The Nostalgic Charm of Lubuntu's LXQt Desktop
The Lubuntu desktop environment, with its LXQt interface, brings a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of early 2000s computing. While it may not be among the most widely celebrated Linux desktops, its ease of use and simplicity make it a welcome habitat for any user, experienced or novice. LXQt is a straightforward, fast, and almost animation-free environment that promises reliability akin to any mainstream desktop you might be familiar with. As the designated desktop for the official Ubuntu variant, Lubuntu, it carries the hallmarks of the robustness of Ubuntu's ecosystem.
An Overview of Lubuntu's Architecture
Since Lubuntu is an official derivative of Ubuntu, users can rely on its stability and comprehensive package management system. Bundled with the Snap package manager, it offers extensive repository access, a stable Linux kernel, and a suite of pre-installed productivity software. This begs the question, is Lubuntu the right operating system choice for you? Let's explore its features and potential fit.
Experiencing Lubuntu
Upon logging into Lubuntu, you're greeted with a familiar sight that takes you back to the classic desktops of the past. LXQt encompasses all components of a traditional UI—panels, start menus, system trays, and desktop icons. It's a straightforward interface that parallels the visual layout of older Windows systems like 95 or 7, creating an intuitive workspace that non-tech-savvy users will appreciate.
Upon opening the start menu, you find a conventional list of software categories. While you may notice the absence of an email client, solving that is simply a matter of visiting the app store via System Tools > Discover in the start menu.
Software Installation with Lubuntu
Interestingly, LXQt defaults to the KDE Discover application for software installation, leveraging the same Qt software framework as KDE itself. Discover becomes a robust tool with its built-in Snap package support, allowing users to install popular third-party applications like Slack and Spotify with ease. Additionally, Lubuntu offers the Muon Package Manager for those inclined towards a more traditional GUI without Snap support.
The Unmatched Speed of Lubuntu
What truly sets Lubuntu apart is its speed. By foregoing fancy animations or complex effects, it potentially positions itself as one of the fastest operating systems you'll employ. Applications launch almost instantaneously, and user interactions are fluid and responsive.
A personal test case exemplifies this speed advantage where a mere 3GB RAM virtual machine running Lubuntu outperformed my System76 Thelio's host OS, which runs on 32GB RAM. Herein lies the beauty of Lubuntu's lightweight design.
Considerations and Limitations
For those who prefer a modern aesthetic, Lubuntu may not satisfy such craving due to its basic, unadorned design. While equipped with necessary tools for productivity and entertainment, it might be perceived as plain. Even more, features typical in modern systems, like network file-sharing out-of-the-box, are absent. This could pose difficulties for users unfamiliar with manual configuration methods like Samba.
Thematically, LXQt has its quirks; theme changes don't affect the window title bars, often leaving them in a persistent dark style, which might not align with everyone's taste preferences.
Embracing the Simplicity of Lubuntu
Lubuntu thrives in its role as a straightforward, user-friendly desktop OS, fully aware of its niche as a no-frills solution. While it may not visibly compete with the aesthetics of fancier desktops, its speed and reliability offer substantial benefits. Whether it's reviving an outdated machine or turbocharging a new one, Lubuntu's performance astounds with its lightweight nature and seamless operation.
For users seeking a comprehensible open-source operating system prepared to tackle everyday tasks without a fuss, Lubuntu merits consideration. Downloading an ISO from the Lubuntu website marks a step toward experiencing it firsthand.
Additional Resources
| Ubuntu Variants | Focus | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Lubuntu | Lightweight, fast | Easy-to-use, minimal animations, Snap support |
| Ubuntu | General purpose, stable | Comprehensive software support, frequent updates |
| Kubuntu | Feature-rich, aesthetic | KDE Plasma desktop, visually appealing |
