LXQt is a lightweight, fast, modular desktop environment for Linux operating systems. It is a fusion of the popular LXDE and Razor-Qt desktop environments and provides an efficient and user-friendly desktop environment for older or low-end hardware systems. LXQt is built using the Qt framework, making it highly customizable and extensible.
One of the main advantages of using LXQt as your desktop environment is its resource efficiency, making it a popular choice for users with older or low-spec hardware. The lightweight nature of LXQt means it consumes fewer system resources, allowing for faster and more responsive performance, even on low-end hardware.
Another advantage of using LXQt is its modular architecture. The modular design allows users to customize and modify the desktop environment to fit their needs. Users can add or remove features, change the appearance, and tweak the system to create a personalized and efficient desktop environment.
This guide will demonstrate installing LXQt on Fedora Linux using the command-line terminal. We will provide step-by-step instructions for installing and setting up LXQt as an alternative desktop environment to switch to from your existing one. By the end of this guide, you will have a working LXQt desktop environment on your Fedora Linux system, ready for customization and use.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Update Fedora
Before installing new software packages on your Fedora OS, it’s essential to ensure that your system is equipped with the latest updates and patches. Doing so can enhance system stability and security by addressing known issues and vulnerabilities.
To update your Fedora OS, launch the terminal and execute the following command:
sudo dnf upgrade --refreshWhen you run this command, it will request your password, following which it will verify any available updates and upgrade them as needed. Depending on the number of updates that require installation and the speed of your internet connection, the process may take a few minutes to complete.
Step 2: Install LXQt Desktop Environment
Before installing the LXQt desktop environment on your Fedora workstation, it’s crucial to ensure that it’s accessible and to comprehend the packages it comprises. This will assist you in deciding if LXQt is suitable for your computing requirements.
To check the availability of LXQt and the packages included in the group, launch the terminal and input the subsequent command:
sudo dnf group info "LXQt Desktop"Executing this command will present you with an exhaustive list of all the packages in the LXQt group. This data will aid you in assessing if LXQt encompasses all the applications and utilities necessary for your computing requirements.
Example output of LXQt desktop group info:
Now that you have confirmed the accessibility of LXQt and its packages, you can proceed with the installation process. Installing the LXQt desktop environment on your Fedora OS is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using the command-line terminal.
To install LXQt on your Fedora system, launch the terminal and input the subsequent command:
sudo dnf group install "LXQt Desktop"
When you execute this command, it will download and install the LXQt desktop environment and all the mandatory packages and dependencies. After the installation is finished, you will need to reboot your computer to implement the alterations.
If you intend to install supplementary packages and alternatives, such as the LXQt Office and Multimedia support groups, you can do so by running the following command:
sudo dnf group install "LXQt Desktop" "LXQt Office" "Multimedia support for LXQt" "Applications for the LXQt Desktop"
When you execute this command, it will install the LXQt desktop environment and the LXQt Office and Multimedia support groups. These packages incorporate supplementary applications and utilities that may benefit your computing requirements.
It’s essential to note that the additional packages stated in the command are voluntary and may not be necessary for all users. Before installing them, verify the packages list to confirm they fulfill your needs.
After installing the LXQt desktop environment and any supplementary packages, it’s crucial to restarting your computer to apply the alterations and guarantee that the new environment is fully operational.
To restart your computer, click on the “Activities” menu in the top left corner of your screen and select the power icon. You can choose the “Restart” option to reboot your system.
Alternatively, you can restart your computer from the terminal by executing the following command:
sudo rebootThis command will instantly reboot your computer, enabling you to apply any modifications performed during the installation process promptly.
Step 3: Log in to LXQt
After rebooting your computer, you’ll be directed to the login screen. Before logging in, it’s critical to confirm that the LXQt desktop environment has been designated as the default environment for your system. This ensures that you can access all the attributes and capabilities of LXQt.
To check if LXQt has been selected as the default desktop environment, click the configuration button next to the login button. This button may appear as a gear icon or as three vertically arranged dots, depending on your Fedora version.
Select the “LXQt Desktop” option from the configuration menu as the desktop environment. By default, Fedora may have another desktop environment selected, so it’s imperative to double-check and ensure that LXQt is the chosen option.
Once you’ve designated LXQt as the default desktop environment, you can sign in to your system and start exploring all the features and functionalities of LXQt.
