There are two Linux distributions, Lubuntu(lightweight Linux distribution) and Xubuntu( Linux distribution which has preconfigured Xfce), and these distros are equally famous among users. Both Lubuntu and Xubuntu are the top choice of Linux enthusiasts who are more into lightweight Linux distros as they offer the best performance on any old computer/laptop. However, many people always argue about Xubuntu vs. Lubuntu. We have covered complete details with a side-by-side comparison of Xubuntu and Lubuntu to help you choose between the two.

Xubuntu vs. Lubuntu

Before discussing a brief difference between Xubuntu and Lubuntu, we will cover some vital information about them.

What is Xubuntu?

Xubuntu is an easy-to-use Linux distro with a preconfigured Xfce, so it becomes a more light,  stable, and highly configurable desktop environment.  Many Linux enthusiasts prefer Xubuntu because it is best for those who need Linux distros with more efficient daily usage features for daily usage on a low-end computer/laptop.

Xubuntu offers leanness, but it doesn’t compromise the Linux distro’s performance on any low-end system.  It provides a good UI system without impacting the PC system’s resources, so Xubuntu is a little better than Lubuntu in terms of features and UI.

As we have mentioned above, Xubuntu has an Xfce, but it is not as bare as LxQT. However, Xfce is lighter than KDE or GNOME, and there is multiple software also available for Xubuntu. AS per the low-end system requirements, it needs at least 512MB of RAM for proper working.

What is Lubuntu?

Lubuntu is based on the Linux kernel derived from the Ubuntu distributions, which is entirely free because it was developed under the GNU license as an open-source tool. It is a lightweight and fast operating system that offers easy to use and simple interface.

This Linux distro uses a desktop Julien Lavergne developed requirements for the best performance. Mario Behling created Lubuntu, but Julien Lavergne developed it.

Lubuntu offers a higher lightweight system because of the LxQt(LxDE) desktop environment because it works to make the system more stable while running on low specification computers/laptops. That’s why Lubuntu becomes more durable and easy to use as compared to other lightweight distros available.

Users can easily place icons wherever they want, and there is a right-click menu for enhancing the user experience.  However, it doesn’t offer any desktop effects and animations, so there is little customization scope. For achieving more leanness, Lubuntu has its specific applications, so rather than LibreOffice, users can get Gnumeric and Abiword as replacements. As per the requirements, you can run Lubuntu on a low-end pc with 256MB of RAM.

Comparison Between Xubuntu and Lubuntu

The comparison between Xubuntu and Lubuntu is based on the features and system offered to users.

• Lubuntu requires at least 224 MB of RAM, but Xubuntu needs at least 512 MB of RAM for proper functioning.
• Installation of Lubuntu requires 160MB of RAM, but Xubuntu installation requires 256MB of RAM.
• Lubuntu is based on the LXDE, but Xubuntu is based on the Xfce.
• Lubuntu is lighter and faster as compared to Xubuntu.

Xubuntu Vs. Lubuntu: Head to Head Comparison Table

Which One is Better: Xubuntu vs. Lubuntu

Both of these lightweight Linux distros can fulfill the requirements if you want to use them in a low-end system. In case you want to switch from one operating system to another or want reasons to get switched, then here are the reasons:

• If you don’t want to pay for the OS upgrades.
• If you need a more secure and affordable option.
• If you require a simple to use desktop
• If you don’t like macOS or Windows operating systems.

Conclusion

That wraps up a brief comparison and complete details of Xubuntu and Lubuntu with the reasons to get switched on these Linux distros. As we have mentioned, Lubuntu has LxQt(LxDE), and Xubuntu has preconfigured Xfce, so these Linux distros become lightweight because they require less space for appropriate working.  In our opinion, both of these operating systems are amazing and hold their features and specialties, so Lubuntu and Xubuntu are equally best.

Best Wallpapers for Lubuntu Desktop

So here is the list of the coolest wallpapers for Lubuntu Desktop

Conclusion

We have included some of the most amazing, cool, and best wallpapers for the Lubuntu desktop. All of these wallpapers are supported for different lightweight Linux distros like Xubuntu, Lubuntu, etc. Remember, we didn’t create these wallpapers because we have collected them from sources to download them easily. ]]> https://linuxhint.com/customize-lubuntu-themes/ Sun, 21 Feb 2021 02:02:35 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=90390 Lubuntu is a lightweight OS based on a Linux kernel developed by Ubuntu distribution; this Linux distro has evolved in the GNU license like an open-source tool. Hence, Lubuntu is open source, a completely free, fast, and lightweight operating system that provides an easy-to-use and simple interface.

