell is based on GNOME 3.

Unity offers a simple, touch-friendly environment into which your applications integrate seamlessly. Unity introduced some new ideas and technologies, such as lenses, scopes, and HUD-style displays. One of strengths Unity has excellent support for keyboard, mouse, touchpad and even touchscreen controls. Unity by default has a menu located at the top and an application launcher in which the taskbar is available and can be pinned individual applications and navigate through open windows.

Some users find Unity too cluttered and sometimes quite slow, while others are simply crazy about the environment. But despite many controversies, Unity has a large number of users, since it is the standard desktop environment of one of the most popular Linux distributions - Ubuntu (the Unity project may soon be folded by Canonical).

  • Reliable and intuitive environment
  • Excellent application integration.
  • Lack of customization options
  • Not available on major Linux distributions

6. LXDE

LXDE is an incredibly fast and cost-effective desktop environment. It is designed to be lightweight and user-friendly while consuming few resources. The modular approach allows each of the components to be used independently, and this is what makes LXDE easier to port to almost all Linux distributions, as well as BSD and Unix.

Under the hood, LXDE contains a variety of system components, applications, and configuration tools. LXDE is used by default in Lubuntu, a flavor of Ubuntu.

It is worth mentioning LXQt - the “descendant” of LXDE, combining two projects with open source: LXDE and Razor-Qt. LXQt is currently in development and should eventually become a lightweight, modular, incredibly fast and user-friendly environment. It is already available for a wide range of Linux distributions.

  • Incredible speed and small size
  • Supports almost every Linux distribution
  • The user interface may seem unattractive

7.Xfce

Xfce is one of the lightest desktop environments for Linux, BSD and other Unix-like distributions. Xfce provides a lightweight yet modern, attractive and user-friendly interface. It contains all the necessary basic functions and a good set of applications.

Xfce is used as the default environment in Manjaro Linux and Xubuntu.

  • Small size, suitable for old equipment
  • Modern attractive appearance
  • Customizable
  • Has fewer apps by default than competitors

So which environment is better than others?

Each desktop environment is different in nature and purpose. Which one is best for you will depend on what exactly you are looking for. To do this, you just need to try a few of them and decide.

What environment are you using? What exactly attracted you to it? Write in the comments!


Linux graphical shells are different, just like their owners. Some are very beautiful, but resource-intensive. Others are unassuming, but nimble and economical.

LXDE

LXDE (Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment) is a free desktop environment for UNIX and other POSIX-compliant systems such as Linux or BSD.

LXDE uses Openbox as its default window manager and aims to offer a fast and lightweight desktop based on mutually independent components.

Unity

Unity is a free shell for the GNOME desktop environment, developed by Canonical for the operating system. Ubuntu systems. It allows you to make more efficient use of the small screens of netbooks, thanks, for example, to a vertical panel for switching between running programs. Initially, Metacity was used as a window manager, which was then replaced by Compiz, and currently Mutter is used. Starting with Ubuntu 11.04, Canonical replaced the standard GNOME shell with Unity. All standard applications were still taken from GNOME.
After admiring the beauty, you can...

Gnome

Advantages of Gnome ( G NU N etwork O bject M odel E environment):

  • Gnome official desktop from IBM, HP, Sun
  • Gnome is the official desktop in government agencies in the state of Wisconsin in the USA, Northern region of Spain - Extremadura, China.
  • Supports 114 languages
  • Easy to use, easy to learn
  • Distributed under GPL license
  • Additional options for people with disabilities










Advantages of Fluxbox:

  • mouse wheel changes Workspaces
  • configurable TitleBar
  • IconBar (for minimized windows)
  • KDE support
  • your integrated keygrabber
  • partial GNOME support
  • expanded support for Window Manager Hints
  • configurable window tabs







Enlightenment is an open source window manager for the X Window System. The name translates as enlightenment and is often shortened to a single letter E.

Advantages:

  • Small size and high performance;
  • Developed design and theme system;
  • Animation support for themes, UI elements, icons, desktops, and cursors;
  • Modular structure possible dynamic loading external modules to expand functionality;
  • Expanded support for virtual desktops.

