The Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE) is known to be one of the most excellent aesthetic-looking desktop environments created by the developers of Deepin Linux. It is often regarded too as the most beautiful desktop on Linux. For users of Ubuntu and Linux Mint, Deepin can be installed by way of UbuntuDDE and comes with all the features of the standard Deepin shell with the addition of Linux Mint/Ubuntu software center and applications instead of the Deepin application store catalog.
In the following tutorial, you will learn how to install Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE) on Linux Mint 20.
Prerequisites
- Recommended OS: Linux Mint 20 or higher.
- User account: A user account with sudo or root access.
- System Recommended Specifications:
- 2GHZ Processor or higher.
- 4GB of Ram or higher.
- 30GB of Hard-Drive space or higher
Update Operating System
Update your Linux Mint operating system to make sure all existing packages are up to date:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -yThe tutorial will be using the sudo command and assuming you have sudo status.
To verify sudo status on your account:
sudo whoamiExample output showing sudo status:
[joshua@linuxmint ~]$ sudo whoami
rootTo set up an existing or new sudo account, visit our tutorial on Adding a User to Sudoers on Linux Mint.
To use the root account, use the following command with the root password to log in.
suThe tutorial will be utilizing the terminal, and for those unfamiliar, this can be found in your show applications menu.
Example:
Install Dependecies Required
Before installing the Deepin Desktop Environment, run the following command to ensure you have the next package installed.
sudo apt install software-properties-common -yImportant Notice Before Installation
Before installing the DDE desktop environment, create backups or plans if you do not like it and want to roll back. Removing any Desktop Environment is challenging and will lead to system instabilities, and there are typically always remnant applications to remove, among other things.
Unless you have minimal system resources, having multiple desktop environments won’t hinder your system. Often people have several and switch between, and it is advised to keep all the alternative desktop environments you install or reformat your system altogether.
Do not install the following desktop environment on your Linux Mint desktop if this sounds too difficult or risky.
Install Deepin DE on Linux Mint
To begin the installation, you will need to add the UbuntuDDE PPA. This PPA is designed for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, but Linux Mint 20 is based on this release.
First, add the PPA by using the following command.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntudde-dev/stableExample output:
Before you continue further, run a quick apt update.
sudo apt-get updateNext, install Deepin using the following command.
Option 1. Install Deepin DE (Standard):
sudo apt install ubuntudde-ddeOption 2. Install Deepin DE (Full):
sudo apt install ubuntudde-dde ubuntudde-dde-extrasExample output:
Type Y, then press the ENTER KEY to proceed with the installation.
Once the installation has finished, you need to reboot your PC. This can be done quickly while you are still in your terminal using the following command.
sudo rebootFirst Look & Verifying Deepin DE
Once you have restarted your desktop, you will arrive at your login screen.
DO NOT LOG IN STRAIGHT AWAY.
First, you need to change and verify the desktop environment. This is done by clicking the configuration button, which is now located on the login screen.
Example (Click Image Expand):
Next, select “Deepin” instead of the default “Cinnamon” or the alternative desktop Linux Mint DE’s “MATE” or “Xfce”.
Example (Click Image Expand):
Once logged in, you will immediately notice a different amount of changes, including a very sleek, beautiful blue theme by default. The taskbar is now located in the middle of the screen.
Example (Click Image Expand):
Based on GNOME, the show applications screen resembles a familiar look for GNOME users.
Example (Click Image Expand):
Lastly, the control center or settings are now located nicely and cleaned in the right-hand corner and easily and quickly accessed.
Example (Click Image Expand):
But you be the judge if this style of desktop environment suits you or not.
Example Screen Lock Out (Click Image Expand):
How to Update Deepin DE Packages
Run the standard apt update && upgrade commands for future updates for the Deepin desktop environment and any default APT packages.
sudo apt updateWhen updates are available, run the standard upgrade command as you would with any other apt package.
sudo apt upgradeComments and Conclusion
In the tutorial, you have successfully learned how to install Deepin Desktop Environment on Linux Mint 20.
Overall, DDE is a great community project for those wanting a more stable and Ideal for those who want the most out of their desktops, laptops, and netbooks and prefer a traditional desktop metaphor along with brilliant performance as Deepin given the amount of front end GUI work is surprisingly swift and efficient.
For more information on using Deepin Desktop Environment with UbuntuDDE, visit the official UbuntuDDE community page.