Lubuntu can easily low-end systems without compromising with the performance due to the usage of LXDE/LXQT. It has a simple UI and effects, but you can go for different themes to change your desktop appearance. We provide complete details on How toCustomize Lubuntu themes to switch between themes easily.

How to Customize Lubuntu Themes?

In this method, we will provide brief details on changing your Lubuntu system’s appearance completely.

First, change the desktop background to select the appropriate dimension image because it will help you maintain the performance.

In case you want to check the monitor resolution, go to the Menu -> Preference, then Monitor Settings.

In the Monitor Settings, check the monitor configuration, so make sure to download the wallpaper as per the monitor configuration.

Once you download the image from the internet, go to the Menu -> Preference and select desktop preferences.

In this options menu, choose the download image to set it as your background image.

You can also change the default panel appearance easily. For example, we will generate two panels, so right-click on the space of the bottom panel and select the “Create New Panel,” and change the settings like this:

Go to the Appearance.” tab, change the settings as shown in the below image. (you can also go according to your requirements).

Now, go in the panel applets section to add different applets required for widgets, so click on the “Add” then “Edit” to make changes. You can also use the “Up and “down” buttons to move the applet’s positions.

You can also edit your taskbar’s Setting, so right-click at the left panel and select the Panel Settings.

In this Settings, go in the Panel Applets tab and select highlight “taskbar(Window List)” then click on the “Edit” and change the settings like this:

You can also uncheck the “flat buttons” to show a box around the icons.

Now you can customize the themes according to the requirements, so in this example, we are installing Numix by executing the commands to install it:

Make sure to change the icon for your menu button. You can select but ensure that the picture has the appropriate dimension.

Once you edit the image as per the correct dimension, right-click on the menu button, then go in the “Menu” settings.

Now, click on the “Browse” button, then select that image to set it.

After setting up everything on your Lubuntu desktop, make sure to save the customizations and theme. So click on the Menu -> Preference and select ” Customize Look and Feel.”

You can also install different themes and material by downloading them from google, or here is the link to download GNOME-look and Box-look.

If you want to choose a default widget style in the widgets tab, so click on these widget styles to preview.

Remember, the default options in Lubuntu only have light themes but some users like dark themes because it is comfortable for eyes.

After downloading the appropriate theme, extract it from the ZIP file and copy-paste that folder into /usr/share/themes for the system-wide installation and also paste it in the /home//.themes for the user-specific installation.

Next, go to the Widget tab of the “Customize Look and Feel” options menu and select your theme.

After that, go to the “color” tab because you can change the color scheme as per the widgets’ allowance.

Now, go to the “Icon Theme” tab, then click on the every to item for the preview and choose one of them according to your requirements.

You can also change the cursor style from the “Mouse Cursor.”

If you want to change the window’s border, then go to the “Window Border” so there are multiple options, and you can also install various types of the border from it.

At last, click on the Apply to save changes for your Lubuntu system.

You can also customize the Openbox settings by going into the Menu -> Preference and selecting Openbox Configuration Manager.

In case you lost the power button while customizing the themes, then open your text editors and paste this text:

Now save this file in the /usr/share/applications and go in the application launch bar, then “Edit” the settings for adding the power button again, and that’s it.

Conclusion

So this is how you customize Lubuntu themes without having errors and troubles. It is a painless procedure; follow it appropriately to eliminate your system’s chances of issues. You can install different themes for your system but make sure to make complete changes related to background, icons, widgets, and border for a better look and design.

Lubuntu vs. Linux Lite

So here is the brief introduction and details of both Lubuntu and Linux lite for your better understanding.

What is Lubuntu?

Lubuntu is completely free and open source as it was developed in GNU license. This lightweight Linux distro is based on the Linux kernel and derived by Ubuntu distributions, so it is fast, easy to use, and provides a simple UI. Lubuntu uses a desktop LXDE/LXQT; it needs a low-end device for the best performance. As per the information of its development, Lubuntu was created by Mario Behling but developed by Julien Lavergne.

Lubuntu doesn’t provide any desktop effects and animations, but you can easily place icons and use a right-click menu to better the user experience. This Linux has its specific applications, so instead of LibreOffice, you can get Gnumeric and Abiword as replacements. If you have a low-end system, you can run Lubuntu on a low-end pc with 256MB of RAM. The latest version of Lubuntu is 20.10, which not created for Low-end devices as the definition of a low-end device has been changed from 2010 to 2020, so the requirements for Lubuntu are:

What is Linux Lite?

Jerry Bezencon’s team created Linux lite, and it is based on Ubuntu and Debian.  This Linux distro also offers a lightweight desktop environment with an appropriately customized Xfce. Linux lite consists of a bunch of Lite applications for making the work easier for the new users.

