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Asked: 2024-09-27T07:06:15+05:30 In:

How can I determine whether my system is running Ubuntu or Xubuntu?

I’ve been trying to figure out if my system is running Ubuntu or Xubuntu, and it’s driving me a little crazy! I thought I was pretty good at this tech stuff, but now I’m just confused. I mean, I get that both are based on Debian and share a lot of similarities, but I really want to know what I’m working with here.

So, here’s the situation: I boot up my computer, and everything looks pretty standard, but then I notice some differences in the appearance and feel. It seems a bit lighter and faster than what I remember from Ubuntu. The desktop environment is different but… is it really that big of a change? I do know that Xubuntu uses the Xfce desktop environment, while Ubuntu uses GNOME, but I’ve always felt like those names mean little to me unless I see them in action.

I looked in the settings, but there’s no big banner flashing “Welcome to Xubuntu!” or anything like that. I checked the version info as well; it said something about Xfce, but I thought that might just be a part of the Ubuntu family now, right? So, I’m left wondering: How do I truly confirm what I’m using?

Is there a specific terminal command that can give me a clear answer? Or maybe some indicators I should be looking for? I’m sure I can tell the difference once someone points it out to me. Also, is there a way to switch between the two if I find out that I prefer one over the other?

I know there are a lot of folks out there who are savvy with Linux stuff. Help a confused user out! What are some foolproof methods, or tools you can recommend, to determine if I’m in Ubuntu or Xubuntu? I’d really appreciate any guidance or tips anyone can toss my way!

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    2 Answers



    1. Ubuntu or Xubuntu?

      Figuring Out if You’re Using Ubuntu or Xubuntu

      So, you’re trying to figure out if it’s Ubuntu or Xubuntu you’re using. Let’s break it down!

      What’s the Difference?

      You’re right that both are Debian-based, but the main thing that sets them apart is the desktop environment:

      • Ubuntu: Uses the GNOME desktop environment.
      • Xubuntu: Uses the Xfce desktop environment.

      Xfce is known for being lighter and faster, which might be why you feel your system is zippier!

      Check in the Terminal

      Want a definitive answer? Open a terminal and run this command:

      lsb_release -a

      Look for the Distributor ID. If it says Ubuntu, you’re on Ubuntu. If it says Xubuntu, then voilà, it’s Xubuntu!

      Other Indicators

      Besides the terminal, here are some things you can check:

      • Desktop Environment: If you see a panel that looks more traditional with a lot of customizability, it’s likely Xfce. If it feels more modern with activities and workspaces on the sidebar, then it’s probably GNOME.
      • System Settings: The settings menu is often simpler in Xfce compared to GNOME, which might have more features and options.

      Switching Between Ubuntu and Xubuntu

      If you find you prefer one over the other, you can switch:

      1. Install the desktop environment you’d like to switch to via the terminal. For example:
        2. sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop
      2. Or for Xfce, use:
        3. sudo apt install xubuntu-desktop
      3. After installation, you can choose which environment to start in by selecting it on the login screen.

      Wrapping Up

      The easiest way to find out is to check the terminal and look closely at the desktop environment. Hopefully, this clears up your confusion!



    2. To determine whether your system is running Ubuntu or Xubuntu, the most straightforward method is to utilize the terminal. You can open the terminal and run the command lsb_release -a. This command will display the Linux Standard Base and distribution information. If you’re using Xubuntu, you should see ‘Xubuntu’ listed as the distribution. Additionally, you can execute echo $DESKTOP_SESSION to confirm the desktop environment; if it returns ‘xfce’, you are indeed in Xubuntu, whereas ‘gnome’ would indicate you are using Ubuntu.

      As for the differences between the two, you’ve already noted that Xubuntu employs the Xfce desktop environment, which is generally lighter and more responsive compared to the GNOME desktop environment used by Ubuntu. If you prefer one over the other, it is possible to install a new desktop environment without changing your entire distribution. You can install GNOME on Xubuntu or Xfce on Ubuntu through the package manager. For example, to install Xfce on Ubuntu, you can use sudo apt install xubuntu-desktop. Remember to log out and select your desired desktop environment from the session options at the login screen to switch between them.


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