Which should I install? Ubuntu, Kubuntu, or Xubuntu?

**BlazeFire247** · August 3rd, 2009

I recently reformatted Windows, and now I'm using Wubi to reinstall Ubuntu. The thing is, I see the Desktop Environment and see others like Kubuntu and Xubuntu. What's the difference?

**wojox** · August 3rd, 2009

They are different Desktop Environments. You can install all of them by searching synaptic and downloading. Then when booting into ubuntu pick a different session.

**MichealH** · August 3rd, 2009

Ubuntu - GNOME.
Kubuntu - KDE.
Xubuntu - Ubuntu just lightweight and Fast.

But if you want KDE you dont have to get Kubuntu just goto Syntaptic and download Kubuntu-desktop then logout goto Options/Settings at the bottom left select sessions and the KDE then if you dont like KDE just do the same and uninstall Kubuntu-desktop if u like KDE and then Uninstall Ubuntu-desktop.

**binbash** · August 3rd, 2009

Search for screenshots of those Desktop Environments on google, then install the one you like.

**rsiddharth** · August 3rd, 2009

If you have powerful computer then consider between Kubuntu and ubuntu , If you have a slow and ' no so powerful ' computer then consider Xubuntu , as MichealH said ,Xubuntu is " Ubuntu just lightweight and Fast " .

The following link makes comparison between KDE and GNOME Desktop Environment , there is also some more information which you may find of use in this site .

The Link : http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/kdegnome

**braete** · August 3rd, 2009

kubuntu is more visual appealing and does a lot of neat things.
it also demands a little more on the hardware side.
you might like the way it looks but i STRONGLY suggest you to avoid it, it's buggy as hell

ubuntu is the real deal. it has a clean look, and, thanks to compiz, you can make it more "sparkly". it runs ok even on relatively older hardware.

xubuntu is almost exactly as ubuntu but more light on hardware.
if you where without any knowledge about ubuntu i dont think you could find any notable difference between it and ubuntu.
if you have low amounts of ram (256 or less) this should be ur choice.

i tried them all and always found myself turning to ubuntu cuz kubuntu is full of buggs and because(for some strange reasons O_o) i like more nautilus more than thunar (the file managers in these 2 OS, the explorer if you like)

edit: and yeah as MichealH said after install you can just go to synaptic and easily install any of the other 2 desktops and switch between them in the login screen