Lubuntu vs. Xubuntu - a comparison

Do you want to equip your PC with a new operating system but have not yet decided? We give you a small comparative overview of the Linux distributions "Lubuntu" and "Xubuntu" in the following article.

Lubuntu vs. Xubuntu - what's the difference?

Compared to Ubuntu, Lubuntu and Xubuntu are even leaner operating systems, which are particularly suitable for older computers with poorer hardware. They also use different user interfaces. How they differ:

• Xubuntu uses the Xfce interface, which can be configured quite well and individually. Compared to Ubuntu, it uses less memory and works at a higher speed. Xubuntu is particularly suitable for those switching from Windows XP.
• In contrast, Lubuntu uses the LXDE interface. which is characterized by a particularly energy-saving and fast desktop environment. The few dependencies between the individual components or programs are responsible for this.
• The main difference between the two versions is the less required main memory, disk space and processor capacity in contrast to Ubuntu. If you want to set up a weaker computer, you are well advised to use both Lubuntu and Xubuntu. The user interface is more a matter of taste and depends on individual needs.

Standard applications from Lubuntu and Xubuntu - An overview

Xubuntu and Lubuntu also differ minimally in their standard applications. This is, for example, the browser or the text editor with which the corresponding version is already equipped as standard after installation. However, you can install your own favorite programs without problems.

• Both versions are equipped with the Abiword office suite and the Gnumeric spreadsheet. LibreOffice can be installed here as an OpenOffice variant.
• As with most Linux operating systems, the standard browser is Firefox, with Lubuntu Chromium is sometimes also supplied as a Google Chrome browser variant. The PDF viewer is Evince in both versions and the preinstalled instant messenger is Pidgin.
• The video playback has the player Parole ready for Xubuntu, Lubuntu comes with the GNOME MPlayer.
• The main differences are in the file manager (Thunar = Xubuntu; PCMan File Manager = Lubuntu). Xubuntu uses the Gmusic browser for audio playback, while Lubuntu uses Audacious.
• Ristretto is the standard installed image viewer from Xubuntu, Lubuntu brings GPicview.

If you are also interested in a comparison between Ubuntu and Linux Mint, we recommend another practical tip.