How to Install a Desktop Environment in Fedora

When using Fedora, one of the popular Linux distributions, you might find yourself wanting a different or additional desktop environment (DE) to suit your personal preferences or needs. This tutorial will walk you through the steps to install a desktop environment on Fedora and explain key concepts like what Fedora is, what desktop environments are, and why you might want to install a new one.

1. What is Fedora?

Fedora is a popular Linux-based operating system sponsored by Red Hat. It is known for its emphasis on cutting-edge software, user-friendly interface, and commitment to open-source principles. Fedora is often chosen by developers and system administrators because it serves as a testing ground for new features that later appear in Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Key features of Fedora include:

Cutting-edge technology: Fedora frequently updates to the latest versions of software packages.
Stability: Though it’s cutting-edge, Fedora remains stable enough for daily use.
Open-source: Fedora only includes open-source software in its repositories.

Fedora is versatile, allowing users to choose different desktop environments, making it highly customizable based on user preferences.

2. What is a Desktop Environment (DE)?

A Desktop Environment (DE) is a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to interact with the operating system. It includes the visual components such as windows, icons, menus, and toolbars that make using the system easier. A DE typically consists of a window manager, file manager, and panels to launch applications and manage tasks.

Some of the popular desktop environments are:

GNOME: The default environment in Fedora, known for its clean and minimal interface.
KDE Plasma: Offers a more traditional desktop experience with extensive customization options.
XFCE: A lightweight desktop environment that is fast and resource-efficient.
LXQt: Another lightweight option, offering modern design while consuming fewer resources.

3. Why Install a New Desktop Environment?

There are several reasons why you might want to install a new desktop environment on Fedora:

Preference for a Different Look: Each desktop environment has its unique style. For example, KDE offers a more traditional layout, while GNOME provides a modern, streamlined interface.
Performance: Lightweight desktop environments such as XFCE or LXQt are excellent choices if you’re using older hardware or want to conserve system resources.
Customization: Some desktop environments, such as KDE, provide extensive customization options, allowing you to tweak every aspect of the interface.
Experimentation: Linux gives users the freedom to explore different environments, and installing a new DE lets you explore different workflows.

4. Different Desktop Environments Available in Fedora

Fedora supports many desktop environments, and each one brings a different user experience. Here are some popular options:

GNOME: The default environment for Fedora, focusing on simplicity and productivity.
KDE Plasma: Highly customizable and feature-rich, ideal for those who want a desktop with a traditional feel.
XFCE: A lightweight, fast environment for systems with limited resources.
LXQt: Modern but lightweight, perfect for users looking for speed without sacrificing too much visual appeal.
MATE: A continuation of GNOME 2, for those who prefer a classic desktop experience.

5. How to Install a Desktop Environment in Fedora

Installing a new desktop environment in Fedora is straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Update Fedora

Before installing a new desktop environment, it’s a good practice to update your system to ensure all packages are up to date. Open your terminal and run the following commands:

sudo dnf update

Step 2: Install the Desktop Environment

Depending on the desktop environment you want to install, you can run the following commands:

GNOME (if not installed by default): sudo dnf groupinstall "GNOME Desktop Environment"
KDE Plasma: sudo dnf groupinstall "KDE Plasma Workspaces"
XFCE: sudo dnf groupinstall "Xfce Desktop"
LXQt: sudo dnf groupinstall "LXQt Desktop"
MATE:
bash sudo dnf groupinstall "MATE Desktop"

Step 3: Reboot and Choose the New Desktop Environment

After the installation is complete, reboot your system:

sudo reboot

At the login screen, you can select your newly installed desktop environment from the session menu. This menu is usually accessible by clicking the gear icon or the desktop environment selection menu.

6. How to Switch Between Desktop Environments

Once multiple desktop environments are installed, you can switch between them during login. At the login screen, select the gear icon or the session drop-down menu, and choose the desktop environment you want to use for that session. Fedora will remember your choice for the next login.

7. How to Uninstall a Desktop Environment

If you decide that you no longer want to use a specific desktop environment, you can easily remove it. For example, to uninstall KDE, run the following command:

sudo dnf groupremove "KDE Plasma Workspaces"

Similarly, to remove any other environment, replace the group name with the relevant one (e.g., “Xfce Desktop”).

Conclusion

Installing a new desktop environment in Fedora is a great way to enhance or customize your experience. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight solution for older hardware or you simply want to try a new interface, Fedora’s flexibility allows you to do so. With just a few simple commands, you can transform your system into something that better suits your preferences and needs.

Remember, Linux is about choice, and Fedora embodies this by allowing you to pick the desktop environment that works best for you!