Xubuntu has always been well known for high performance and reliability, but with all of the latest updates, this might be the best Xubuntu release yet. As an avid user of Xubuntu, 11.04 is definitely worth the download. And like other Ubuntu derivatives there is a new release every 6 months. All packages and applications have been rigorously tested with speed in mind. After switching back to Xubuntu I immediately noticed a 10% increase in overall performance, if not more. And the Xfce desktop is always fun to use, the unique interface and subtle differences make Xubuntu 11.04 perfect for those who need a change.
Xubuntu 11.04 Features
- The Xfce 4.8 desktop has seen many improvements including enhanced menu editing options and a stylish new wallpaper.
- You can download Xubuntu in i386 or x86_64 bit versions.
- Several translation updates make Xubuntu a versatile solutions for everyone.
- Thunar is working better than ever and now has expanded functionality.
- Customize your system notifications using themes and additional options.
- The panels have been improved and are now easier to use.
- The Xfce 4.8 settings manager makes all of your settings easy find and configure.
- The application finder tool helps to quickly locate applications installed on your computer.
Xubuntu 11.04 Applications
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Xubuntu 11.04 Installation
The standard installation process is quite simple and easy to understand for new users. During installation you will have the option to review the current release notes, check for updates during installation, and to install third party packages if necessary. But aside from all of that, you can basically just click next a few times, enter your username and password, and you are finished. But of course advanced partitioning options are available for those who need it. The Xubuntu 11.04 installation slide show has also been upgraded to help keep you mildly entertained while you are waiting for it to finish.
Xubuntu 11.04 Desktop
When your installation is finished and you restart your system you will eventually arrive at the Xubuntu login screen. After you type in your username and password again you can press the login button and you will arrive at your desktop. The default desktop environment is Xfce 4.8 which just keeps getting better. The desktop has two panels, top and bottom. There is a small menu icon in your top panel where most of your applications and settings can be found. A home folder icon as well as a trash icon can be found on the desktop for convenience, and icons for media devices will appear automatically.
Xubuntu 11.04 Menus
The main menu sits in the far left of the top panel, additionally you can also open the menu by right clicking on an empty spot on your desktop background. Once your menus are customized this is one of the best Xubuntu features. It allows you to basically dispose of your panels if you prefer. The menu has several application launchers arranged into neat categories. The single menu also allows you to access your settings, install software, or logout of your machine. There is also a help button in the main menu and the Xubuntu team provides vast amounts of excellent documentation.
Xubuntu 11.04 Panels
The top panel is always present, but the bottom panel is only displayed when your mouse pointer reaches the bottom edge of the screen. The top panel contains your main menu, system notifications, a network manager icon, a clock, and a user logout button. Open windows will also be displayed in the top panel. The new and stylish bottom panel contains a show desktop button, several popular application launchers, a file manager launcher, and a trash icon. Icons for open windows will also be displayed in the launchers area of the bottom panel. Both panels are also customizable in different ways.
Xubuntu 11.04 Software
When using Xubuntu 11.04 there are a variety of different ways of installing new software. From the main menu icon in your panel you can open the Ubuntu Software Center. All of the available applications are neatly arranged into simple categories like usual, and there is a simple search bar interface at the top to quickly find what you are looking for. From the system tab inside the main menu you can also open the Synaptic package manager. You can use Synaptic to quickly search for and install applications, Synaptic can also be used to add new software repositories without much trouble.
Xubuntu 11.04 File Manager
The default file manager for Xubuntu is Thunar 1.2 which has seen many great improvements recently. The default Thunar interface is quite typical for standard file managers. The left side of the main Thunar window is the shortcuts panel. New items can be dragged into the shortcut panel at any time. The right side of the main window is where files and folders will be displayed. Above that is a path bar and a menu bar where you can find other ways of interacting with Thunar. Thunar now has improved support for connecting to external devices or networks. Thunar is also lightweight and very fast.
Xubuntu 11.04 Themes
11.04 has a massive collection themes, styles, icons, and fonts to help you create your perfect desktop environment. There are themes of various styles and colors for all of your preferences. You can reach your theme options by clicking on the menu icon in your main panel. Then click on the settings section and open the settings manager. From the settings manager window you can open the appearance category where your themes and similar settings can be found. Xubuntu is a highly customizable distribution, though Xubuntu has yet to adopt the ability to get new themes through the interface.
Xubuntu 11.04 Wallpapers
If you want to test some of the other available wallpapers you can simply by right clicking on the desktop background, then click on the setting section in your menu and open the settings manager again. Then you can select the desktop category and your wallpaper preferences window will open. Unfortunately again you cannot get new wallpapers directly through the interface as with some other Ubuntu derivatives. But there are still many elegant desktop wallpapers to choose from. And as always the standard options are available such as tiled and stretched images, or solid colors and gradients.
More Xubuntu 11.04 Details
With the release of 11.04 my opinion of Ubuntu has only improved. The lightweight software selection and efficient desktop environment make Xubuntu a fantastic choice for older computers and laptops. Xubuntu provides a powerful desktop with no 3D requierments. All said, not much is new in this release, aside from the new wallpaper that works well the the greybird theme, an updated icon theme, and the stylish droid font.
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