Thoughts on XPDE?

[akurashy]

XPDE is a desktop envirioment that "simulates" Windows XP UI, I been thinking, maybe it might be good idea for users that never have used linux, I mean they can experience more from the same UI but different system(linux of course)

anyway!, what are your thoughts about XPDE

(Link: http://xpde.com )

[JimmyJazz]

lets face it, all you need to make gnome into a windows XP style OS is to take the menu and put it on the bottom left side of the screen and then place the clock on the bottom right and magic it looks a whole lot like windows, these are things even monkeys can do. Perhaps these people should focus on making a new and more inovative way of using an OS rather than giving people a crutch to walk on.

[Malphas]

I've looked at it before but it makes better sense to me to use a more stable mainstream DE like Gnome or KDE. By the looks of it XPDE is still in beta and doesn't seem to be in active development, or hasn't been updated recently in any case.

[23meg]

Normal case: The politically correct me
Italics: Inner voice

Cool. (Disgusting!) It's good for whoever wants to use it. (This will fool people into thinking Linux is Windows with some different inner structure) Good to know it exists as an option. (Lame..) It can at least help a few complete newbies do the transition, so while I don't find it aesthetically pleasing (UGLY) and wouldn't recommend it to anyone (Use Windows if you want a Windows look.. Or Linspire) it's still good to know people put thought into aesthetics for newcomers in special (put that energy and time into introducing them to Gnome instead?)

[Wolki]

I'm wary of anything that tries to completely copy the look of another thing. Try to make different things too similar, and you'll only make the differences stronger.

[DimaIL]

If people is using Xp's style, using Xp's programs through Wine, why they are using Linux at all??
Very unnecessary...

Dima

[fuscia]

if you can't get kicked in the nuts, go for the next best thing.

[Stormy Eyes]

I've seen this before. I'm still not impressed. If you want Windows, you know where to find it.

[xaque]

Normal case: The politically correct me
Italics: Inner voice

You seem to have a problem with multiple personalities. (He's a freak!) :p

Anyways, I don't think there's really a need for something like XPDE. I set up my family with an Ubuntu machine, and none of them know any more about technology than a piece of toast does. I just did what JimmyJazz suggested, and stuck the menu bar at the bottom of the screen. Now, instead of thinking they're using Windows and wondering why it looks so weird, they know they're using Linux, and they love it.

[Malphas]

Use Windows if you want a Windows look..
If you want Windows, you know where to find it.
This is an illogical argument. You're acting as if the GUI is all there is to the OS, when in fact it's one of the least important factors (when we're talking about subtle differences like the ones between Gnome, KDE, and XPDE). You're saying someone should use Windows simply because they happen to prefer the interface, regardless of what they think of the other, more important factors, such as cost, stability, performance, philosophy etc.? And that this is preferable to any attempt made to make or customise a DE that has similarities with the Windows GUI?

Perhaps not in this case, but in general all these people harping on about unique Linux is and how it's a sin to do anything at all that draws inspiration from another operating system don't seem to realise that GNU/Linux itself was basically a project to clone UNIX. These pseudo-elitist attitudes are naive and unconstructive.

[23meg]

That's exactly why I didn't censor my other side that thought otherwise. I'm not at all fond of lookalikes, but on such matters as transition and the aesthetics related to it, I feel we can all be a bit forgiving (But how about all the "Linux isn't Windows" talk?). Linux is Linux no matter how you dress it, and it doesn't matter to me if Joe Bloggs dresses his Linux like Windows. The good thing is that he has the choice, and so do I.

[Stormy Eyes]

These pseudo-elitist attitudes are naive and unconstructive.

So is the idea that one can draw Windows users away from Windows and towards Linux just by aping Microsoft's crappy interface. I don't respect XPDE, I don't support it, and I will not recommend it. If people want to use it, that's their problem; I just think it's a foolish idea.

[fuscia]

So is the idea that one can draw Windows users away from Windows and towards Linux just by aping Microsoft's crappy interface.

i can't imagine people stay with windows just because of its lovely appearance. people stay with windows for the same reason strindberg suggested some people get homesick for places they hated: fear of the unknown. unless it's exactly the same, just looking like it is not enough. in their fearful minds, shaping dogshit like a snickers bar is not enough to make them switch.