The latest version of Linux Lite is 5.0, which offers fantastic UEFI(Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) support, update-notifier, a new firewall app, updated whisker menu, and scaling factors and Hidpi settings.

Considering new applications and replacements, the Mousepad has been added to replace the Leafpad as a new default text editor.  Chrome replaced Chromium because snap is a little bit resource-hungry.  GNOME paint is also added to replace Pinta. Developers also added Xfce screensaver, but it will be disabled by default. As per the comparison between the minimum and maximum specifications to use Linux lite:

Lubuntu Vs. Linux Lite: Head to Head Comparison Table

Lubuntu vs. Linux lite: Which One is Better?

As we have mentioned above, Lubuntu is getting upgraded rapidly and becoming more performance-centric instead of satisfying low-end requirements. However, Lubuntu still offers good performance for low-end devices as it requires 512MB of RAM for appropriate working.

On the other side, Linux lite is also focused on delivering a lightweight environment with great performance. However, the minimum requirement for this Linux distro is 768 MB of RAM to work appropriately.  So in case you have a low-end device and want a lightweight desktop, you can go for Lubuntu.

Conclusion

So it was a brief description of Lubuntu and Linux lite, and we hope that our article helps you choose the right operating system for your requirements. The above details are based on the user reviews and system requirements for both Lubuntu and Linux lite. Both Linux distros are best and preferred for the low-end system due to their compatibility and features.

Many people complain that Lubuntu does not have any animations or effects because this Linux distro aims to improve the performance, eliminating the higher customization scope. You can use Lubuntu in your low-end system because it only requires 256 RAM to work correctly. If you want a brief Lubuntu review, this article will work best because we will cover complete details about Lubuntu.

Lubuntu Review

The older version of Lubuntu depends upon LXDE for providing a lightweight experience, but now it is replaced with LXQt.  As per the description, LXDE is based on the GTK with the libraries used by GNOME. However, developers decided to switch from DE to Qt as LXQt works as a Qt port of LXDE.

We are in 2021, so the definition of a low-end system has changed, but nowadays, old machines also support at least 2GB of RAM with dual-core processors. That’s why the Lubuntu team does not focus on the minimum system requirements, albeit LSQt is lightweight but polished and has features for higher-end systems.

Usually, users can upgrade their operating system from an older version to the new one, but the Lubuntu team does not upgrade Lubuntu 18.04 to 20.04. The reason is that Lubuntu has changed many things in recent updates, so it is essential to do a fresh installation.  In case anyone upgrades their system from 18.04 to 20.04 without any new installation, they may face bugs due to the changes in the desktop environments.

Currently, LXQt needs a little more memory than the  Gtk+ v2-based LXDE, but the Gtk+ v3 toolkit also needs more memory.  The current version of Lubuntu runs reboots under shallow memory of 340MB, but it is 100MB higher than LXDE.  Many users recommend having an older hardware system, or you want a simple experience on your mid or high-end system.

Considering the latest version of Lubuntu, you can easily customize the LXQt version through most of the LXQt settings.  For example, Lubuntu 20.04 LTS has a dark theme because you can easily change it according to your preference.  You can use the Lubuntu 20.04 daily because it is completely issued free and offers a good Ubuntu flavor.

In the earlier versions, users could not customize their system according to their needs because Lubuntu was more focused on the lightweight Linux distro instead of performance and animations.

Softwares in Lubuntu 20.04

Lubuntu has many default applications in the latest version, but some are not lightweight, but most are Qt-based. So here is the list of software offered by the latest version of Lubuntu:

Conclusion

So it was a brief review of the Lubuntu, and the article is based on the review of the latest version of Lubuntu, which is 20.04 LTS. As we have mentioned earlier, Lubuntu’s developer team focuses on performance instead of lightweight Linux distros because the definition of low-end devices has changed due to the rapid changes in technology. We have gathered this information according to the user reviews, patch notes and using it on multiple machines to give you the most precise information on the internet.

One reason why Ubuntu has remained so popular for such a long time is the availability of several flavors of this open source Linux distribution based on the Debian architecture. In this article, we compare the original creation, Ubuntu, with the most popular Ubuntu flavor, Lubuntu, highlighting both their similarities and differences.

What Are Ubuntu Flavors?

An Ubuntu flavor is a variant of Ubuntu, which was initially released in 2004. There are currently ten Ubuntu flavors: Kubuntu, Edubuntu, Xubuntu, Mythbuntu, Ubuntu Studio, Lubuntu, Ubuntu GNOME, Ubuntu Kylin, Ubuntu MATE, and Ubuntu Budgie.

Even though all of the ten flavors share the same repository for downloading updates as well as the same base, they ship with different packages and target different use cases. But just because a piece of software isn’t present in one flavor doesn’t mean that it’s not possible to install the software from the included package management tools.

