Ubuntu Documentation > Ubuntu 9.04 > Customizing Your Computer > Using KDE or Xfce instead of the GNOME desktop

Using KDE or Xfce instead of the GNOME desktop

This topic provides instructions on how to install and use a desktop other than the default GNOME desktop, such as KDE or Xfce.

Installing a KDE desktop

KDE is a popular, fully-featured desktop environment. Kubuntu is a version of Ubuntu which uses the KDE desktop.

To install and use KDE:

  1. Install the kubuntu-desktop package.

  2. Click the User Switcher in the top right hand corner of the screen and then press Log out to log out of Ubuntu

  3. At the log-in screen which appears, press Options → Select Session...

  4. Choose the KDE option and press Change Session

  5. Enter your username and password as normal. KDE should then start.

Installing an Xfce desktop

Xfce is a desktop environment which is designed to be fast and lightweight. Xubuntu is a version of Ubuntu which uses the Xfce desktop.

To install and use Xfce:

  1. Install the xubuntu-desktop package.

  2. Click the User Switcher in the top right hand corner of the screen and then press Log out to log out of Ubuntu

  3. At the log-in screen which appears, press Options → Select Session...

  4. Choose the Xfce option and press Change Session

  5. Enter your username and password as normal. Xfce should then start.

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