(wtf? i need to stop drinking breakfast.)

[asimon]

I am not sure this really helps (it would be interesting to do some real usability studies and compare it to gnome or kde). There are already themes for your favourite window environment to get the look of Windows. Does this help people?
I think it doesn't help at all. With XPDE the user still has a problem with the 20$ scanner he just buyed. Plugg it in, and the driver disc which it came with doesn't help him on XPDE at all. This propritary video stream does still not work in his browser under XPDE. No, this 'simulation' is restricted on window decorations, colours, i.e. looks. But most usability studies show other problems which users have under Linux. But if people want a windows xp look on their free desktop then I am the last to be against it. Use whatever you like.

[Darrin]

I wouldnt have any interest in something like this. Linspire is the best thing out there for newbies that are looking for something similar to windows xp. My wife and daughter have been using linspire and they state that its easier for them. But Im sure Xpde will get some users who will be happy with it. Thats fine also.

[Malphas]

So is the idea that one can draw Windows users away from Windows and towards Linux just by aping Microsoft's crappy interface. I don't respect XPDE, I don't support it, and I will not recommend it. If people want to use it, that's their problem; I just think it's a foolish idea.
No I wouldn't recommend XPDE either, and I don't use it. But the idea that anyone that's switching to Linux for whatever reason out of the magnitude of ones out there, but is familiar with - or just prefers - the Windows interface and would like to use something similar in Linux should "just use Windows" is absurd.

[Brunellus]

PHLAK (http://www.phlak.org) use XPDE as a "sneaky" mode--it allows a PHLAK user to boot up and use PHLAK and all its penetration tools and not attract undue attention from passers-by.

[Lovechild]

I think the Firefox advocates should start using XPde, all their arguments of familiarity of the interface should apply here.

In other word I think XPde is a waste of my time.

[aysiu]

I can sort of see Stormy Eyes' position, but I don't know if it applies to XPDE. I do see quite often people wanting to try so hard to make Ubuntu Windows that they probably are better off using Windows.

Malphas has a point, though--there's far more to an operating system than its appearance and interface. My wife says I should get a Mac because I like Aqua themes in Ubuntu, but I like the interface and the look, not the behavior of OS X. Likewise, some people may like the behavior of Ubuntu but not the look of it.

Personally, I think Windows' look is ugly. People are entitled to disagree, though.

[akurashy]

Thanks everyone for posting their thoughts and opinions! :)

Well if someone is wondering, no I don't use it nor I'm thinking of installing it. It would be a waste of time for me, I always loved Gnome and I will stick to it.

[jnoreiko]

XPDE may be in beta, but it does at least one thing GNOME can't: transparent icon dragging!
(http://xpde.com/shots/trans.png)

Strange as it sounds, some people LIKE the XP look.
Though I'm not sure how good XPDE will be for them. As soon as they start using apps they'll find a differerent interface.

[akurashy]

weird :|, XPDE makes me feel like using XFCE

[jdong]

Interface is interesting... whatever, if you like XP's interface, cool. I don't really care about that :)

However, it's made little/primitive effort towards building a full DESKTOP ENVIRONMENT with the type of groundwork that GNOME, KDE (heck even XFCE) has, and that's where XPDE's main weakness lies.

[poofyhairguy]

I think the Firefox advocates should start using XPde, all their arguments of familiarity of the interface should apply here.


Except that Firefox is an adequate piece of software and XPde is lacking. I can guess what it would do if I plugged my pen driver in....

[mcduck]

XPDE and BSOD screensaver.. All that windows-user needs to feel familiar with Linux ;)

No, seriously, I think it's good that such thing exists for those who like XP's interface. But I wouldn't even test that, nor would I recommend it to anybody I know. All windows-users I know have loved Gnome, and I also think it's better to have different UI for different OS. I have never liked any windows UI, for 3.11 I switched it to Clysbar, and for 98 and 2k I used Litestep, altough 2k isn't really that bad, only ugly. It's XP that I really hate. Not only how it looks but also how it works..