In theory, you could start with just about any Ubuntu flavor and end up with an operating system precisely customized according to your needs. That said, it’s highly advisable to start with a flavor that’s already close to how you want your operating system to feel like and function, instead of spending hours and hours trying to change the default configuration.

Differences Between Ubuntu and Lubuntu

We have already established that Ubuntu and Lubuntu share the same core system components and repositories. So, what’s different? The default desktop environment and applications.

As you may already know, a desktop environment (DE) consists of toolbars, icons, windows, widgets, and other graphical user interface (GUI) elements, providing the user with a way how to easily control programs, access files, and change various settings.

Ubuntu’s DE is called GNOME 3, and it’s the latest version of the same free and open source desktop environment that shipped with the first release of Ubuntu, Ubuntu 4.10 (Warty Warthog). GNOME 3 does an excellent job when it comes to maximizing the vertical screen space thanks to its modern approach to user interface design. Its most characteristic feature is the combination of a vertical application switcher on the left side with a space-saving horizontal multipurpose top menu bar and a virtual desktop manager on the right side.

According to GNOME 3 developers, this modern desktop environment was designed from the ground up to make common tasks simple and easy. It features the so-called Activities Overview, allowing you to view all open windows, launch applications, or check if you have a new message with a press of a button.

Lubuntu, on the other hand, uses the LXDE desktop environment. LXDE stands for Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment, and it is an open source DE characterized by its low resource requirements and adherence to a desktop metaphor that is guaranteed to feel instantly familiar to all Windows users.

LXDE comes with several lightweight alternatives to common applications, including a file manager (PCMan File Manager), terminal emulator (LXTerminal), desktop panel (LXPanel), or GTK+ theme switcher (LXAppearance), just to name a few.

Why Choose Lubuntu Over Ubuntu?

Because the LXDE desktop environment has such low resource requirements, it runs on just about any old or low-end computer with at least a 266 MHz processor, 128 MB of RAM, 3 GB of hard drive space, and basic graphics card.

Ubuntu, on the other hand, requires at least a 2 GHz dual-core processor, 2 GB of RAM, 25 GB of hard drive space, and VGA-capable graphics card with the minimum resolution of 1024 × 768 pixels.

Lubuntu’s low resource requirements also mean that the operating system runs faster on newer computers. Modern web browsers such as Chrome and, to a lesser extent, Firefox are known for being notoriously hungry for memory. By choosing Lubuntu over Ubuntu, you will have more RAM left for applications.

Because Lubuntu has virtually no visual effects to make tasks such as switching between applications more visually appealing, you may find it more responsive. Ubuntu’s GNOME 3 relies heavily on animations and other visual effects, and many Ubuntu users disable them right away with the GNOME Tweak Tool.

Finally, Lubuntu is also suited for people who are used to the Windows operating system, especially Windows XP. Lubuntu mimics the look and feel of Windows XP quite closely, and so do many of the included applications.

Summary:

• Lubuntu runs well on old and low-end computers.
• Lubuntu consumes less resources.
• Lubuntu has less visual effects, which can be potentially distracting.
• Lubuntu should feel familiar to the users of the Windows operating system.

Why Choose Ubuntu Over Lubuntu?

Ubuntu is significantly more popular than any of its flavors. Consequently, its user base is larger and more active. If you visit a Linux discussion group and ask a question regarding Ubuntu, you will get an answer much quicker than if you were to ask the same question about Lubuntu.

Despite being heavier on resources than the LXDE desktop environment, GNOME 3 is arguably one of the most visually appealing desktop environments out there, and it has many useful features that make things like finding documents or opening applications much faster. What’s more, GNOME 3 is optimized for HDPI displays, which is something LXDE struggles with.

Because Ubuntu is the original from which all of its flavors originate, it’s the first to receive updates and bug fixes. Enterprise users can even pay for 24/7 phone and web commercial support through the Ubuntu Advantage program. Those who decide to participate in the program also get access to a landscape systems management tool, Canonical Livepatch Service, and Canonical Knowledge Base, IP legal assurance that provides indemnification against claims of intellectual property infringement, and other useful benefits.

Summary:

• Ubuntu has a much larger user base than any of its flavors, including Lubuntu.
• Ubuntu is arguably much more visually appealing than Lubuntu.
• Ubuntu has many useful features that greatly simplify common tasks such as finding documents.
• Ubuntu users can pay for commercial support from Canonical.

Conclusion

Despite sharing the same base, Ubuntu and Lubuntu are two different operating systems, each with its own distinct look and feel. Lubuntu is a lightweight operating system that runs great on less powerful hardware, while Ubuntu is known for constantly pushing the Linux desktop in new, interesting directions.