MX Linux KDE vs XFCE plus KDE-desktop?

[LinuxSpring1]

I have tried Cinnamon, Gnome, KDE prior to using MX Linux. I have found KDE to be the best. I have always ended up using KDE in the end. Provided I have the hardware to support it.

Even for MX Linux, the init freedom, i.e. systemd-free-distro was the primary reason to go for MX Linux. The secondary reason was availability of KDE.

I tried to install XFCe on a KDE-MX Linux system. Did not end well. Had to nuke the system and reinstall everything. Took me about 4 hours to set it up all over again.

[LU344928]

I have tried Cinnamon, Gnome, KDE prior to using MX Linux. I have found KDE to be the best...

I agree.

This reviewer speaks very highly of it:

https://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/pla ... esome.html

I tried to install XFCe on a KDE-MX Linux system. Did not end well. Had to nuke the system and reinstall everything. Took me about 4 hours to set it up all over again.

That could be a Debian thing. I use another distro whose 'flagship' iso comes with both KDE and XFCE and I can run KDE aps from the XFCE menu with no issues.

[asqwerth]

.... I use another distro whose 'flagship' iso comes with both KDE and XFCE and I can run KDE aps from the XFCE menu with no issues.

That's probably because the devs of that distro put in time and effort to configure their iso to work nicely with both DE. Some things they would probably have addressed: choice of applications so there is not too much repetition, trying to match the theming of qt and gtk apps, etc.

If you were to do it yourself, whether it be adding Plasma to MX-xfce [which I did for one of my MX19 installs in the past but won't bother ever again] or adding xfce to MX-KDE, you will have to sort out possible conflicts yourself. You could probably do it, but you would have to put in the effort.

Also, since MX has a unique shim to ensure systemd and sysV can co-exist, you will have to search the repos and make sure you have installed all additional MX-specific packages that are needed to fix certain issues for a DE when running in sysV. Eg for Plasma, you need a special "sddm-modified" package to make sure all sddm buttons work on the login screen.

[noesnada]

I tried to install XFCe on a KDE-MX Linux system. Did not end well. Had to nuke the system and reinstall everything. Took me about 4 hours to set it up all over again.

I always keep a spare partition on which I can install other distros just to have a look at them and see what I think.

The other day I installed Manjaro Sway to have a look at a floating window manager desktop environment. I then decided to play a bit so ran sudo pacman -S gnome.

I then rebooted and logged into the gnome session but it was totally unusable. I have no idea why it was not working but it WAS NOT WORKING in a big way.

[feeling-lucky-punk]

I really like kde, but my god what a mess with the config files.

Having gone through the exercise, I can 100% agree that the config files produce an unholy mess in KDE!!! Plus the duplication of packages issue I was aware would happen, but didn't fully appreciate until I started using them daily and having to choose or remember which goes with which.

I've concluded - as many warned early on - that it's so much better to take the pain of setting up a fresh dedicated KDE like a new distro in a separate partion, than KDE alonside XFCE the visual hassle of 2 terminals, 2 file managers, System Monitors etc. For me anyway... I'm very picky how my system looks . Reversing out of KDE with an uninstall still left cruft over that is tough to scrub away :)

Anyway, good way to learn and gain more experience - a little wiser now so that's all good!

[MarieSophie]

I've been using KDE since .. forever, always liked it (works well wit my brain)
Before moving to KDE, I was on Mandrake
Then I bought Suse and istalled it with KDE, it was love at first sight
I've tried Gnome (on Suse and others), nope
I've tried XFCE (first install of MX), nope

Now running MX23 KDE and no problem, except for the first few weeks when this forum helped me a great deal, now it's all good (several months)

[KrautMaster]

I can't understand the complaints.
I've never had any problems installing an additional desktop environment. You can just use synaptic for that.

And of course everyone has their own personal taste. I used to like KDE, but since Plasma I no longer install KDE. XFCE is king.

[Eadwine Rose]

It is best to use MXPI for adding DEs