What is the Default Ubuntu Desktop Environment?
This article provides a quick overview of the default desktop environment used by the standard Ubuntu Linux distribution. It explores the history of Ubuntu’s user interface, details the current desktop environment, and explains how users can customize or change their interface if they prefer a different user experience.
The Current Default: GNOME
The standard version of Ubuntu utilizes GNOME (specifically a customized version known as the Ubuntu Desktop session) as its default desktop environment. GNOME is a modern, clean, and highly intuitive interface designed to stay out of your way while you work.
Ubuntu’s implementation of GNOME includes several distinct features to maintain its classic brand identity:
- The Ubuntu Dock: A left-aligned launcher for quick access to favorite applications and running windows.
- Appindicators: Support for system tray icons in the top bar.
- Yaru Theme: A custom visual theme featuring Ubuntu’s signature aubergine and orange color accents.
A Brief History of Ubuntu Desktops
Ubuntu has not always used GNOME. The distribution’s interface choices have evolved significantly over the years to adapt to changing design philosophies and user needs.
- Early Years (2004–2011): Ubuntu originally launched using the classic GNOME 2 desktop environment, praised for its simplicity and traditional two-panel layout.
- The Unity Era (2011–2017): Seeking a unified interface for desktops, tablets, and phones, Canonical developed its own desktop environment called Unity. This era introduced the iconic left-hand launcher sidebar.
- The Return to GNOME (2017–Present): Canonical discontinued the Unity project for the standard desktop release and transitioned back to a customized version of GNOME, combining GNOME’s modern backend stability with Unity’s familiar layout layout.
Ubuntu Flavors and Alternative Environments
While the standard Ubuntu ISO ships with GNOME, the Ubuntu ecosystem is highly flexible. Canonical officially recognizes several “flavors” of Ubuntu that come pre-packaged with different desktop environments to suit different hardware capabilities and user preferences:
| Ubuntu Flavor | Desktop Environment | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Kubuntu | KDE Plasma | High customizability and a traditional Windows-like layout. |
| Xubuntu | Xfce | Lightweight performance, ideal for older computers. |
| Lubuntu | LXQt | Extremely lightweight and energy-efficient. |
| Ubuntu MATE | MATE | A continuation of the classic GNOME 2 look and feel. |
| Ubuntu Budgie | Budgie | A sleek, modern, and elegant interface. |
Users are not locked into their initial choice. Even on standard Ubuntu, alternative desktop environments can be installed directly from the official software repositories using the terminal, allowing users to switch between interfaces at the login screen.