Having one GUI (i.e. window manager or desktop environment) for the Linux front end is a topic that will spark debate amongst Linux users. While I understand the importance of being able to have an open system like the X Windows system, if fellow Linux users really want Linux to succeed on the desktop, the endless debate between which GUI is the best needs to finally be brought to rest.

The choice of freedom — the different desktop environments and window managers that each different distribution of Linux uses — is what makes Linux appealing to some. This is a call for one uniform desktop environment from the Linux distribution BUSINESSES. However, what I should state is that each Linux distribution should have a common environment in order for Linux to truly become mainstream. Keeping the X Window System as the standard for Linux would let the people who do want something different, or feel that the current desktop environment or window manager is not working for them, still be able to change it however they see fit.

I have no personal opinion as far as what desktop environment or window manager should be the common one. KDE, Gnome, Xfce — all have pros and cons. It’s up to the Linux community to finally come together with a unified voice. The beauty of open source is that users — not businesses — have the freedom to modify their systems from the GUI to individual applications, and a little standardization doesn’t have to change this. Let’s hear the feedback.