What is Xubuntu?
If you are familiar with Linux based operating systems, Ubuntu might be familiar to you. Xubuntu is a light-weight, faster, and highly customizable flavor of Ubuntu. These features make Xubuntu the favorite choice for those who require both performance and functionality. Xubuntu is based on the Xfce desktop environment. When compared with Ubuntu, Xubuntu requires lesser resources. For this particular reason, developers running older hardware or minimalistic setups prefer Xubuntu over Ubuntu.
In this guide, we will list out the features of Xubuntu so that you will know if this should be your choice, and then move towards installation guide and configuration.
Should You Install Xubuntu?
Xubuntu is primarily built for users who need a light-weight operating system without losing out on most of the Ubuntu features. Here are some of the key features:
- Resource efficiency: Itrequires fewer resources than its parent Ubuntu and many other Linux based operating systems. Hence, this operating system suits both older and modern devices.
- Customizable: The Xfce desktop environment allows easy customization of icons, layouts, and themes.
- Ubuntu based: It comes with most benefits of Ubuntu like stability, software and package availability, and an excellent community.
Before Installing Xubuntu
If you have decided to install Xubuntu, make sure you have:
- Basic hardware capacity (1GB RAM, 20GB disk space, and at least 1GHz processor)
- A stable internet connection
- A bootable USB drive (or DVD if you still have them around) with Xubuntu installation files
Steps to Download Xubuntu
- Head to the official site of Xubuntu.
- Go to the downloads section.
- Select the preferred version. Prefer the latest LTS version for long term support but also keep an eye on the compatibility with your system.
- Click the download link to get the Xubuntu ISO file. This is required to create a bootable installation media.
How to Create a Bootable USB Drive
You will have to create a bootable USB drive with the ISO file downloaded at the previous step to install Xubuntu on your device. Here is how you can install Xubuntu on a Linux machine.
Insert the USB drive to connect the USB drive to your computer.
Execute the following command:
sudo dd if=PathToXubuntu.iso of=USBDriveName bs=4M
Replace “PathToXubuntu.iso” with the path where the ISO file is kept and USBDriveName with the name of the USB drive.
How to Install Xubuntu
- Insert the bootable USB device into your intended device and restart it. While the boot menu key changes with each device it is usually F12, F2, ESC, or the DEL key.
- In the boot menu key, select the USB drive.
- Once the live environment loads, click Install Xubuntu.
- Select the language of your choice and then click continue.
- Connect to an available internet connection to let Xubuntu download the latest and necessary updates.
- Opt for Normal Installation as the installation type to allow only the essential tools. This includes a browser, media player, and office tools.
- Opt for Minimal Installation to allow only the basic applications. This means you have to install other software later manually.
- In the Set Partitioning option, select Erase Disk and Install Xubuntu, if you are installing Xubuntu as the only OS.
- In the Set Partitioning option, select Something Else, to allow custom partitioning. This lets you choose dual-booting or need more control over the disk.
- Enter your username, password, and device name to create a user profile. You can also select if you would like to log in automatically or require a password (recommended).
- Review all the settings and then click “Install Now”.
Xubuntu will start installing and when the prompt comes, you can safely remove the USB drive. After the installation is complete, restart the device, log in and start using Xubuntu.
How to Configure Xubuntu Device
Once the installation is complete, you can tweak a few settings to customize the device to your preferences. This can include updating the operating system, customizing settings, and installing software and other applications.
How to Update Your Xubuntu Device
Keeping an up-to-date device is a great way to ensure your device’s optimal performance. Execute this command to ensure your device is updated:
sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade
How to Customize Xubuntu Desktop Environment
The Xfce desktop allows a great extent of customization. Here are some ways you can use Xubuntu to customize according to your needs.
- Right-click the panel to add or remove applets and to adjust their locations.
- Navigate to Settings and then to Appearance to change the themes and icons of your device.
How to Install Applications on Xubuntu
Though Xubuntu comes with the basic applications, you can install additional tools as well. Here are a few commonly used applications and how to install them.
How to Install Firefox in Xubuntu
Firefox browser is just Unixmen’s suggestion. If you prefer, you can install other browsers like Chrome as well. Execute the command:
sudo apt install firefox
How to View Media Files in Xubuntu
Unixmen’s suggestion for a media player is VLC, a versatile media player that supports most of the media files. To install VLC in the device, execute the command:
sudo apt install vlc
Office Suite Installation
Unixmen recommends LibreOffice, a comprehensive office suite, as the preferred Office suite. To install LibreOffice in your device, execute the command:
sudo apt install libreoffice
How to Set Up Firewall
For improved security posture, always keep the Firewall enabled in your device. Execute this command to enable the firewall:
sudo ufw enable
Wrapping Up
Xubuntu comes with the robustness and time-tested efficiency of Ubuntu and the lightweight of the Xfce desktop environment. This makes it the excellent choice for many users who prefer light-weight operating systems. Xubuntu is highly resource efficient and user-friendly. With this guide, we hope you installed the OS with ease and have started exploring its capabilities. Whether you just fired up an old device and played around or you are looking for a light-weight OS for dual-boot option, Xubuntu is a great option.
