Linux Lite Forums

General => Off Topic => Topic started by: nomko on January 23, 2016, 07:30:11 AM

Title: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: nomko on January 23, 2016, 07:30:11 AM
Beside the usage of the same desktop environment, what is basically the main difference between Linux Lite and Xubuntu? In what way does Linux Lite differ from let's say Mint Xfce, Xubuntu and other Debian/Ubuntu derivatives using Xfce?
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Coastie on January 23, 2016, 10:17:34 AM
For my non-technical response, it has to be the great support of the developer, Jerry, and others on this forum. As you have already seen at http://www.linuxliteos.com/forums/installing-linux-lite/liteos-based-on-ubuntu-means/msg20382/#msg20382 (http://www.linuxliteos.com/forums/installing-linux-lite/liteos-based-on-ubuntu-means/msg20382/#msg20382) ;D

There is no Xubuntu forum and the Xubuntu users get lost in the Ubuntu forum. With Mint you may have a similar problem because it is only one of the many DE it offers. I let others provide more technical reasons.
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: nomko on January 23, 2016, 10:33:23 AM
I've seen his response, but just adding a bit more than the distro you derive from to have a better support or working system out-of-the-box doesn't create a brand new linux distro.  When i set up Xubuntu with everything working out of the box, change the default theme and icon set to the one Linux Lite is using i have basically the same distro but without any extra repositorirs to turn Xubuntu into Linux Lite.

IMHO, any distro using an existing distro to derive from doesn't add anything new to the Linux world.
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: avj on January 23, 2016, 10:46:58 AM
Perhaps you should drive it around the block a few times and get a feel for what it actually is.  :)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: rokytnji on January 23, 2016, 11:10:28 AM
Never Mind.

Happy Trailz, Rok
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: nomko on January 23, 2016, 11:38:14 AM
Perhaps you should drive it around the block a few times and get a feel for what it actually is.  :)
I actually did that with many Ubuntu based distro's and at the end they all feel the same to me. At this point i'm running Mint 17.3 Xfce on my laptop while my daughter is using Mint 17.2 Xfce. But i feel it is lagging a bit and doesn't really run well on it. But basically, it doesn't matter which package does come pre-installed or extra added like Mint or Linux Lite, under the bonnet they all use Ubuntu. So, that's why i am very suspicious when a new distro calls itself the latest/newest/fresh distro outthere.

Beside my above arguments, i don't see any obstacles not using Linux Lite on my daughter's laptop though. So, i'll give it a try.
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Jerry on January 23, 2016, 03:42:16 PM
Specifics aside, it boils down to choice. Some are pro-choice in the linux world, some are not. This is a good thing. I get asked this question everytime I do an interview online. I certainly won't get into an us vs them discussion. It's one better left to the users to point out the differences, why they chose one over the other. This becomes the difference in the end :)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: nomko on January 23, 2016, 04:09:03 PM
Ofcourse it's all about choice, but can you call it a choice if you only have a few major desktop environments and dozens of desktop themes based on those few desktop environments and after changing the main theme call it another distro? That's not a choice, that's merely posting your own theme of a major desktop environment. Ofcourse i agree with you, it's all about choices.

So, for now... my daughter is going to test Linux Lite for me :D
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Lynne on January 23, 2016, 06:24:21 PM
Ofcourse it's all about choice, but can you call it a choice if you only have a few major desktop environments and dozens of desktop themes based on those few desktop environments and after changing the main theme call it another distro? That's not a choice, that's merely posting your own theme of a major desktop environment. Ofcourse i agree with you, it's all about choices.

So, for now... my daughter is going to test Linux Lite for me :D

I wonder now, just why you haven't had a go at making up a brand new working OS with exactly what you want in it and letting it "out there" in the OS world? I wonder if you wouldn't use some, if not all, of the "free" code available to you to put together an operating system that is "more than" or "better than" or "totally all complete"?

It is all about choice(s) and this OS is exactly what my little old HP laptop needs after using windoze, then other linux programs till finally migrating from Ubuntu 14.04 LTS to Linux Lite. I bought this laptop in 2010 and it is performing well for me, especially now with LL installed.

I hope your daughter will find her experience with LL one of ease and comfort, where she can use her computer enjoyably.

...  8)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: N4RPS on January 24, 2016, 09:47:12 AM
Hello!

No one Linux distro can be everything to everyone. Those that try to be don't seem to last long.

Since you've been using Mint, you might want to try Pepperrmint. its minimalistic approach will make it easier to make it into something more suitable for you.

Linux Lite is designed to minimize the 'learning curve' for users transitioning from Windows to Linux, while using less CPU/RAM resources than Ubuntu/Kubuntu/Xubuntu to do so. Sure, there are versions of Linux that use even fewer resources than LL - at the price of a considerably higher learning curve. Seems that their level of difficulty is inversely proportional to how fast they are...

73 DE N4RPS
Rob
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Wirezfree on January 24, 2016, 12:31:50 PM
Why do people buy an Audi A1, which is based on a VW Polo(Fox) chasis/floor plan or Buy certain Seat's which are based on VW Golf chassis/floor plan.?
Some go for the name, some for added extras, some for reliability and some for cost or any those variants... Each to their own needs & wants

I could have persevered with a whole range of Distros(I tried a lot), and eventually got things to my liking.
For me, it was the LL OOB experience, but the "real" clincher was the "Nos#1" support of the forum & Dev's.
For me there would have to be something really, really compelling to now move to something else.

