I've been using Linux for around four months now, primarily on Debian 13 with the Cinnamon desktop environment. While I initially liked Cinnamon, it's started to feel boring due to its limited customization options and somewhat dated appearance. I'm planning to do a full reset of my system because I've messed up my files and apps while experimenting with other desktop environments. I'm looking for suggestions on a desktop environment that's customizable but still stable and practical without getting too complicated. What do you recommend?
5 Answers
I know you're not keen on reinstalling everything, but technically you can install multiple desktop environments without changing your files or setups significantly. Just be careful with full packages that could add unwanted duplicates. There are ways to install only the essentials, like using 'plasma-desktop' for KDE instead of 'kde-full'.
I suggest you try out both KDE and GNOME. They are among the most popular and best-supported desktop environments, both offering solid customization options. KDE can be complex with its widgets, while GNOME excels with extensions to enhance its basic setup. Either one can be modified to look and feel like macOS or Windows, depending on your preference.
If you're worried about getting stuck in an install mess, consider using virtual machines to test out different environments. It gives you a risk-free way to explore until you find the one that really clicks for you. Just keep in mind that while it's fun to customize, too much tinkering can sometimes lead to breaking things.
KDE is a great choice! It's known for being highly customizable and user-friendly right from the start. It offers a lot of flexibility in terms of how you can set it up, and there are plenty of options to tweak it to your liking. Plus, it's definitely not boring! If you want more visual variety, check out themes and add-ons from the KDE store, they're all free to use.
Honestly, just stick to what feels right for you in the long run! Both KDE and GNOME are great, but if you're looking for something lighter, consider XFCE. You can easily install multiple environments on Debian, and switching between them is pretty straightforward.

Related Questions
How To Get Your Domain Unblocked From Facebook
How To Find A String In a Directory of Files Using Linux