How to Install Budgie Desktop on Debian 12

Introduction

Before we begin talking about how to install Budgie Desktop on Debian 12, let's briefly understand – What is Budgie Desktop?

The Budgie Desktop is a lightweight and user-friendly desktop environment for Linux operating systems. It offers a sleek and modern interface with a focus on simplicity and efficiency. Developed by the Solus project, Budgie provides a clean design that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for both new and experienced Linux users.

With its customizable panels, applets, and integrated notification center, Budgie Desktop offers a pleasant user experience while consuming minimal system resources. Give your Linux system a breath of fresh air with the Budgie Desktop.

In this tutorial, you will install Budgie Desktop on Debian 12. We will also address a few FAQs on how to install Budgie Desktop on Debian 12.

Advantages of Budgie Desktop

1. Sleek Interface: Budgie Desktop offers a sleek and modern interface, providing a visually appealing user experience.
2. User-friendly: With a focus on simplicity, Budgie is easy to navigate, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced Linux users.
3. Customizable: Budgie's panels, applets, and settings can be easily customized to suit individual preferences.
4. Low Resource Usage: Despite its sleek design, Budgie Desktop consumes minimal system resources, ensuring smooth performance on older or low-end hardware.
5. Integrated Notification Center: Budgie features an integrated notification center, allowing users to conveniently manage their notifications in one place.

Install Budgie Desktop on Debian 12 via APT

Step 1: Update Debian System Packages Before Budgie Installation

Make sure your Debian system is up-to-date before we begin installing the Budgie Desktop Environment. Updating the system guarantees security and compatibility. To upgrade the installed packages and update the package lists, run the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

The commands apt update and apt upgrade install the most recent versions of installed packages and update the package lists, respectively.

Step 2: Install Budgie Desktop on Debian via APT Command

You are now able to install the Budgie Desktop Environment because your system is up-to-date. To complete the installation, execute the following command:

sudo apt install budgie-desktop

Alternatively, you can install the suggested packages in addition to Budgie for a more feature-rich experience. These packages are a useful addition with little overhead because they are still lightweight:

sudo apt install --install-suggests budgie-desktop

This version of the command installs Budgie plus recommended functionality-enhancing packages.

Step 3: Select LightDM during Budgie Installation

You will be prompted in your terminal to select LightDM or GDM as your display manager as the installation moves along. Budgie performs best when used with LightDM, so this is the recommended option.

Make sure you choose LightDM with the arrow keys and hit Enter to continue.

Step 4: Reboot to Complete the Budgie Desktop Installation

Reboot your computer to make sure the modifications take effect after installing the Budgie Desktop Environment and configuring it with LightDM.

Use these instructions to restart your system:

sudo reboot

Logging into Budgie Desktop on Debian 12

You should use the Budgie Desktop Environment as soon as it has been installed on your Debian system. You will be guided through the process of logging into Budgie for the first time by this guide.

Step 1: Select Budgie at the Login Screen

When your computer restarts, the login screen will appear. Make sure you want to use the Budgie Desktop Environment before logging in.

Locate the gear- or cog-shaped icon, or option, that allows you to change the desktop environment. Select Budgie from the drop-down menu that appears after you click this icon. By doing this, you can make sure that Budgie welcomes you when you log in instead of the default setting.

Step 2: Proceed to Login

Select Budgie as your preferred desktop environment and log in with your username and password.

Tips for Getting Started with Budgie Desktop on Debian

It's thrilling to explore the Budgie Desktop Environment. Budgie is a great option for Debian Linux users because of its contemporary design and abundance of customization possibilities. You'll find priceless advice in this section to get started right away. Let's explore Budgie's capabilities on your Debian Linux system, from general advice to customization and more.

General Budgie Desktop Tips with Debian

• Access Raven: Raven is a special feature that Budgie offers. It is a sidebar that holds your applets and notifications. You can get to it by hitting Super + N or clicking the Raven icon in the top panel. The key to increasing productivity and effectively organizing your workspace is this sidebar.
• Take Advantage of Alt + Tab: Similar to other desktop environments, Budgie allows you to switch windows by pressing Alt + Tab. When multitasking, this fast window navigation is invaluable.
• Utilize Workspaces: With Budgie, you can organize related windows into multiple workspaces. To navigate through them, press Ctrl + Alt + Right Arrow or Ctrl + Alt + Left Arrow.

Budgie Desktop Customization Tips with Debian

• Change the Theme: Navigate to Budgie Desktop Settings to alter the theme. You can select your preferred Widget theme, Icon theme, and other options under the Style tab.
• Customize Top Panel: The top panel of Budgie is very customizable. Navigate to the Top Panel section after opening Budgie Desktop Settings. This is where you can change the size, position, and add or remove applets from the panel.
• Customize Window Behavior: To customize window behavior, navigate to the Windows section of Budgie Desktop Settings and make your selections. Depending on your preference, you can enable either Click to focus or Focus follows mouse here.

Other Budgie Desktop Tips with Debian

• Add Applets: By including applets, you can improve Budgie's functionality. To add applets, navigate to Budgie Desktop Settings and click the + symbol in the Panel section. These provide you access to extra tools, such as quicknotes and workspace switchers.
• Enable Night Light: To lessen eye strain, turn on the Night Light feature if you frequently work late. Navigate to Notifications & Actions > Budgie Desktop Settings > Night Light and turn it on.
• Quick Command Execution: You can rapidly type and run a command without opening the terminal by pressing Alt + F2.

Managing Budgie Desktop on Debian 12

This tutorial will teach you how to control your Debian Linux system's Budgie Desktop Environment.

Switching Display Managers on Debian with Budgie

Budgie's default display manager is LightDM. However, you can quickly switch it to GDM (GNOME Display Manager) or another option if you'd prefer. To begin, open the terminal, which is your main command line interface for system commands. Next, to access the display manager configuration, execute the following command:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure lightdm

You are given a list of available display managers by this command. Restart your computer after choosing one to implement the changes using:

sudo reboot

Remove Budgie Desktop From Debian

Budgie Desktop can be deleted if you determine it no longer suits your needs. To prevent any problems, switch your display manager away from LightDM before proceeding. Utilize the command that was previously provided:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure lightdm

Use this to remove Budgie Desktop and all of its components:

sudo apt autoremove '^budgie' --purge

This command guarantees the removal of Budgie and all associated packages, as well as the deletion of their configuration files.

Should you decide to go back to the GNOME desktop, install it along with all of its related packages using:

sudo apt install gnome gdm3 task-gnome-desktop --reinstall

Restart your computer after making any major changes or installing a different desktop environment:

sudo reboot

FAQs to Install Budgie Desktop on Debian 12

Conclusion

We hope this tutorial helped you understand how to install Budgie Desktop on Debian 12.

If you have any queries, please leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to respond to them for sure.