If I wanted "Eye Candy and Glitz"
I would run Windows 10....
Only joking :)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Lynne on January 24, 2016, 04:40:21 PM
Why do people buy an Audi A1, which is based on a VW Polo(Fox) chasis/floor plan or Buy certain Seat's which are based on VW Golf chassis/floor plan.?
Some go for the name, some for added extras, some for reliability and some for cost or any those variants... Each to their own needs & wants

I could have persevered with a whole range of Distros(I tried a lot), and eventually got things to my liking.
For me, it was the LL OOB experience, but the "real" clincher was the "Nos#1" support of the forum & Dev's.
For me there would have to be something really, really compelling to now move to something else.

If I wanted "Eye Candy and Glitz"
I would run Windows 10....
Only joking :)

Funny you should speak of cars ... hubby and I were only making the analogy to them with distros on the weekend.  :)

I agree with you about this forum and its members ... a very helpful and patient bunch indeed!

Windoze10!!!!

Go wash your mouth out with soap and water!  ;D
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: gold_finger on January 24, 2016, 05:07:55 PM
Hi Nomko,

Like you, I started years ago with Ubuntu and switched to Mint (Xfce version) when Unity came out. Have installed/tested many different distros over the years and understand that there are many similarities between them, especially ones based on same DE's.  It's been a long time since I've used Xubuntu, so not sure what major differences are between it and LL.

I still use Mint Xfce on a number of computers and, as can be expected, LL is similar to it.  LL's got some different default packages installed and less of them overall than provided with standard Mint installation.  There are some internally developed tools that make some operations easier for new linux users who've recently switched from Windows -- eg. Lite Cleaner, Lite Software, Lite Control Center.  There are some customizations done to the Menu structure (again aimed at new users from Windows) and it seems that more generic application names are preferred vs. the real package names (that can be confusing to newcomers).  "Under the hood", I'm not really sure what different tweaks have been done, but it does seem that LL works slightly better on older systems than Mint.  (Not by a wide margin, but a slight noticeable difference on systems with limited specs.)  That's likely because LL specifically targets Windows XP users who typically have it running on older machines.

For experienced Linux users, these things may or may not be of any importance.  So you and I may ignore or change things about LL to suit how we want it to behave.  For newcomers, these little things may be just what is needed to make their transition to Linux easier.  Mint, Xubuntu, and others are also "beginner friendly" -- so it really just boils down to which one happens to "feel" the best for the individual doing the testing. 
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Wirezfree on January 24, 2016, 05:49:53 PM
@Lynne
I consider myself reprimanded...  :-X


Say after me 100 times..
I must not mention Windows

I must not mention Windows
I must not mention Windows
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I must not mention Windows
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I must not mention Windows

I must not mention Windows
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I must not mention Windows
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I must not mention Windows
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I must not mention Windows

I must not mention Windows
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I must not mention Windows
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I must not mention Windows
I must not mention Windows
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I must not mention Windows

I must not mention Windows

I must not mention Windows
I must not mention Windows
I must not mention Windows
I must not mention Windows
I must not mention Windows
I must not mention Windows
I must not mention Windows
I must not mention Windows
I must not mention Windows


 ::) ;) :)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Lynne on January 24, 2016, 06:08:29 PM
I must not mention Windows...

...I must not mention Windows


 ::) ;) :)

Oh, you do make me laugh.  Thank you, I needed that!  ;D

Now to disappear to do some dratted housework. *sigh* ...::)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Jerry on January 24, 2016, 06:34:50 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/aAWwnFC.png)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: avj on January 24, 2016, 07:09:16 PM
I agree with the image 100%, and that is the thing I like about LL the most it just stays out of the way and lets me do what I want.  :)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Lynne on January 24, 2016, 08:47:47 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/aAWwnFC.png)



Do I now hear "kiss my shiny metal .... "?  ;) ;D

...  8)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Jerry on January 24, 2016, 09:08:39 PM
(http://49.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m78s5gp4E71qf5ifco1_500.gif)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Lynne on January 24, 2016, 10:13:56 PM
@Jerry, I often times wonder just how you do it ... now I know! Bender it is, all the way!!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: firenice03 on January 25, 2016, 09:55:11 AM
@Jerry LOL.. I like your sense of humor!!!

(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS5D2euGY9MLCk0jghJrxGwzJeoPavOZW2444LqMgg4n0QoUaQPJ1Mg3Q)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Glenn on February 04, 2016, 05:55:43 PM
@nomko, you seem to be fixated upon the obvious similarity of Ubuntu and the use of Xfce but haven't considered the nuance and premise of Linux Lite

In my opinion, all distributions must have three distinct things which set them apart from other Linux offerings.

1. A developer or development team actively working to better the system.
2. A premise (Cause or argument which is sufficiently different than others and sets them apart)
3. An active following large enough to warrant #'s 1 & 2 and a forum, where users can actively participate, offer advice and suggestions to further the development of the distribution's next release. 

