Here are two Linux distributions which on paper are very similar, both use the XFCE
desktop and both are based on Ubuntu.
So why do a comparison?
Well it helps answer a question of is it worth taking a distribution based on another, or
should you just go for the higher level distribution?
In which case my argument is invalid since Debian with XFCE is the top level distribution.
Before I get going I will mention that the creator of Linux Lite does sponsor me through
Patreon, however I have made this video without any consultation and all opinions are purely
my own.
Linux Lite is created by Jerry Bezencon, and the project is supported by community donations.
The distribution is based on Ubuntu 16.04 Long Term Support, and currently uses XFCE
4.12.0 for the desktop.
Xubuntu is managed by the Xubuntu council, The administrative and bureaucratic work of
managing the project is split between several people.
There are three formal positions listed – council chair is Sean Davis (bluesabre), Artwork lead
is Simon Steinbeiß (ochosi), and Website lead is Pasi Lallinaho (knome).
Funding comes from Canonical and community donations.
Development follows Ubuntu’s model of twice yearly releases in April and October.
Every two years there is a long term support release which is supported for three years
(not five years like Ubuntu or Ubuntu Server), and interim releases are supported for 9 months.
I have taken the latest stable release of Xubuntu 17.04 for this video, which uses XFCE
4.12.1 desktop.
Now it may seem unfair to compare two different versions of the desktop, and for something
like KDE Plasma, which receives a minor release every couple of weeks and a major release
every two months, that would be unfair.
However, the development pace of XFCE is very slow to the point its something like one minor
release every year.
So yeah its not really relevant that I’m comparing different versions because the differences
are negligible.
But it is a relevant point to bring up that the smaller resources of Linux Lite mean that
they have had to focus their development efforts to one long term release, rather than matching
Ubuntu’s release cycle.
If resources are constrained I would rather see one good release, rather than multiple
poor releases.
Look and Feel I have seen many cases where a Linux distribution
is nothing more than a change of style.
There is a little bit more to Linux Lite than simply theming, but now that I’m here lets
discuss the differences.
Lite have gone for a nice sensible theme from Arc with Faenza Dark icon theme.
Xubuntu uses Greybird with Elementary XFCE darker Icons.
The desktop layout of Lite is like a mirror image to Xubuntu, they have gone for a more
traditional Windows XP like layout with a Start bar like panel at the bottom of the
screen.
It contains Whisker menu (application launcher), shortcuts to useful applications, currently
open applications in icon and text form, desktop switcher, and system tray.
Xubuntu seems to be nearer Gnome classic with a top panel containing Whisker menu, currently
open applications, and system tray.
Older versions of Xubuntu used to have a dock at the bottom of the screen, although that
was dropped about two years or so ago.
Lite have tried to appeal to new users, perhaps more from a Windows background rather than
Mac.
Although the XFCE desktop is flexible enough it could be customised to replicate either
operating system.
The applications are named by their function in Lite, rather than actual name in the Whisker
menu.
Xubuntu have named the applications by their actual name.
My preference is actual name, but then I have been using open source apps for a long time
and I know their function.
However, as a new user I might be unfamiliar and would prefer function over actual name.
While I’m talking about the Whisker menu the behaviour is different between the two
distros, Lite changes folder with mouse over, whereas Xubuntu changes with on-mouse click.
Functionality of Whisker menu is the same with both distributions with the application
searcher being very fast and responsive.
Pre-installed Applications Another big difference between Linux distributions
is the choice of pre-installed applications.
I like to see a balance of useful applications for the audience the distribution is targeting.
For example KDE Neon which has only a couple of applications pre-installed is more suited
for intermediate to advanced users.
Arch, Gentoo, or Linux From Scratch which you build up from err scratch are suited more
for advanced users or anyone who is a glutton for punishment and enjoys reading the eff’in
manual.
Lite has some basic accessories, an image viewer, Gimp, Firefox, Thunderbird, and VLC
pre-installed, which is a fine simple selection.
But they also have a wide range of utilities installed, including their own custom Lite
Tweaks.
Which is rare to see, and actually a very useful feature.
The Lite Tweaks tool can be used to customise the desktop, free up hard drive space, free
up memory, as well as a couple of other system tweaks.
Its something a new user could try without damaging their system, and its also a convenient
tool for intermediate and advanced users.
Xubuntu comes with a basic set of applications pre-installed, including: basic accessories,
an image viewer, Firefox, Thunderbird, some small games, and Parole media player, which
out of the box lacks the ability to play patent encumbered codecs.
In terms of ISO file size, it is Lite that is smaller, 1GB compared to 1.2GB for Xubuntu.
Welcome Screen The welcome screen is a feature I like to
see in Linux distributions aimed at newer users.
It can provide a helpful start point into the system with getting updates done, installing
proprietary drivers, and links to community support.
Xubuntu along with most of the other Canonical supported Ubuntu derivatives lack a welcome
screen.
The exception is Ubuntu MATE which comes with an excellent welcome screen.
Linux Lite features a welcome screen, and although basic looking, it does have all the
necessary shortcuts.
Continuous development The open source world is constantly evolving
with new releases of applications appearing, and others becoming end of life.
For the independent creator it means they always have to keep their distribution up
to date, and for the users we rely on the creator to maintain an interest and commitment
of time and resources to maintain the project.
With the larger distributions like Debian and Arch there maybe a regular churn of developers,
but there are still enough over time to keep the project alive.
But with the smaller distributions there may only be one or two developers, and if their
interest fades the project may die off entirely.
Some of the risk is shifted away with both distributions utilising the Ubuntu repositories,
since Canonical are gathering common packages from upstream like the Linux kernel, drivers,
XFCE desktop, applications, and background components.
As I mentioned earlier Linux Lite follow the long term support release of Ubuntu, which
means they don’t have to keep remaking components every six months, thereby saving on time and
resource requirements.
Conclusion The two distributions are catering for a different
user base, with Lite targeting new users, and Xubuntu targeting anyone who wants a basic
XFCE desktop.
The Lite Tweak and selection of utilities pre-installed on the system certainly do seem
appealing and that maybe what pushes it ahead for me.
They are offering a useful feature that you don’t normally see on most Linux distributions.
The desktop layout of Lite doesn’t entirely appeal to me, but then neither does the layout
of Xubuntu.
However, the beauty of the XFCE desktop is you can customise it, and I could give it
the Unity like style that I enjoy using.
The fact XFCE development has ground to a halt isn’t too much of a problem, since
the desktop seems very much complete in terms of usability, customisation, features, and
XFCE specific applications.
Thanks for watching I’ll see you all later