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ZDNET key takeaways
Xfce is a lightweight Linux desktop.
Both Fedora and Ubuntu offer Xfce versions.
Although both are great, one version is best.
Xfce doesn't get enough love. I believe one reason is that the desktop environment typically defaults to a mostly old-school look and feel. Although Xfce tries to be modern, it lives in the shadows of desktops like COSMIC, Budgie, and KDE Plasma.
For many who have yet to experience Xfce, one of the things you'll almost instantly discover is that it is one of the most flexible desktops on the market. There's almost nothing you can't do with it. If you like a traditional panel, you've got it. If you prefer a dock, Xfce can do it. Maybe a dock and a top panel? Sure. Two side panels? Heck, yeah. I've tweaked Xfce until it was like nothing I'd ever seen before on a PC desktop. This customization is fun.
Also: The best Linux distros for beginners
At the same time, because of that flexibility, Xfce can be a bit daunting. That's why I typically refer users to one of two different distributions that default to Xfce: Fedora Xfce and Xubuntu. Obviously, these two distributions have different bases (Fedora and Ubuntu). Along with those foundations, Xfce offers some subtle and some not-so-subtle differences.
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