Now both number 1 and 3 have been addressed already in this thread and I hope you've not glossed over them but number 2 is the one in which I feel clearly separates Linux Lite from other Ubuntu Xfce distributions like Mint and Xubuntu.

The entire premise behind Linux Lite, is to give a Window's user the best chance at discovering the world of Linux and to present Linux in the most anxiety free way possible. The creator of Linux Lite, Jerry Bezencon has made his premise known in several interviews for online Linux publications since the inception of this distribution.

Specifics? To mention a few,

1. The choice of the Xfce DE shouldn't be easily dismissed. It's layout is simple, intuitive, functional and as configured in the iso, reminiscent of XP, Vista and Windows 7.

2. The structure of the system menu and more importantly, it's layout and labeling. Far too often a new user can be utterly confused and turned off by the names of Linux applications and many times, those applications are redundantly provided by the distribution (More than one application provided for the same task), Mint is famous for this. It's been mentioned before in this thread but needs repeating, the system menu (Whisker) in Linux Lite is labeled with common usage names and not obscure Linux application names.

3. Have you looked at the "Linux Lite Control Center"? Everything from system configuration, desktop configuration to software sources can be found here and it's intuitively designed to fit within the premise of Linux Lite.

4. Forget about terminal and apt-get, do you remember trying to understand Synaptic Package Manager during your first go around with Linux? Updating apt and adding sources? Then trying to locate the application you want (with a weird name) and hoping you don't make a mistake and soft-brick the system? I do!... Take a look at "Lite Software" app located in the System sub-menu of Whisker. There's a plethora of "intuitively labeled" and commonly used applications listed for the new user to simply click and install. No terminal, no synaptic package manager and no manual adding of PPA's. It also keeps an easily accessible,  running tally upon what apps the user has added to their system and provides easy removal too.

5. Last but most importantly (imo) is the "Linux Lite Help Manual". A NEW USERS DREAM! Answers to everything can be found here. BEST of all, it's Precisely,Concisely and Specifically written for the Window's user in mind. I can't begin to say enough about this document and how extremely valuable it would've been for me, when I first started using Linux many years ago.

In the sometimes egocentric and even arrogant Linux universe, it's a wonderful to find a developer and distribution truly engaged in making Linux and open source... Easy, presentable and FUN to potential new users.   :)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Digistylus on March 28, 2016, 12:52:17 PM
Hello, I'm using Linux Lite as my daily driver after some distro hopping and coming from Windows. Currently using LLite 2.8 on two machines. A circa 2010 desktop now used as a living room media pc. One business laptop from a similar era as my secondary work and media machine, Krita for productivity and SMTube for watching youtube. I still have a Win7 work machine because I still need some programs on the Windows platform, but the future as I personally see it is one where GNULinux keeps improving on the desktop and laptop, vs Windows desktop getting worse, or at least disrespecting many of their home & pro customers.

Distros I've tried are:
-Linux Mint, Cinnamon and xfce.
-Zorin, Kubuntu
They're good but somehow did not fit me. 

-Xubuntu Lubuntu
Xubuntu worked ok, but I need that taskbar to be at the bottom of the screen, I've been to institutionalized by windows. The next xubuntu LTS iirc will have the option to change that, and maybe the 14.04 xubuntu also does and I missed it somehow, but it was just ok for me, I don't hate it, I don't love it, it's ok, I might like the next LTS better. Lubuntu, I like it. But for most of my own practical needs, it's a bit too sparse. Certainly not a bad distro though.

I tried and like Linux Lite, and why I am sticking with this distro for likely the long term.

I've seen and read online reviews of LinuxLite, and most of them seems to give a thumbs up for a good distro for linux noobs. My first impression after installing it for real the first time, wasn't actually overwhelming. 99.9.% of my hardware worked out of the box, but there was an issue with screen tearing. Thankfully that was solved by googling the solution by installing compton found right in this forum. I really like that the firewall was ready and activated as the default though, this is something that is sometimes overlooked but to LinuxLite's credit they did not miss this small but important detail.

I like the xfce desktop environment and LinuxLite made it very ex windows linux noob friendly, but it did not make my heart skip a beat or anything. However there wasn't any papercut problems with icons shifting on their own, it stayed and snap exactly where I want it, so I'm real happy with that. There's enough customization option but not too much to overwhelm me, hidpi support is ok but not great but at least it's servicable. Nice enough wallpaper, non annoying login sound that slowly became a bit of an earworm in a good way.   It seems solid and friendly enough, which was a welcomed feeling after my distro hopping. It was like finally finding a good reliable sedan.

However it took a month of really trying LinuxLite out, tinkering and even screwing up and doing some re-installs, to really appreciate how good LinuxLite is, and how the creator and the dev team of LLite really "gets it" when they made the distro. I'm still dangerously noobish when it comes to synaptic package manager, in fact trying to remove something via synaptic was what screwed something up that I needed to re-install, but if there is ever a problem that I need to do  a clean re-install I can now do it and have the basic functional LinuxLIte up in about an hour. I'm sure some people can do it faster, but I'm still fairly new to linux but even with the fix and tweaks to get LL2.8 from clean install to fully ready for me is counted in a few hours at most. vs last time I did a clean install of windows the minimum can be half to one full day.

