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How to Install LXDE on Fedora 39/38/37 Linux
Last Updated on by Joshua James
The LXDE (Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment) is a popular desktop environment known for its minimal resource usage, simplicity, and user-friendly design. It offers a compelling alternative for Fedora users currently using GNOME, particularly those looking to optimize their system’s performance or running on older hardware.
Some of the key differences between LXDE and GNOME that may entice Fedora users to consider LXDE as an alternative are:
Resource Efficiency: LXDE is designed to consume fewer system resources than GNOME, which can help improve the overall performance, especially on systems with limited hardware capabilities.
Speed: Due to its lightweight nature, LXDE tends to be faster and more responsive than GNOME, providing a snappy user experience.
Customization: LXDE offers a high level of customization, allowing users to tailor the desktop environment to their preferences, from visual appearance to menu layouts and application shortcuts.
Compatibility: LXDE is compatible with a wide range of older and newer hardware, making it a versatile choice for users with different system configurations.
Simplicity: The user interface of LXDE is straightforward and easy to navigate, making it suitable for users who prefer a clean and uncluttered desktop environment.
If you are a Fedora user seeking a lighter and more customizable desktop environment as an alternative to GNOME, LXDE is a strong contender. The guide will demonstrate how to install LXDE on Fedora Linux, allowing you to experience its benefits firsthand.
Table of Contents
Section 1: Installing LXDE on Fedora
Step 1: Update Fedora System
Before installing any new packages on your Fedora operating system, it is essential to ensure that your system is up-to-date with the latest updates and patches. This will help improve system stability and security by fixing known issues and vulnerabilities.
To update your Fedora system, open the terminal and run the following command:
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
This command will prompt you to enter your password, after which it will check for any available updates and install them if necessary. Depending on the number of updates available and the speed of your internet connection, this process may take several minutes to complete.
Step 2: Verify LXDE Availability and Packages
Before installing the LXDE desktop environment on your Fedora workstation, it is important to verify that it is available and to understand what packages it includes. This will help you to determine if LXDE is the right choice for your computing needs.
To verify the availability of LXDE and the packages included in the group, open the terminal and enter the following command:
sudo dnf group info "LXDE Desktop"
This command will provide you with a detailed list of all the packages in the LXDE group. This information will help you determine if LXDE includes all the applications and utilities required for your computing needs.
Now that you have verified the availability of LXDE and its packages, you can proceed with the installation process. Installing the LXDE desktop environment on your Fedora system is a simple process that can be completed using the command-line terminal.
To install LXDE on your Fedora system, open the terminal and enter the following command:
sudo dnf group install "LXDE Desktop"
This command will download and install the LXDE desktop environment and all the necessary packages and dependencies. Once the installation is complete, you must restart your computer to apply the changes.
If you want to install additional packages and options, such as the LXDE Office and Multimedia support groups, you can do so using the following command:
sudo dnf group install "LXDE Desktop" "LXDE Office" "Multimedia support for LXDE"
This command will install the LXDE desktop environment and the LXDE Office and Multimedia support groups. These packages include additional applications and utilities that may be useful for your computing needs.
It is essential to note that the additional packages listed in the command are optional and may not be necessary for all users. Check the packages list before installing them to ensure they meet your requirements.
Step 4: Restart Your Computer
After installing the LXDE desktop environment and any additional packages, it is important to restart your computer to apply the changes and ensure that the new environment is fully functional.
To restart your computer, click on the “Activities” menu in the top left corner of your screen and select the power icon. From there, you can choose the “Restart” option to reboot your system.
Alternatively, you can restart your computer from the terminal by entering the following command:
sudo reboot
This command will immediately restart your computer, allowing you to quickly apply any changes made during the installation process.
Section 2: Logging in to LXDE Desktop Environment
Step 1: Verify LXDE as Default Environment
After restarting your computer, you will arrive at the login screen. Before logging in, it is important to verify that the LXDE desktop environment has been selected as the default environment for your system. This will ensure that you can access all the features and functionalities of LXDE.
To verify that LXDE has been selected as the default desktop environment, click on the configuration button next to the sign-in button. This button may appear as a gear icon or as three dots arranged vertically, depending on your version of Fedora.
From the configuration menu, select the “LXDE” option as the desktop environment. By default, Fedora may have another desktop environment selected, so it is important to double-check and ensure that LXDE is the chosen option.
Step 2: Log in to LXDE
Once you have selected LXDE as the default desktop environment, you can log in to your system and begin exploring all the features and functionalities of LXDE. Enter your username and password, and then click the sign-in button to access the LXDE desktop environment.
Upon logging in, you will be greeted by the LXDE desktop, where you can start customizing the environment, launching applications, and taking advantage of the lightweight and efficient features that LXDE has to offer.
Section 3: Getting Started with the LXDE Desktop Environment on Fedora Linux
This section will discuss some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the LXDE desktop environment on Fedora Linux. These tips will cover general usage, customization, and other essential aspects of the LXDE experience.
General Tips
Access the LXDE main menu: Right-click anywhere on the desktop to access the main menu. From here, you can launch applications, access settings, and manage your system.
Manage open windows: Use the taskbar at the bottom of the screen to manage your open windows, switch between applications, and access the system tray.
Open a terminal: Press Ctrl + Alt + T to quickly open a terminal window. You can use the terminal to execute commands, manage files, and perform various tasks.
Customization Tips
Change the desktop wallpaper: Right-click on the desktop, then select “Desktop Preferences” to access the wallpaper settings. Here, you can choose a new wallpaper and adjust other desktop appearance settings.
Customize the panel: Right-click on the panel, then select “Panel Settings” to access the panel configuration options. You can change the panel’s size, position, and appearance, and add or remove applets.
Configure application shortcuts: Right-click on the desktop, then select “Create Launcher” to create a new application shortcut. You can customize the launcher’s icon, name, and command.
Adjust system settings: Click on the “Preferences” category in the main menu to access various system settings. Here, you can configure keyboard and mouse settings, display settings, and more.
If you decide that you no longer want to use LXDE on your Fedora system and would like to remove it, you can do so by using the command-line terminal. Follow the steps below to remove LXDE from your Fedora system:
Uninstall LXDE: Run the following command to remove the LXDE desktop environment:
sudo dnf group remove "LXDE Desktop"
Remove additional LXDE packages: If you installed any additional LXDE packages, such as the LXDE Office or Multimedia support groups, you can remove them with the following command:
sudo dnf group remove "LXDE Office" "Multimedia support for LXDE"
Clean up leftover files and dependencies: After removing the LXDE packages, cleaning up any leftover files and dependencies is a good idea. Execute the following command to do so:
sudo dnf autoremove
This command will eliminate any remaining dependencies and files associated with the LXDE desktop environment. Do not forget to reboot your system afterward.
Conclusion: Installing LXDE on Fedora
In conclusion, installing the LXDE desktop environment on Fedora Linux is a straightforward process that can provide a lightweight and customizable desktop experience. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily set up LXDE on your Fedora system, tailor it to your preferences, and start enjoying its various features and functionalities.
Additional Resources and Links
For further information and support, you can consult the following official resources:
LXDE Official Website: Visit the LXDE project’s official website to learn more about the desktop environment, its goals, and its features.
LXDE on GitHub: Explore the LXDE project’s source code and contribute to its development on GitHub.
