I'm choosing a Linux distribution to learn on and use as my daily driver. After considering several Debian-based options, I settled on Ubuntu because it has extensive documentation and community support. However, the default GNOME desktop seems a little demanding for my older computer, which still uses a hard drive. I tried Ubuntu Unity because it feels lighter and resembles Ubuntu's former default desktop, and I like how it looks and feels so far. Is Unity a sensible choice for someone new to Linux, or would another desktop or distribution be a better starting point?
4 Answers
If you like the way Unity works, there's no major reason not to use it. The best desktop is usually the one you enjoy using. Just be aware that it has a smaller user base, so troubleshooting may involve more searching than with GNOME, KDE, Cinnamon, or Xfce.
Unity has some distinctive features, including the HUD and Compiz effects such as desktop animations and the cube. It does have occasional bugs, though, and fewer people use it today. If those features are what attracted you, trying it for a while is perfectly reasonable.
Unity is a bit of a niche choice and the project has a smaller development team, so there is some uncertainty about long-term support. Linux Mint with Cinnamon or Xfce, or an Ubuntu-based Xfce setup, would generally give you a lighter and more established environment. If you want something Debian-based and lightweight, MX Linux with Xfce is another option.
Don't assume GNOME is automatically too heavy without testing it on your machine. That said, an older system with a hard drive may benefit noticeably from Xfce or another lightweight desktop. Cinnamon and KDE are also approachable choices, while Xfce is usually the safer pick when performance is the main concern.
The computer is fairly old, and the hard drive is one of the reasons I'm looking at lighter options. Unity has been running comfortably so far, so I may keep testing it alongside Xfce.