It is simple and friendly enough, light and nimble but not overly sparse. It gets out of the way instead of getting in the way of users. Lite Software is great, I hope the selection of software keeps growing because it just runs rings around something like the windows app store. Lite Control Center and Lite Tweaks is exactly what a coming from windows new to linux user are happy to see. After putting LinuxLite through it's paces for a month, and seeing the smaller details that I didn't notice or appreciate until I had more time to experience it overall and in daily usage. I keep returning to this conclusion. The makers of Linux Lite just gets it.

The makers philosophy and attitude and the LinuxLite community also seems to just "gets it". They want to constantly improve the distro and help out, there is no arrogantly elitist attitude and hating on other OS -users-. They respect the users choice. LLite just gets it, and strives to get it right.
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: bfb on March 28, 2016, 01:53:14 PM
Quote
I need that taskbar to be at the bottom of the screen, I've been to institutionalized by windows. The next xubuntu LTS iirc will have the option to change that, and maybe the 14.04 xubuntu also does and I missed it somehow


Both Lite and Xubuntu use the XFCE desktop.
To move the panel from top to bottom or to the side (as I have for one of them) or even to add another panel
Settings
Panel
UNcheck 'lock panel'
Move it by grabbing at the extreme ends...

Hardly a reason to dismiss a distro..
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Digistylus on March 28, 2016, 02:06:57 PM
Quote
Both Lite and Xubuntu use the XFCE desktop.
To move the panel from top to bottom or to the side (as I have for one of them) or even to add another panel
Settings
Panel
UNcheck 'lock panel'
Move it by grabbing at the extreme ends...

Ah good to know, thanks. I still have the xubuntu 14.04 LTS disc here, but the next LTS is coming soon and it has some interesting features from the previews I've seen. I'd rather try that one if I'm trying xubuntu again, especially since hidpi support looks to be improved on it.

Quote
Hardly a reason to dismiss a distro..

Just to be clear, nowhere did I dismiss it. While I liked it enough, for various reasons it just wasn't as good a fit for me.
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: firenice03 on March 28, 2016, 03:08:21 PM
Quote
I'm still dangerously noobish when it comes to synaptic package manager, in fact trying to remove something via synaptic was what screwed something up that I needed to re-install,


Have a look at Systemback; its installed on the system by default.. Very Windows-esq of system restore...
Make a restore point and if all goes up in flames restore back :)

I've used many time.. Loading drivers just to see if better results or kernels or installing an app that I wont need but a few times :)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Digistylus on March 28, 2016, 05:07:10 PM
Have a look at Systemback; its installed on the system by default.. Very Windows-esq of system restore...
Make a restore point and if all goes up in flames restore back :)

I've used many time.. Loading drivers just to see if better results or kernels or installing an app that I wont need but a few times :)

That's a good idea, thanks. I've finished setting up the laptop where LinuxLite and the work program is on the main drive, and now I only need to get a separate media backup(s) for my generated work files, in case something really catastrophic happens etc. Doing a clean install of LLite is easier vs installing windows for me, but if I can salvage a really borked system by a restore point vs a re-install yeah I'd much prefer the restore point method.  :)

And, done on the laptop, dang, that was actually easier than even windows.
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Jerry on March 28, 2016, 05:18:32 PM
@Digistylus, thank you for your feedback.
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: newtusmaximus on March 28, 2016, 08:20:50 PM
For a linux  newbie like me all I wanted was a light fast stable OS to replace Vista that would run on good, but dated, hardware and have suitable "office/work" packages. No fuss, just did the job and had sufficient help  online to iron out problems.  Tried Ubuntu but too slow - Mint too many "frills" hence HDD space,  Business mag suggested LL and apart from having to buy a different scanner , all hardware worked out of the box - once I read the  set up instructions properly :)  (When all else fails etc.!!). LL sets out to help newbies converting from W. It succeeds in bucketfuls for which I am truly thankful.

Some of the linux fraternity like to play around and test develop the OS, however the vast majority of new users want a simple OS that does what it says on the tin and works out of the box on their hardware.  Hence from this newbie many many thanks to all on the LL team.  May the word spread.  Ex Vista brigade next , then Win 7.

Many of business/ work packages are available for windows as well as linux (Thunderbird/Firefox/Libre Office, Skype, Dropbox, vlc etc so those considering the change to linux  can wean themselves gradually onto a different but "same" way of doing things.
Well worth the time spent.  Do it once, do it right!!
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Digistylus on March 29, 2016, 07:33:24 PM
@Digistylus, thank you for your feedback.

And a sincere thanks to you and the team for making LinuxLite.

however the vast majority of new users want a simple OS that does what it says on the tin and works out of the box on their hardware. 

Spot on, LinuxLite is a good fit for me because I was able to set it up without too much fuss, and get on with whatever it is I need or want to do. There are other distros that might be a better fit for others, and certainly variety is what makes gnuLinux great. But for me LinuxLite is near perfectly tailored for me, someone who learned on and used windows, who also wants a linux distro that is friendly and comfortable for a windows user.

