Xfce is a fast and flexible Linux desktop that may not always get the recognition it deserves. While it is fairly easy to use out of the box, there are some tips and tricks that can help improve the user experience. Whether you are new to Xfce or a seasoned user, these tips can help you optimize your desktop for better functionality.
1. **Install Plank:** Xubuntu, the official Xfce spin of Ubuntu, comes with a top panel, system tray, application menu, and desktop icons. However, if you want more features, you can install Plank, a simple dock for the Linux desktop. Plank allows you to drag and drop launchers from the desktop menu for quick access to your favorite apps. To install Plank, open a terminal window and enter the command: `sudo apt-get install plank -y`.
2. **Add quick access to the Applications menu:** Xfce has a desktop applications menu feature that is not enabled by default. To enable it, go to Settings > Desktop > Menus and click ‘Include applications menu on desktop right click’. Once enabled, you can right-click on the desktop and access your applications menu for quick and efficient app launching.
3. **Enable ‘focus follows mouse’:** This feature allows you to give focus to a window by simply hovering your cursor over it, without having to click. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Window Manager > Focus and enable ‘Focus follows mouse’ and ‘Automatically raise windows when they receive focus’. This feature can improve your workflow and efficiency.
4. **Add workspaces:** Workspaces are a great way to organize your tasks and improve multitasking. You can create multiple workspaces and name them according to the tasks you perform. To add workspaces, go to Settings > Workspaces, and click to add the number of workspaces you need. You can then switch between workspaces as needed for a more organized desktop.
5. **Use menu favorites:** The desktop menu in Xfce allows you to add your favorite applications for quick access. Simply locate the application launcher in the menu, right-click, and select ‘Add to Favorites’. This way, you can customize your Favorites panel with the apps you use most frequently.
By implementing these tips, you can make your Xfce desktop more user-friendly and enjoyable to use. Whether you are looking to improve productivity or enhance the aesthetics of your desktop, these simple tweaks can go a long way in optimizing your Linux experience. Give them a try and see how they can enhance your daily computing tasks.
