I'm starting my journey from Windows to Linux and have decided to give Arch Linux a shot in a Virtual Machine. I want to learn how to use Linux from scratch before I consider dual-booting on my laptop. My background is in electrical engineering, so while I'm not a tech whiz, I feel reasonably confident diving into the steep learning curve that Arch offers. I appreciate how lightweight it is, which is another reason for my choice.
However, I'm at a crossroads where I need to choose which desktop environment (DE) to use within the VM. I initially thought about going with Hyprland, but I've heard it might not perform well in a virtualized setup. What other desktop environments would you suggest for a VM setup that allows for customization, so I can really grasp the nuances of Arch and Linux?
5 Answers
Why not just try them all out? Since you're using a VM, you can take snapshots to roll back in case something goes wrong. Get your Arch system running, take a snapshot, and then experiment with different DEs until you find one you like!
When you mention 'environment', that's usually about how your desktop looks. You might want to check out popular desktops on Linux Mint's download page. Just make sure you're clear if you're referring to a desktop environment or the virtualization software, like VirtualBox, which you ought to be using.
Honestly, if you're new to Linux, I'd recommend steering clear of Arch for now. There are a ton of easier distros to start with, like Ubuntu or Fedora, which can pave the way for a smoother journey into Linux. Arch is great for learning, but you might want to get comfortable with the basics first before diving into its complexities.
There are lighter DE options if you're looking for something minimal, like IceWM or Openbox. They might have less bloat compared to KDE or Gnome, and will work fine in a VM. If you're feeling adventurous, Wayfire could be interesting too, but I'm not sure how well it performs on a VM.
For your DE options, you might want to consider KDE or Gnome. They are both popular and well-supported. KDE has a more Windows-like feel, which could make the transition easier, while Gnome offers some macOS vibes. Both can be customized to fit your needs, but just know Gnome isn't very flexible without extensions.
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