IIRC Vista end of life mainstream support is ending next year, for w7 it's 2020, w8 it's 2023. (and trying out w10 is what finally pushed me into looking for a linux alternative). My personal guess and hope at least, the need for a linux noob friendly distro that caters to windows users might be increasing in the future.
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: newtusmaximus on March 30, 2016, 06:24:46 AM
There are other distros that might be a better fit for others, and certainly variety is what makes gnuLinux great

However, I think that it is the variety that makes the change over to linux so confusing and hence why it took me so long to convert; especially as I needed my hardware to function for work purposes.  I simply had little time to spend trying all these flavours which in many cases were difficult to set up.

When buying a computer or hardware you expected it to work and hence the OS is supplied with it as part of the purchase. I.e. out of the box working.

That in my opinion is what LL is all about, to fulfil that function. The LL software  starter addons are a bonus.

I am afraid the perception of Linux is that it is for geeks who love tinkering, and it is because of this that Linux has failed so far to make real penetration.

Promoting LL will go a long way to overcome this situation, and as it develops , its use should be encouraged, even at school level.    The UK government is starting to encourage the use of open source documentation, so that is a start.

Sadly, I liken the situation as to the overthrow of a dictator, chaos ensues.
Instead of all these flavours of Linux scrambling over, and in some cases competing with, each other, it would be more sensible that the linux fraternity combine to make one OS, rock solid, that works for the vast majority of day to day users.  Or am I being naive ?
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: ptyerman on March 30, 2016, 06:38:58 AM
Quote
And a sincere thanks to you and the team for making LinuxLite.

I second that wholeheartedly!
Although I have ran various distro's on and off as a dual boot for nearly 20 years, I still consider myself a Linux noob. Running Linux Lite has been a breath of fresh air for me. I can't quite put my finger on it but, there is something LL has/does/way it does it that gives it a pleasant feel, just like the Amiga or BeOS did back in the day.
I have a home built CCTV system that is currently running Xubuntu, but that will be running Linux Lite too before long. XFCE on Ubuntu is nothing like XFCE on Linux Lite.
I still have Windows 7 installed on this system on a separate drive, but it's now almost 5 month since I booted into it, Linux Lite all the way!  8)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: m654321 on March 31, 2016, 01:57:36 AM
Hi,

LL really cuts it for me over any other distro (including Xubuntu) or Windows OS, for the following
reasons in order of importance (most important first):

1. The  LL forum: a real community of ever-helpful members who are willing to share their time and
    knowledge, and very importantly,  to match your level of understanding.  Ubuntu, Mint & Zorin
    forums seem much larger and as a result you feel somewhat anonymous, and so not quite
    the same feel of community about them - a unique selling point of LL

2. LL is easy to use for ex-Windows-OS users, particularly those who are not power users, e.g the familiarity of
    desktop layout and its intuitive gui which, and very importantly, does away with a need for
    command line
   
3. Applications rather than the package names are used - this gives clarity particularly for noobs who
    are not familiar with linux package names

4. Lightweight & does a great job of  resurrecting older PCs.  My sister got a pleasant surprise when
    I brought her Vista-run Toshiba Satellite Pro A300 back to life with LL2.8 - she was going to replace
    it, but has instead decided to keep it. She's delighted with the saving she's made!

5. Privacy issues - with LL and Linux more generally, I can avoid all the security & privacy issues that
    have been highlighted for win10 and I don't have the likes of Microsoft pressuring me to sign up to
    them.

Regards
Mike
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: coop31 on April 12, 2016, 12:15:51 PM
Linux Lite: If you want a solid out of box experience. By default, is visually pleasing and very little configuration is required. It's lighter weight so while it will take up less space, it does not include certain pieces of software by default. Major down side is the extremely infrequent release date. Use if you are not concerned about getting the most recent features and software.

Xubuntu: If you don't mind having to make some changes to get the experience you want. More frequent releases mean your getting the best experience. A more complete OS by default so it takes up more space.
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: shaggytwodope on April 12, 2016, 04:18:45 PM
Major down side is the extremely infrequent release date


Can you elaborate? How would more releases improve things? Is there a gap in anything you feel needs attention?
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Teddy on April 12, 2016, 07:25:49 PM
LL is certainly better than Xubuntu in my opinion. More community support, team who is willing to put the effort forth to improve the distro release by release. LL is optimized for Windows users with less of a learning curve than most distros.

Xubuntu really doesn't care what goes in their distro, so they in turn have poorer quality control.

To put in the context of automobiles (my area of expertise) -

Linux Lite is like a reliable Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Your always sure that it will start up and run & boot properly. It might be boring, but it doesn't have to be!

Xubuntu is akin to a Land Rover or Jaguar. Your always crossing your fingers to whether it will start up, run & boot tomorrow morning. That's how I always felt when I booted regular Ubuntu and Xubuntu.

Sent from my Note 3 using the Tapatalk Android app.

Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: newtusmaximus on April 13, 2016, 04:43:27 AM
If we take a lesson from XP,  my understanding is that the frequent updates were mainly to counter security issues / vulnerabilities.
The fact that XP was relatively  "light" and stable on the machine that it was supplied with as the main OS, and that drivers for ancillary hardware were readily available, if not already included, meant that the user could get on with using their equipment and not have to worry about breakdowns.

