How to Select Desktop Environments During Installation on Debian 12 "Bookworm"

Selecting the appropriate desktop environment (DE) during the installation of Debian 12 “Bookworm” is a crucial step that shapes your user experience. Debian offers a variety of desktop environments, each with its own unique features and aesthetics. This guide will walk you through the process of selecting a desktop environment during the installation of Debian 12, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and system requirements.

Understanding Desktop Environments

A desktop environment provides the graphical interface you interact with on your computer. It includes elements like the file manager, window manager, panels, and system settings. Debian 12 offers several desktop environments, including:

• GNOME: The default DE for Debian, known for its modern and minimalist design.
• KDE Plasma: Offers a highly customizable and feature-rich experience.
• Xfce: Lightweight and fast, suitable for older hardware.
• Cinnamon: Provides a traditional desktop layout with a modern touch.
• MATE: A continuation of the classic GNOME 2 interface.
• LXDE: Extremely lightweight, ideal for systems with limited resources.
• LXQt: The Qt-based counterpart of LXDE, offering a lightweight experience.

Selecting a Desktop Environment During Installation

During the installation of Debian 12, you have the opportunity to choose your preferred desktop environment. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start the Installation Process

• Boot your system using the Debian 12 installation media.
• Proceed through the initial setup steps, including language selection, location, and keyboard configuration.

2. Configure the Package Manager

• Set up the network and configure the package manager by selecting an appropriate mirror.

3. Software Selection

• When you reach the “Software selection” screen, you’ll see a list of desktop environments.
• By default, the “Debian desktop environment” is selected, which installs GNOME if no other DE is chosen.

4. Choose Your Preferred Desktop Environment

• To install a different DE, uncheck “Debian desktop environment” and select your desired option (e.g., KDE Plasma, Xfce, Cinnamon).
• You can select multiple environments if you wish to have more than one installed.

5. Proceed with Installation

• After making your selection, continue with the installation process.
• The installer will install the chosen desktop environment(s) along with other selected software.

Post-Installation: Switching Between Desktop Environments

If you’ve installed multiple desktop environments, you can switch between them at the login screen:

1. At the Login Screen

• Before entering your password, look for a session menu or gear icon.
• Click on it to reveal a list of available desktop environments.

2. Select Your Desired Environment

• Choose the desktop environment you want to use for the session.
• Enter your password and log in.

This flexibility allows you to experience different interfaces and workflows, helping you determine which DE best suits your needs.

Installing a Desktop Environment After Installation

If you opted for a minimal installation or decided to change your desktop environment after installation, you can install a new DE using the tasksel utility or apt package manager:

1. Using Tasksel

• Open a terminal and run:

  sudo tasksel
  

• A graphical interface will appear, allowing you to select and install desktop environments.

2. Using Apt

• For GNOME:

  sudo apt install task-gnome-desktop
  

• For KDE Plasma:

  sudo apt install task-kde-desktop
  

• Replace gnome or kde with your desired DE’s name.

After installation, reboot your system to access the new desktop environment.

Considerations When Choosing a Desktop Environment

When selecting a desktop environment, consider the following factors:

• System Resources: Lighter DEs like Xfce or LXDE are suitable for older or less powerful hardware.
• User Experience: Choose a DE that aligns with your workflow and aesthetic preferences.
• Software Compatibility: Some applications are tailored for specific desktop environments.

By carefully selecting your desktop environment during the Debian 12 installation, you can tailor your system to provide an optimal and personalized user experience.