Xfce vs LXQt: Which Lightweight Linux Desktop Should You Choose?

Summary

This video compares two popular lightweight Linux desktop environments: XFCE and LXQt. XFCE, dating back to 1996, offers a Mac OS-inspired layout and a polished, stable experience, while LXQt, introduced in 2013, provides a Windows-like interface with QT-based tools ideal for Windows users transitioning to Linux. Both are resource-efficient, making them perfect for older hardware, and include essential apps for file management, terminals, and system settings. The video explores their origins, design philosophies, key features, and supported distros, helping viewers decide which environment aligns best with their preferences and hardware needs.

Takeaways

• 🖥️ XFCE and LXQt are both lightweight, resource-efficient Linux desktop environments, ideal for older hardware or users seeking speed and simplicity.
• 📜 XFCE has a long history, originating in 1996 as a clone of the Unix CDE, while LXQt is newer, launched in 2013 as a continuation of LXDE.
• 🎨 XFCE is based on the GTK toolkit (like GNOME), whereas LXQt uses the Qt toolkit (like KDE), reflecting their different design foundations.
• 🖱️ XFCE’s interface is MacOS-inspired with a top menu bar and bottom dock, while LXQt resembles Windows with a bottom-left start menu.
• 🔒 LXQt offers practical features like lock key indicators for Caps Lock and Num Lock, especially useful for laptops without dedicated lights.
• 📂 XFCE uses Thunar for file management, and LXQt uses PCManFM; both are fast and eliminate the need for terminal-based navigation.
• 💻 Both desktops include terminal apps (XFCE Terminal and QTerminal) supporting tabs and transparency for advanced users.
• ⚙️ XFCE has a settings manager, and LXQt uses a configuration center to adjust themes, resolution, and other system settings without editing config files.
• 👥 XFCE appeals to users familiar with MacOS, Unix workstations, or older GNOME versions, while LXQt is great for Windows users transitioning to Linux.
• 🌍 Both environments are widely supported in Linux distributions: XFCE powers distros like Xubuntu and Linux Mint XFCE Edition, and LXQt is featured in Lubuntu, but can also be installed on other systems.
• 🔧 XFCE is slightly more polished with better community support and stability due to its longer history, while LXQt is ideal for those preferring a Qt-based ecosystem or KDE apps.

Q & A

What are Xfce and LXQt known for in the Linux community?

Xfce and LXQt are known for being lightweight and resource-efficient desktop environments, making them ideal for older hardware or users who prefer a simple and fast desktop experience.

When were Xfce and LXQt originally launched?

Xfce was launched in 1996 as a clone of the Common Desktop Environment (CDE), while LXQt was launched in 2013 as a continuation of the LXDE project but using the Qt toolkit.

What toolkits do Xfce and LXQt use?

Xfce uses the GTK toolkit, similar to GNOME, whereas LXQt uses the Qt toolkit, the same foundation as KDE.

How does the user interface of Xfce compare to LXQt?

Xfce has a MacOS-inspired layout with a top menu bar and a bottom dock, while LXQt has a Windows-style layout with an application menu in the bottom-left corner.

Which desktop environment is more suitable for Windows users transitioning to Linux?

LXQt is more suitable for Windows users because its interface resembles the classic Windows start menu and includes features like lock key indicators.

What file managers do Xfce and LXQt use?

Xfce uses Thunar for file management, while LXQt uses PCManFM.

What terminal applications are available in Xfce and LXQt?

Xfce offers Xfce Terminal, and LXQt provides QTerminal. Both support features like tabs and transparency.

How do Xfce and LXQt allow users to customize settings?

Xfce has the Settings Manager, and LXQt has the Configuration Center. Both allow users to tweak themes, screen resolution, and other settings without editing configuration files manually.

Which desktop environment has more mature community support and stability?

Xfce, being older, has slightly more polished community support and overall stability compared to LXQt.

Which Linux distributions feature Xfce and LXQt by default?

Xfce is featured in Xubuntu and Linux Mint Xfce Edition, while LXQt is featured in Lubuntu. Both can also be installed on other distributions like Debian or Arch Linux.

What types of users might prefer Xfce over LXQt?

Users who are fans of MacOS, Unix workstations, or older versions of GNOME might prefer Xfce for its familiar layout and polish.

What types of users might prefer LXQt over Xfce?

Users coming from Windows or those who prefer a Qt-based environment, especially if they use KDE applications, might prefer LXQt.