[steveneddy]

OK - why didn't anyone tell the person starting the post how or where to install XPde? Everyone started telling him/her that they didn't like it, that it shouldn't look like Windows or you suck. The typical linux forum BS.

Tell him how to install alternate windows managers, like XPde, or don't post. I had the same question and I use Gnome, KDE and Fluxbox......but was interested in XPde just to play with.

I am so tired of looking for answers on the forum where it is so difficult to get an answer without the opinions. Unless asked for an opinion, please don't give. I personally could care less whether or not you like a particular aspect or windows manager or application, I may just want to install it in the proper place so the OS works properly and i can play with my new toy.



The man pages aren't clear as to where these types of programs need to be installed, and how exactly, so al ittle help would be nice every once in a while.

At least point someone in the right direction.

:)

EDIT:
OK then, never mind.....k?

[briancurtin]

where did the OP even ask how to install it or anything like that? hes just asking our thoughts, and later he even said that he doesnt have a use for such a thing. thanks for reading the thread.

[fuscia]

OK - why didn't anyone tell the person starting the post how or where to install XPde? Everyone started telling him/her that they didn't like it, that it shouldn't look like Windows or you suck. The typical linux forum BS.

check out the thread title, chief. LOL!

[xequence]

I dont see why it is needed. The XP interface is easily mimicable and isnt anything special (like the mac GUI is).

If you depend on the XP GUI so extremly much you are better off with windows XP. The gnome/kde gui isnt that hard to use, and its not so crazily radical...

The typical linux forum BS.

The person asked our opinions on XPDE, not how to use XPDE.

[Kvark]

If it looks just like XP then users will expect it to work just like XP. Then users will get confused when they can't do everything in the same way as they did on XP and when they can't find C:, My Documents, Microsoft Word or Internet Explorer.

If it looks different then users will be prepared on that it is different and will feel less confused over that they can't use the same programs and do everything in the same way as they did on XP.

[mstlyevil]

My personal take on this is if you want the XP interface then just use XP. IMHO Gnome, KDE and XFCE can be made to look much nicer than the Luna interface on XP. Why stick with the same old same old when you have the ability with Linux to have a slick desktop that is all your own and reflects your personality.

[UbuWu]

The last release was August 21st 2004... no development after that...

[mstlyevil]

The last release was August 21st 2004... no development after that...

I just can not figure out why they never got popular. {/sarcasm}

[steveneddy]

check out the thread title, chief. LOL!

OK - whatever.......don't get your panties in a twist, ok?

[skunkpit]

i just installed this out of boredom to see what its about

and just the desktop background alone

made me almost lose my lunch

so many horrid memories

trying to fix my girlfriends xp install from a trojan

i finally fix everything.. but there was a permanent problem with the ntfs file system.. no amounts of defragmentation with the os loaded or not could fix the order of that file system

contemplating formatting.. then said "**** IT"
your using linux
period.

started her on gentoo she was getting the hang of some aspects, but mainly asked me how to do stuff

i recently started learning more about ubuntu/debian then switched her to ubuntu dapper now she's learning a bit more and isnt as intimidated

sorry i gradually strayed off topic here

[Fred Doolie]

think it's better to have different UI for different OS.

Exactly. If I were to sit my XP-Loving daughter in front of my Linux system and try to teach her Linux I'd use any GUI except XPde. That way she'd be working with a different OS that *looks* like a different OS. I can just hear her if I used XPde: "Your Windows XP is way messed up! Nothing works right! "

To paraphrase (and mangle) an old saying:
Gnome (KDE, Xfde, JWM....) looks like a duck and quacks like a duck. XPde looks like a duck and moos like a cow".

[aysiu]

In case anyone's curious what the lack-of-fuss is about, I wrote a quick install script for XPDE in Ubuntu:

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/xpde

I also give uninstall commands... because you'll probably want to uninstall it right after you look at it. It's not even a good XP imitation, honestly. The icons still look very KDE.