LL performs that function. It is still a relatively young distribution, but "old" heads are developing it. The KISS principle applies.

Once an OS works on a users hardware, there is theoretically no reason why that OS needs to be changed unless more advanced software packages are needed by the user or there are new security threats.

I believe that there are a considerable number of users still with XP (11% ?), ignoring the possible future vulnerabilities, precisely because they are comfortable with what they have got.

Hence why I choose LL.  No frills, solid performance.



Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: nomko on April 13, 2016, 08:25:32 AM
Quote from: Teddy
LL is certainly better than Xubuntu in my opinion. More community support,
Not sure about that last statement, the (*)buntu forum (http://ubuntuforums.org/) (is quit large and very active. This forum doesn't show that much activity as the English Ubuntu forum. Also i notice that there are a few regulars here, so compared to the (*)buntu forum the availability of knowledge is much slimmer here. And therefore the community support on the (*)buntu forum is much better, there's always someone who comes up with the right answer or has better knowledge of certain items. The lesser people, the lesser that knowledge is available. On the other hand, the lesser people providing info, the easier to check the provided info.


Quote from: Teddy
team who is willing to put the effort forth to improve the distro release by release. LL is optimized for Windows users with less of a learning curve than most distros.
There are other distros' out there aiming for Windows users making it easier for them. Distro's like Zorin, Linux Mint and many more. So, no. Not only LL is aiming for "Windows refugees" but also other distro's. The only point left here now is indeed the learning curve issue. Which distro will these "Windows refugees" learn the quickest the use? My point here is, the easier the lay-out, the more out-of-the-box a distro is, the lesser drivers to install the better it is, that distro will be the winner.

Quote from: Teddy
Xubuntu really doesn't care what goes in their distro, so they in turn have poorer quality control.
I won't say that. The problem is, Xubuntu is pure Ubuntu with the Xfce desktop. So the Xubuntu people are tied to whatever Canonical is doing with Ubuntu. By removing the Unity desktop they also remove some (standard) Unity/Ubuntu applications. Adding the Xfce desktop means also adding specific Xfce applications and tools. We all know that removing 1 thing, replacing it with another might lead to improved or more worse quality. Just take a good look at Linux Lite, it is Ubuntu based, it doesn't have some of those Ubuntu/Unity features (consider this as an improvement), but at the other hand, some users might like 1 or 2 of those Ubuntu features which aren't available under Linux Lite (consider this as worse quality). The best Ubuntu feature LL is using is the fact that the latest version of LL is based on Ubuntu LTS (14.04.*), a big quality improvement compared to those "in between" versions of Ubuntu.

You compared LL with cars, so let me do it also. You compared LL with a reliable Honda Accord. Fine, but let's take that same Honda Accord and give it to a tuning company. They put a nice shiny turbo on the engine, finetune the motor management system, replace the standard factory gearbox with an racing gearbox, lower the car, add racing spring supports, race seats, another exhaust system and to finish it the car gets a nice paint job. Well, i can tell you right now, that reliable Honda Accord turned into a, somewhat, unreliable car. Who's gonna tell me that i can still drive 200.000 km with that same car? And what about the engine? Is that engine really build to produce more rpm's with that turbo installed? And how about the fuel consumption? That must have dropped a lot! Is the adhesion to the road still the same? For you this might be a hugh quality improvement, but to others..... they won't even want to look at your tuned Honda accord and they start to complain about the noise your car is producing. So, to be in short, tuning that Honda Accord is just an example of poorer quality control neglecting the results of all those changes....

I rather have a solid Range Rover than a tuned, noisy, bad driving, fuel hungry Honda Accord ;)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: firenice03 on April 15, 2016, 09:25:37 AM
The VS. battle will rage on, would you like the correct answer???.. I can tell you 100% the winner of either VS question... Is neither and either...  :-X
And the same for cars... Die hard Chevy fans won't like Ford let alone a "tuned, noisy, bad driving, fuel hungry Honda Accord" OR a properly tuned and ported correctly set up and dyno'd JDM Honda, Acura, Nissan or xxxx...

It's going to be in the eye of the beholder and the hardware they run... Even if the exact same systems are used... Its preference.. Some folks like the color green, some don't..

A 2 door '57 Chevy pristine and clean sitting at the car show is a slick ride (IMHO); is that to say every other Chevy built at the time or since then hasn't added something??

Honestly comparing various makes of cars to each other are apples to oranges... Ubuntu to Red Hat, but I understand the posters point of view..

Take Scion, inexpensive as compared to Toyota both have a multitude of available features... But what do you need then on top what do you want?? Scion or Toyota (same manufacture), 2 door or 4 door, new or used, can you splurge on extra hardware (TRD) are you looking for street or dirt and how big is wallet (mouths to feed??)
Now take into consideration... Scion has a following, the FRS is popular, popular enough that its being re-badged as the Toyota 86 (historically a Toyota icon)...
If derivatives of the parent have something that works, the parent will eventually incorporate it...

The same for Ubuntu vs Debian; MATE vs XFCE; XYZ xfce vs ZYX xfce..

