Budgie

Budgie Desktop Environment Review

Budgie presents a compelling option in the crowded field of Linux desktop environments, aiming to strike a balance between modern design, user-friendliness, and performance. Developed as the flagship desktop for the Solus distribution, Budgie has gained traction for its clean aesthetic and intuitive workflow, subsequently becoming available on other Linux distributions.

Installation and Initial Impressions:

Installation of Budgie varies depending on the chosen Linux distribution. On distributions where it is the default, such as Solus, the experience is seamless. When installing on other distributions, it is typically available through package managers, offering a straightforward process. Upon the initial boot into Budgie, the clean and uncluttered interface is immediately noticeable. The panel, by default located at the bottom, is sleek and functional, while the Raven sidebar provides a convenient centralized location for notifications and controls.

User Interface and Workflow:

Budgie's user interface is refreshingly simple. The main panel houses the application menu, task list, system tray, and customizable applets. The application menu is a typical hierarchical structure, easy to navigate. One of Budgie's standout features is the Raven sidebar. Accessible via a dedicated icon in the panel, Raven slides in from the right side of the screen, offering quick access to:

• Notifications: A chronological list of system and application notifications.
• Calendar: A basic calendar view.
• Controls: Sliders for volume and brightness, and potentially other quick settings depending on applets.

This integrated approach to notifications and controls streamlines the user experience, reducing the need to open separate windows for these functions. Window management in Budgie is intuitive, with standard tiling and stacking options controlled by the window manager (typically Mutter, inherited from GNOME). The use of virtual desktops is well integrated and easy to manage from the panel.

Customization:

Budgie offers a good degree of customization, allowing users to personalize their desktop. The Budgie Desktop Settings application provides controls over:

• Panel: Position (top, bottom, left, right), transparency, size, and adding/removing applets.
• Window Controls: Placement of minimize, maximize, and close buttons.
• Fonts and Theming: Basic control over fonts and the ability to apply GTK themes for a complete visual overhaul.
• Raven: Configuration of which elements are displayed in the sidebar.

While not as extensively customizable as some other desktop environments like KDE Plasma, Budgie provides enough options for most users to achieve a look and feel that suits their preferences without being overwhelming.

Performance:

Budgie is generally considered a lightweight desktop environment, especially when compared to full-featured alternatives like GNOME Shell with extensions enabled. It utilizes modern technologies, which contributes to a responsive experience. Resource usage is reasonable, making it a viable option for older hardware or systems with limited resources. Launch times for applications are quick, and overall system responsiveness is good during general use.

Features and Functionality:

Beyond the core desktop features, Budgie includes support for common functionalities expected in a modern desktop environment. Multiple desktop support is standard, aiding in workflow organization. It integrates well with underlying system services and applications, leveraging the GNOME stack for many core functions like file management (using Nautilus) and system settings. The modular design is a key aspect, allowing for future development and the addition of new features through applets and extensions, although the ecosystem of third-party extensions is not as vast as for GNOME or KDE Plasma.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Clean and modern user interface.
• Intuitive workflow, especially with the Raven sidebar.
• Good performance and relatively lightweight.
• Decent level of customization.
• Active development and supportive community.

Cons:

• Customization options, while sufficient for many, are less extensive than some competitors.
• The ecosystem of third-party applets and extensions is smaller compared to GNOME Shell.
• Relies heavily on the GNOME stack, which may not appeal to users seeking a completely independent environment.

Conclusion:

Budgie is a well-designed and capable desktop environment that successfully balances aesthetics, usability, and performance. Its clean interface and the innovative Raven sidebar make for a smooth and efficient workflow. While its customization options and extension ecosystem are not as vast as some alternatives, it provides enough flexibility for most users. Budgie is an excellent choice for users who appreciate a modern, uncluttered desktop that is easy to use and performs well. It is particularly well-suited for users who value simplicity and a focused computing experience.