This Linux Distro Puts More Than 20 Desktops A Click Away

3 weeks ago

ZDNET's cardinal takeaways

Sparky Linux is simply a lightweight distribution based connected Debian 13.
With Sparky Linux, you tin instal from complete 20 desktops.
Sparky Linux is simply a awesome option, moreover for caller Linux users.

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Sparky Linux is well-known arsenic a very bully lightweight Linux distribution. Typically, Sparky defaults to nan LXQt desktop, but offers versions pinch MATE, Xfce, and KDE Plasma. When I considered testing Sparky Linux, I considered what would beryllium nan champion action for those who are caller to Linux, but besides want to use from a much lightweight distribution, truthful they tin resurrect older hardware (such arsenic those computers moving Windows 10 that do not support Windows 11).

With that successful mind, I decided to spell nan KDE Plasma route.

I for illustration KDE Plasma. I find it's nan cleanable desktop situation for those who are caller to Linux, but besides mightiness want to beryllium capable to configure their desktop nevertheless they want (and without struggle). This is simply a spot of an overseas combination, fixed that KDE Plasma isn't precisely known for being a lightweight environment. That whitethorn beryllium true, but KDE Plasma has proven itself to beryllium rather capable, moreover pinch lesser strategy resources.

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With nan operation of Sparky and KDE Plasma, I was excited to spot really it would activity out… particularly for personification caller to Linux. I downloaded nan Plasma version of Sparky Linux 8 (which is based connected Debian 13) and I wasn't disappointed.

A beautiful desktop

To beryllium honest, I was expecting a alternatively uneventful, bland return connected KDE Plasma, but recovered it to beryllium alternatively appealing. Although it whitethorn not beryllium tricked retired for illustration immoderate different Plasma-based distributions, it's not excessively shabby. The Sparky return connected KDE Plasma offers a spot of transparency, a floating panel, and (to my relief) it defaults to a ray taxable (although it does vessel pinch 3 variations of a acheronian theme). Of course, you tin besides download caller themes from nan KDE Settings app (from wrong Colors & Themes > Global Theme). I added nan Se7en Aero theme. Because I'm utilizing Sparky successful a virtual machine, I had to instal nan Guest Addons earlier I could use nan caller theme. If you for illustration nan look of a glassy desktop, you'll admit this one.

After I had nan desktop conscionable really I wanted it, it was clip to springiness nan distribution nan erstwhile and doubly over.

Out of nan box, you get each of nan apps you request to beryllium productive. You'll find LibreOffice, GIMP, Firefox, Riseup-VPN, Thunderbird, VLC media player, and more.

Browsers, browsers, browsers

If you unfastened nan Sparky Welcome app, you tin unfastened nan AppCenter, which takes a spot different attack to nan likes of GNOME Software. The Spary Aptus Appcenter places everything successful elemental categories, specified arsenic Accessories, Desktops, Development, Internet, and more.

I clicked Internet and past Web Browsers to find a ample action of options. There are acquainted browsers and ones that I've ne'er really heard of (such arsenic Blisk, Dooble, Iron, Min, Otter, and Slimjet. The default browser is Firefox ESR, but I decided to spell pinch Opera (because it's my default connected everything else). During nan installation of nan web browser, you are prompted to reply if you want to update nan caller browser on pinch your system. What this intends is that nan package head will adhd nan basal repository, specified that immoderate clip you upgrade nan software, nan caller browser will beryllium upgraded arsenic well.

Opera worked to perfection connected Sparky Linux, opening arsenic quickly arsenic immoderate different exertion (which is beautiful speedy). On apical of that, Opera offers a superb theming engine, which intends it won't consciousness bland against nan caller KDE Plasma theme.

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The Welcome app handles each upgrades. Open nan tool, click Upgrade, type your personification password, and if location are upgrades available, they'll beryllium applied. You tin moreover adhd immoderate desktop effects (such arsenic nan model descent backmost effect). To my surprise, adding immoderate desktop effects didn't origin immoderate issues pinch performance. In fact, I recovered nan capacity of KDE Plasma connected Sparky to beryllium impressive. Sure, it mightiness not beryllium rather arsenic snappy arsenic Sparky with, say, Xfce, but fixed I wanted to trial a much complete environment, I was happy to observe KDE Plasma performed for illustration a champ connected Sparky Linux.

Even much desktops

Remember nan Web Browser installer? Sparky gives desktop environments nan aforesaid treatment. Go to nan app center, click Desktops, and you'll find 27 different desktops to install, from Awesom, Budgie, CDE, Cinnamon, Enlightenment, GNOME, i3, MATE, Openbox, Sway, and more. I decided to trial this retired and instal Budgie to spot really successful it would be. After a speedy reboot, I logged into a Budgie desktop. The setup of nan Budgie desktop was beautiful bland (especially compared to my customized KDE Plasma), but Budgie allows for a batch of customizations, truthful I could tweak it arsenic overmuch arsenic I needed.

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I did find that Budge felt moreover faster than KDE Plasma, which is simply a bonus.

In nan end…

After each was said and done, my conclusion astir Sparky Linux is this: If you want a snappy desktop operating strategy that gives you nan action to prime from a batch of different browsers and environments, while besides offering nan stableness and reliability of Debian 13, Sparky makes for an outstanding option. It mightiness not beryllium nan sexiest distribution available, but I'd happily urge it for users of each types.