Linux Distributions and Desktop Environments
Written on Apr 17, 2026
There are more Linux distributions and desktop environments in existence than I can name without looking them up somewhere. I've tested multiples of each, but I prefer to use only one of each on both of my computers.
I use the Cinnamon Edition of Linux Mint today, but I'm not married to it. Other distributions and desktop environments would serve me just as well. I'll briefly mention those that I've had a little experience using for more than a couple of hours.
GNOME
Several distributions offer multiple choices of desktop environments, either as "flavors" or "spins". GNOME is usually one of those offerings. I've tested the vanilla version of GNOME, and I don't like it at all.
I shouldn't have to press a key or click on something just to have it show me a menu or a dock to launch an application I use everyday. The Ubuntu tweaks don't make it much better. People should not need to install extensions or make tweaks to make GNOME usable.
Most people don't even know the proper way to pronounce it, including me. Is it pronounced "nome" or is it pronounced "guh-nome"? Regardless, it's the default desktop environment for Ubuntu and Fedora, among others.
KDE Plasma
This is another of the desktop environments offered by several distributions as "flavors" or "spins". It's sometimes obvious in the name of the distribution. One example is Kubuntu and another is KDE Neon. Both are based on Ubuntu.
KDE Plasma is tied to the periodic release of Ubuntu on Kubuntu. KDE Neon keeps it up-to-date. I prefer KDE Plasma on Arch-based distributions such as CachyOS, EndeavourOS, and Manjaro because both the distributions and desktop environments are kept up-to-date.
Others
Some people prefer window managers instead of full desktop environments, especially on older computers. Some people prefer alternate window managers with their preferred desktop environments.
This Wikipedia page can tell you about various Linux distributions, and this Wikipedia page can tell you about desktop environments. It can take a great deal of time to become familiar with just a fraction of them.
Most new Linux users start with the most popular distributions, even if those distributions aren't the best for their particular needs. I use the Cinnamon Edition of Linux Mint, and it's the only edition I want to use.
Out of all the choices I've had over the years, it's the one I always return to when I have issues with whatever I'm using at the time. If I ever decide I need more customization, I'll probably choose KDE Plasma on CachyOS.
Image by Boby Pogy from Pixabay