Amiwm

Advantages of AmiWM:

  • For Amiga connoisseurs, emulation of work in Amiga's Workbench
  • Multiple screen support

XFce

XFce is graphical shell, built on top of the GTK+ toolkit used in Gnome, but much lighter and designed for those who want a simple, efficient desktop that is easy to use and customize. Here are some of the benefits of XFce:

  • Simple, easy-to-use desktop
  • Fully customizable via mouse, with interface " drag and drop drop"
  • The main panel is similar to a CDE, with menus, applets and quick application launch options
  • Integrated window manager, file manager, audio control, Gnome compatibility module and more
  • Standardized menus and toolbars, keyboard shortcuts, color schemes and so on
  • Ability to use themes (as it uses GTK+)
  • Fast, lightweight and efficient: ideal for older/weak machines or machines with limited memory









Main features:

  • Support national languages via I18N
  • All changes are applied immediately without restarting the Window Manager
  • Built-in graphical settings configuration utility




The MS Windows control system was developed in the image of this desktop.
Differences:

  • Optimized for Intel processors Pentium
  • Used graphics technology SNAP from SciTech Software instead of X-Window
  • Graphics are 17% faster than MS Windows and 25% faster than X-Window
  • Backwards compatible with X-Window applications
  • Fast boot - between 5 and 15 seconds on modern hardware
  • Editable interface based on XML
  • Plug and Play Hardware Support
  • Localization: Full Unicode support
  • Flexible OS-independent architecture

D3d




AfterStep is a window manager for the X Window System that was designed to provide desktop customization flexibility, improved appearance, and efficient use system resources. AfterStep was originally a variant of FVWM that reproduced the graphical interface of the NeXTSTEP operating system, but as development progressed it moved away from its roots. AfterStep includes several modules such as:
Pager is a visual tool for managing and moving between multiple desktops
WinList - simple panel tasks displaying active applications
Wharf is a tool for managing application launchers, a panel containing the most frequently used applications, and applets.

AfterStep supports virtual screens. Settings appearance is done using a set of text configuration files.




fvwm, mwm, twm

F Virtual Window Manager - window manager for the X Window System with support virtual screens. FVWM is famous for its high quality source code, which has been developed and improved over the years, so many projects are based on it, including AfterStep, Xfce, Enlightenment and many others.







XPde

XPde is a project whose goal is to create a desktop similar in appearance to Windows XP. XPde (XP Desktop Environment) is a free desktop environment similar to Windows view XP. Built on the cross-platform Qt user interface development toolkit. Includes the XPwm window manager. According to the developers, their window manager should make it easier for users Windows transition on Linux. XPde is written in Kylix.





Metisse is an X-based windowing system designed with two goals in mind. First, it should make it easier to develop and implement innovative technologies window management for HCI researchers (HCI - human-computer interface). Secondly, it must correspond existing standards and be effective enough to daily use, making it a suitable platform for evaluating proposed technologies. Metisse does not focus on specific types of interaction (eg 3D) and should not be considered as offering a new desktop experience. It is more of a tool for creating new types of desktop environments.



IceWM

IceWM - window manager for X Window System in Unix-like operating systems. IceWM development began from scratch in 1997, the project was written entirely in C++ and released under the terms GNU licenses LGPL. The goal of the project is to create working environment with a convenient and fast intuitive interface with wide possibilities for user configuration. In particular, all GUI functions are available when using only the keyboard. At the same time, the goals included making IceWM as light as possible in terms of consumed computer resources - memory and processor.


CDE

Common Desktop Environment (CDE) is a proprietary Motif-based desktop environment for UNIX, HP OpenVMS. CDE was developed by The Open Group in collaboration with Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Novell and Sun Microsystems and is based on HP's VUE (Visual User Environment). Until about 2000, CDE was industry standard For UNIX systems, but free desktop shells such as KDE and GNOME quickly became more convenient and became standard on many Linux platforms, which by this time already had more users than most UNIX systems.