I personally haven't tried Xubuntu; I have tried others.. They were all good but for me LL won.. Its my Scion XB 4 door, reliable, good on gas yet with a 5speed feels sporty.. Mostly my to and from work and kids baseball car...
But I do have a Tahoe for towing, van for trips and comfort (wife's day to day) and 4runner for strictly off-road...
Not to mention all previously owned and then a wish-list of others upon winning lotto's.... 8)

My plugged nickle... maybe I'm wrong..
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: m654321 on April 15, 2016, 04:01:23 PM
Quote
There are other distros' out there aiming for Windows users making it easier for them. Distro's like Zorin, Linux Mint and many more. So, no. Not only LL is aiming for "Windows refugees" but also other distro's. The only point left here now is indeed the learning curve issue. Which distro will these "Windows refugees" learn the quickest the use? My point here is, the easier the lay-out, the more out-of-the-box a distro is, the lesser drivers to install the better it is, that distro will be the winner.

Thanks Nomko for your thoughts. 
Yes, you're right, there are quite a few distros out there aiming at Windows users. However, for me personally, LL does this more effectively than the others.  For example, I was put off by my experience with Zorin Ultimate (both 6.4 & 9 LTS), as there was a lot of instability with the AWN feature - several crashes & lots of time wasted as a result.  I have found the learning curve with Zorin & Linux Mint to be significantly slower than with LL, as there was not such a rapid and personalised response from their forum communities as they are so much bigger than LL's: those offering help didn't quite pitch it at my somewhat elementary level, being a linux newbie.  A shame really, as the Zorin team have worked very hard and produced a very attractive distro that is very easy to use for ex-Windows users. I continue to consider myself a Linux-newbie, 2 years on from WinXP, as Linux seems to be so vast in what it encompasses and has to offer.

Elsewhere in your critique, you mention forum size: you say the other communities are better as they are larger, LL having 'fewer regulars'.  For me 'size doesn't matter' so much. Of more importance, for me personally, is the open-spirited nature & very positive attitude of the developers and other here in helping others out, and of course their great knowledge & experience which has always helped me. 

I get the impression you are new on this forum.  I've been a member for two years. Stick around a bit more and I'm sure you'll benefit from being a part of the community, whether you're a seasoned Linux-user or newbie...

Take care
Mike
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Wirezfree on April 15, 2016, 05:46:03 PM
Quote
you mention forum size: you say the other communities are better as they are larger, LL having 'fewer regulars'.

For me... "Quality", Not Quantity ;)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: shaggytwodope on April 15, 2016, 06:50:49 PM
I enjoy reading the things mentioned on this thread. And would like to remind people if you find anything lacking for Linux Lite as a whole we are always open to suggestions and small aditions to help make things easier for users. As one of the devs/contributors of sorts I'm always open to expanding the things we can offer. Just post these ideas in the proper place so we can better track them.
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: m654321 on April 16, 2016, 01:10:47 AM
[/size]
Quote
For me... "Quality", Not Quantity (https://www.linuxliteos.com/forums/Smileys/default/wink.gif)


Thanks Dave, that's what I was trying to say too!

Mike
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: LL-user on April 18, 2016, 10:00:22 PM
I enjoy reading the things mentioned on this thread. And would like to remind people if you find anything lacking for Linux Lite as a whole we are always open to suggestions and small aditions to help make things easier for users. As one of the devs/contributors of sorts I'm always open to expanding the things we can offer. Just post these ideas in the proper place so we can better track them.

Hi Shaggy,

Thanks for the encouragement once again! :)

My suggestion at this point would be about the process of posting and handling ideas themselves to address:
So the question would be how ideas could be consolidated in one place and their status shown?

Would it be a separate category with all ideas extracted from all over the forum and each single one with a voting possibility to also give the developer some indication about priorities for users/forum members? Or using a different platform like GitHub or even something like uservoice.com. Although the latter wouldn't be free.

Thanks for the consideration :)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: m654321 on April 19, 2016, 12:50:01 AM
Quote
   
  • Ideas getting lost on the forum in between all the discussions. They might get lost for good or lead to double posts.
  • Posting ideas without getting feedback is not very encouraging. Even getting a "decline" is much better then talking to a brick wall.
   

LL-user, just some of my views to what you said...
- ideas don't really get lost if you have a search function to track down areas you're interested in or posts you visited once and want to read again
- to help reduce duplication of posts it's a good idea to run a search first, before posting, though I think a certain low level of duplication is perhaps unavoidable
- have to say that I've always found feedback pretty prompt & helpful

Quote
So the question would be how ideas could be consolidated in one place and their status shown? Would it be a separate category with all ideas extracted from all over the forum and each single one with a voting possibility to also give the developer some indication about priorities for users/forum members? Or using a different platform like GitHub or even something like uservoice.com. Although the latter wouldn't be free.
- I think this, in itself, would create duplication and would put a further demand on the moderators' time, which they give voluntarily
- not sure I like ideas being selected/rejected by popular vote - some excellent ideas might not be popular (as they may not be fully appreciated or understood) and so risk being lost with a voting system. I suspect a significant proportion of LL's target audience, i.e. ex-Windows OS users (myself included), don't have the competence or experience with Linux to judge whether some ideas are worthy or not... I leave that to the developers

Mike
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: LL-user on April 20, 2016, 05:40:03 PM
Hi Mike,

Thanks for your input!

