Introduction to Deepin desktop environment
The Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE) is an elegant and user-friendly interface developed by the Deepin Technology community. It is based on the Debian architecture and is known for its aesthetic appeal, simplistic design, and ease of use. This desktop environment is especially popular among users who appreciate a visually attractive and efficient desktop experience. In this guide, we will explore how to install the Deepin Desktop Environment 15.5 on Ubuntu 17.10, detailing what makes DDE special and providing a step-by-step installation process.
Understanding the Deepin Desktop Environment
The DDE differentiates itself from other desktop environments like GNOME, KDE Plasma, or Xfce in several ways:
- Aesthetic Design: The interface of DDE is modern and visually stunning, with smooth animations and a contemporary look.
- Built-in Applications: Deepin comes with a variety of well-integrated applications tailored for everyday tasks, which allows users to have a cohesive experience.
- Customization Options: Users can easily customize their desktop environment according to their preferences with various settings and themes available.
The DDE is particularly appealing for users who want an elegant solution while maintaining the robust capabilities of Ubuntu.
Prerequisites for Installation
Before we begin the installation of Deepin Desktop Environment 15.5, ensure that you check the following prerequisites:
Operating System: Make sure you are running Ubuntu 17.10. If you are running another version, consider upgrading to avoid compatibility issues.
System Requirements: Although Deepin is optimized for performance, ensure your system meets at least the following specifications:
- 2 GB RAM minimum (4 GB recommended)
- 2 GHz dual-core processor
- 20 GB of free disk space
Backup Important Data: While installing a new desktop environment generally does not cause data loss, it’s always a good practice to back up important files.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Step 1: Update Your System
Start by updating your system to ensure all existing packages are up-to-date. Open a terminal (you can usually find it by searching for “Terminal” in your applications menu) and enter the following commands:
bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
This process may take several minutes depending on your internet speed and the number of updates available.
Step 2: Install Required Dependencies
To facilitate the installation of the Deepin Desktop Environment, you will need to install some dependencies. Run the following command in the terminal:
bash
sudo apt install -y software-properties-common
This command installs the software-properties-common package, which allows you to manage your software sources more effectively.
Step 3: Add the Deepin Repository
Deepin Desktop Environment is available from a third-party repository. You need to add this repository to your system with the following command:
bash
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/deepin
Press Enter to confirm, and after a moment, the repository will be added to your system’s software sources.
Step 4: Update Your Package List Again
After adding the Deepin repository, you need to update the package list once more to reflect the addition:
bash
sudo apt update
Step 5: Install Deepin Desktop Environment
Now you are ready to install the Deepin Desktop Environment. Enter the following command:
bash
sudo apt install deepin
This command will download and install the relevant packages for Deepin, which may take several minutes depending on your internet speed. You will see the progress in the terminal.
Step 6: Configure Display Manager
When the installation is completed, you may need to select a display manager. If prompted, you can choose lightdm or gdm3. LightDM is often preferred for its faster performance, but you can choose depending on your personal preference.
Step 7: Restart Your System
Once the installation and configuration are complete, you will need to restart your system. You can do this with:
bash
sudo reboot
Step 8: Selecting Deepin Session
After the reboot, you will be greeted by the login screen. Here, you will see a gear icon or session option on the login screen. Click on this icon and select “Deepin” from the list of available desktop environments. Now you can log in as usual.
Exploring Deepin Desktop Environment
Upon logging into your new Deepin Desktop Environment, you’ll notice its distinct features, such as:
- Control Center: A comprehensive settings panel that is easy to navigate and allows you to customize your desktop experience.
- App Store: Deepin comes with its own app store, making it easy to find and install new applications.
- multimedia tools: A range of built-in applications such as Deepin Music, Deepin Movie, and Deepin Screen Recorder for your multimedia needs.
Maintenance & Issues
Keeping Deepin Updated
After installation, it’s important to keep both your system and the Deepin desktop environment updated. Use the following command periodically:
bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- performance issues: If you experience lag or slow performance, consider checking your system resources and closing unused applications.
- Dependency Problems: Occasionally, new packages may have dependency issues. If you encounter these, use:
bash
sudo apt –fix-broken install
This command attempts to resolve any missing dependencies.
- Theme Issues: If the appearance doesn’t meet your expectations, explore the Control Center to adjust themes, icons, and other settings.
Conclusion
Installing the Deepin Desktop Environment 15.5 on Ubuntu 17.10 not only provides a refreshing change but also enhances productivity with its intuitive interface and robust set of features. With careful steps and maintenance, you can enjoy the elegance and functionality that DDE offers.
FAQ
1. Is Deepin Desktop Environment compatible with versions other than Ubuntu 17.10?
Yes, while this guide specifically addresses Ubuntu 17.10, the Deepin Desktop Environment can be installed on various versions of Ubuntu and other Debian-based distributions. However, always check for compatibility before proceeding.
2. Will installing DDE affect my existing applications?
No, the installation of DDE should not impact the functionality of existing applications. They will remain accessible and operational alongside the new desktop environment.
3. How can I uninstall the Deepin Desktop Environment?
Should you wish to remove DDE, you can use the following command:
bash
sudo apt remove deepin
After removal, it might also be necessary to remove the PPA you added earlier.
4. What should I do if I encounter dependency issues during installation?
If you face any issues with missing dependencies during the installation, use the command:
bash
sudo apt –fix-broken install
This will attempt to correct the broken dependencies.
5. Can I switch back to my original desktop environment after installing Deepin?
Yes, you can easily switch back to your original desktop environment by selecting it from the session chooser on the login screen.
6. Is Deepin Desktop Environment resource-intensive compared to other desktops?
Deepin Desktop Environment is known for being user-friendly but can be slightly more resource-intensive than lightweight alternatives like Xfce or LXQt. Users should consider their hardware specifications when choosing a desktop environment.
