I've used Windows my whole life and still consider myself a beginner with computers. I'm trying to understand Linux, but I'm confused about why there are so many different distributions. What makes one distribution different from another? Also, what exactly are a desktop environment (DE) and a window manager (WM), and why would someone need to choose between them? I'd also be curious to hear which ones people prefer.
3 Answers
For someone coming from Windows, KDE Plasma is probably the easiest starting point because its default layout has a taskbar, launcher, system tray, desktop, and familiar window controls. GNOME is cleaner and more minimalist, but its workflow is noticeably different. Xfce is a good choice if you want something lightweight and straightforward, especially on older hardware.
As for distributions, it’s usually best not to overthink the huge number of choices. Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, Debian, and openSUSE are established options with plenty of documentation. Start with one that matches your hardware and goals, then explore other desktops or distributions after you understand the basics.
Linux is open source, so no single company controls the entire operating system. A distribution is a collection of the Linux kernel, system tools, software repositories, installers, update policies, and default settings. Different teams package those pieces in different ways: some prioritize stability, some newer hardware and software, some customization, and some beginner-friendliness. It’s a bit like having many cars built around similar engine technology, each with different features and driving styles.
That makes a lot more sense. It’s basically people saying, “I don’t like these defaults, so I’ll put together my own version.”
A desktop environment is the complete graphical desktop you interact with: the application menu, taskbar or dock, file manager, settings tools, notifications, desktop effects, and usually a window manager. KDE Plasma, GNOME, and Xfce are common examples. A window manager mainly controls application windows—moving, resizing, minimizing, maximizing, or arranging them. Some WMs tile windows automatically and are designed around keyboard shortcuts, while others provide a more traditional floating-window layout.
You can run Linux without either one, but then you’ll mostly be working from a command line. A server might do that, but most desktop users install a DE or a WM. You don’t need to assemble everything yourself, either; most beginner-oriented distributions include a graphical desktop by default.
The nice thing is that changing the desktop environment later doesn’t necessarily mean replacing all your applications or personal files. You can try different interfaces once you’re comfortable, although installing several at once can make things confusing.