Linux Jargon

Have you seen a word on this website and wondered what it means? I will explain the common words you will see with Linux.

Distro or distribution

A type of Linux. E.g. Ubuntu, OpenSUSE, Arch Linux etc.

Desktop Environment or DE

A type of workspace for Linux. The three most popular ones are Gnome, KDE and Xfce. It is generally a group of programs that run the desktop, panel, menus, windows and basic to advanced applications.

KDE

The K Desktop Environment. KDE is a popular choice with many Linux users because it's applications are very integrated. It features many programs such as Konqueror, Dolphin, Plasma, KWrite and Konsole.

KDEmod

A modification of the default Arch Linux KDE packages to include patches and optimisations. It also includes modular or split packages so you don't have to install a full blown KDE installation.

Gnome

The GNU Network Object Model Environment. Gnome is another popular choice with Linux users because of it's simplistic interface and goals. It features many programs such as Epiphany, Nautilus, Gedit and Gnome Terminal.

Xfce

A desktop environment with very simplistic nature. It uses minimal resources and is perfect for older computers to give them a new life.

Window Manager or WM

A window manager is a application that manages the windows on a desktop environment and can also be run alone. Some window managers include Openbox, Fluxbox, Dwm, Awesome, KWin (for KDE), Metacity (for Gnome) and Xfwm (for Xfce). When window managers are run by themselves, they are very simplistic, using very little system resources. They are great for very old computers.

Package Manager

A program that manages which programs are installed. It can install and remove packages from something called repositories. Examples include pacman, apt and rpm.

Repository or repo

A set of packages normally on the internet, that can be installed by a package manager.

Any other words you don't understand? Use the contact page to ask me.