I agree regarding the search functionality if a user is looking for help or want to check whether a suggestion/request/bug report has been already logged. However, I was referring to the developers. How are they supposed to use the search function to find these suggestions etc. in general? In saying that, I would assume that Jerry & Co have some process in place (outside this forum) to track this and we just don't know about it :) So maybe another way to approach it, would be to suggest more transparency of this "list", like a more detailed road map, maybe even including a list of declined suggestions?

The other aspect I tried to bring across - but obviously didn't - was the feedback from the developers towards the user. And I am not talking about help requests! This forum is one of the best I have come across when it comes to looking for help. :)

I'm referring to feedback to suggestions etc. submitted. Take this example:
https://www.linuxliteos.com/forums/suggestions-and-feedback/linux-lite-3-0-suggestion-thread/msg21946/#msg21946 (https://www.linuxliteos.com/forums/suggestions-and-feedback/linux-lite-3-0-suggestion-thread/msg21946/#msg21946)

So I submitted these 14 suggestions I had collected over some time.
How do I know the developers haven seen it? How do I know whether I made myself clear? How do I know what they think of it, or even what they have decided?
I don't!
Will this encourage me to invest the time again? I definitely will think twice.

And, again, it's not about getting a positive or negative feedback, it's about getting a feedback at all. Also a "declined" is a valuable feedback :)

In regard to the voting. It's meant to be one of many indicators, not the sole parameter for working on something or not.
I got to know it via my involvement with Taskcoach and found it very helpful:
https://taskcoach.uservoice.com (https://taskcoach.uservoice.com)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Jerry on April 20, 2016, 10:33:53 PM
Every post is read in regards to suggestions. We wouldn't be where we are without them. I read reviews, watch Youtube videos on LL. Anywhere on the net LL is mentioned, I read.

https://www.linuxliteos.com/forums/suggestions-and-feedback/linux-lite-3-0-suggestion-thread/

Use that first post as a summary of how I treat suggestions. Cheers :)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: m654321 on April 21, 2016, 12:39:03 AM
Quote
And, again, it's not about getting a positive or negative feedback, it's about getting a feedback at all. Also a "declined" is a valuable feedback (https://www.linuxliteos.com/forums/Smileys/default/smiley.gif)

Hi LL-user,

I think it's unrealistic for everyone to expect individual feedback (whatever its form) from developers for every idea submitted, due to the time factor. The developers (like most people) have families, jobs and other responsibilities and interests, outside of their time in front of a PC. That said, I'm sure if you submit a good idea worthy of further consideration, it will get acknowledged... 

Mike
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Jerry on April 21, 2016, 12:41:18 AM
Mike is spot on, thank you Mike :)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: LL-user on April 21, 2016, 03:15:55 AM
All good. Just bouncing ideas how to make the process more efficient and effective for the project AS WELL AS for the developers. :)
Obviously there are many ways to skin a cat... and at least as many opinions on top of it :D

Keep up the great work. Thanks once again, Jerry and team :)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Jerry on April 21, 2016, 03:22:40 AM
You're all very welcome :)
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: boooney222 on April 21, 2016, 02:13:27 PM
Afer months trying everything I could install to thumbdrive, I have 1 conclussion. If it don't come with Lite Tools, I don't want it
Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Artim on March 07, 2019, 06:11:58 PM
Okay, there are important differences which no one has really pointed out in this thread, but before I came here I did some homework:

In Linux Lite, applications are named for their function, not their "real" names.  A newbie wouldn't know that Evince is a pdf viewer or that Thunar is the file manager.  Linux Lite is for novices who don't know even what they don't know.  This one little thing is very thoughtful, all by itself.

The Xfce desktop is highly customized in Linux Lite, yet still infinitely customizable by the user.  Again, with newbies in mind, and simple people like me who would rather run applications than running the operating system.

Linux Lite includes a magnificent set of tools to make maintaining and tweaking the OS effortless and non-stressful, with point-and-click simplicity and explanations for us non-tech types.  If unsure, there are explanations and the support of this awesome forum, in which the Lead Developer actively participates.  That is rare!

This is better for newbies than even Linux Mint in my opinion.  From the start, it has always been designed with newbies and simplicity-loving technophobic users like me in mind.  And lastly, and most importantly:

Before Linux Lite, it was an axiom in the desktop Linux world that speed and performance was a trade-off to achieve "user-friendliness" with a GUI.  Linux Lite has proven that you can "have your cake and eat it too," so to speak.  No longer does it have to be a trade-off of lost performance to achieve a newbie-friendly GUI.



Title: Re: Linux Lite Xfce vs. Xubuntu
Post by: Jerry on March 07, 2019, 07:58:04 PM
...Linux Lite has proven that you can "have your cake and eat it too," so to speak.  No longer does it have to be a trade-off of lost performance to achieve a newbie-friendly GUI.


You hit the nail on the proverbial head Artim. I wish reviewers would see LL as clearly as you do.