Example of selecting LXDE environment:
After logging in to the LXQt desktop environment on your Fedora system, you’ll observe a sleek and simplistic interface intended to be lightweight and user-friendly. LXQt is optimized for low-resource computers, including older machines, netbooks, and embedded systems, making it a great option for users who prefer an uncomplicated computing experience.
LXQt offers various features that cater to users’ needs, including:
- A customizable panel: You can add or remove applets, adjust the panel’s position, and customize its appearance according to your preferences.
- A menu: LXQt’s menu organizes applications and system tools into categories, making locating and accessing them easier.
- A file manager: PCManFM is LXQt’s default file manager, which is fast and lightweight, yet offers essential features such as tabbed browsing, drag-and-drop functionality, and customizable shortcuts.
- A terminal emulator: LXQt includes a terminal emulator that allows users to execute command-line tasks and access system tools.
- Theming and customization: LXQt’s modular design enables users to customize the desktop environment, including changing the appearance of widgets, icons, and the window manager.
Example of LXDE UI:
Additional Tips
Remove LXDE Desktop Environment
If you wish to uninstall LXQt from your Fedora system and discontinue its usage, you can execute it via the command-line terminal. Here’s how to remove LXQt from your Fedora system:
sudo dnf group remove "LXQt Desktop"Suppose you installed any supplementary LXQt packages, such as the LXQt Office or Multimedia support groups, and desire to remove them. In that case, you can perform the task by executing the following command:
"LXQt Desktop" "LXQt Office" "Multimedia support for LXQt" "Applications for the LXQt Desktop"After uninstalling the packages, cleaning up any remaining files and dependencies is a good practice. You can accomplish this by executing the following command:
sudo dnf autoremoveThe command will remove any residual dependencies and files connected with the LXQt desktop environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the LXQt desktop environment is an excellent option for users who prefer a lightweight, fast, and customizable computing experience. Its modular architecture enables users to personalize the desktop environment according to their specific requirements, while its resource efficiency makes it an ideal choice for older or low-spec hardware.
In this guide, we have demonstrated how to install LXQt on Fedora Linux using the command-line terminal and verify and modify the default desktop environment. We have also provided instructions on removing LXQt and any additional packages you may have installed.
Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can install LXQt, explore its features and functionalities, and decide if it meets your computing needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, LXQt offers a straightforward and streamlined desktop environment that can be tailored to your preferences.
FAQs on LXQt with Fedora
Q: Is LXQt the right choice for users with low-spec hardware?
A: Yes, LXQt is designed to be a lightweight, resource-efficient desktop environment optimized for low-spec hardware. It is ideal for users with older machines, netbooks, or embedded systems.
Q: Can LXQt be customized to suit my specific requirements?
A: LXQt is highly customizable and modular, enabling users to personalize the desktop environment according to their preferences. You can change the appearance of widgets, icons, and the window manager, among other things.
Q: What are some of the popular applications that come with LXQt?
A: LXQt includes several essential applications, such as a file manager, a terminal emulator, a menu, and a customizable panel. These lightweight and fast applications offer crucial features such as tabbed browsing, drag-and-drop functionality, and customizable shortcuts.
Q: Can I use LXQt alongside other desktop environments on my Fedora?
A: Yes, it’s possible to install and use multiple desktop environments on your Fedora system, including LXQt. However, it’s essential to be mindful of potential conflicts or performance issues when running multiple desktop environments simultaneously.
Q: How do I switch back to my previous desktop environment after installing LXQt on Fedora?
A: To switch back to your previous desktop environment, you can log out of LXQt, and on the login screen, click on the gear icon or three dots arranged vertically. Select your previous desktop environment from the drop-down menu and enter your login credentials.
Q: Will uninstalling LXQt or any of its packages delete my files and data?
A: No, uninstalling LXQt or any of its packages will not delete your personal files and data. However, it may remove some applications and settings you’ve configured within LXQt. Ensure you have a backup of any critical data before proceeding with the removal process.
Q: Can I install LXQt on other Linux distributions besides Fedora?
A: Yes, LXQt is available for installation on many Linux distributions, including Debian, Ubuntu, Arch Linux, and more. The installation process may vary slightly depending on the distribution, but the overall steps should be similar to the ones outlined in this guide.
Q: Is LXQt suitable for enterprise or business environments?
A: LXQt is a lightweight and customizable desktop environment suitable for enterprise or business environments, especially those with low-spec hardware. However, it’s important to thoroughly test and evaluate LXQt to ensure that it meets your organization’s specific requirements and needs before deployment.