How to Install Cinnamon on Debian 12

Introduction

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

Cinnamon is a popular desktop environment for Linux systems, known for its simplicity and intuitive user interface. With its sleek design and customizable features, Cinnamon provides a smooth and efficient user experience. Developed by the GNOME project, Cinnamon offers a modern look and feel, making it suitable for both novice and experienced users.

Its seamless integration with various applications and its ability to multitask effectively make it a top choice for many Linux enthusiasts. Experience the power of Cinnamon and take your Linux desktop to the next level.

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

Advantages of Cinnamon

1. User-friendly interface: Cinnamon offers a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to navigate and customize their desktop environment.
2. Customization options: With a wide range of themes, applets, and extensions, Cinnamon allows users to personalize their desktop according to their preferences.
3. Efficient multitasking: Cinnamon provides powerful multitasking capabilities, allowing users to switch between applications smoothly and efficiently.
4. Stability and performance: Known for its stability, Cinnamon ensures a reliable and smooth user experience while consuming minimal system resources.
5. Seamless integration: Cinnamon integrates seamlessly with various applications, providing a cohesive and integrated desktop environment.

Step 1: Update the Debian System Before Cinnamon Desktop Installation

Before installing the Cinnamon desktop environment, make sure your Debian system is up-to-date. This covers all installed software as well as the essential system packages.

Use the guidelines listed below to update your Debian system:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Install Cinnamon Desktop on Debian 12 via APT Command

Because Cinnamon is easily obtainable from Debian's default repositories, installing it is simple and the transition between the new desktop environment and the original GNOME desktop is stable. Depending on your Debian version, Cinnamon may look slightly different, but these variations are usually small and won't affect how you use it.

Use the following command to install the Cinnamon desktop environment on your Debian system:

sudo apt install task-cinnamon-desktop

With this command, the required packages for the Cinnamon desktop environment will be downloaded and installed.

Rebooting your computer after the installation will allow you to make final adjustments and move to the Cinnamon desktop environment. Rebooting can be done via the terminal by typing the following command or via the graphical user interface:

sudo reboot

Step 3: Change to Cinnamon Desktop Environment on Debian 12

Take these actions to switch to the Cinnamon desktop environment:

1. DO NOT LOG IN IMMEDIATELY: Wait before you enter your login information.
2. Locate the Desktop Environment Selection: Search for the desktop environment configuration icon next to the login prompt or in the upper right corner.
3. Select Cinnamon: Select "Cinnamon" from the menu by clicking the configuration icon. It is advised to choose "Cinnamon" as the default option rather than "Cinnamon (Software Rendering)".
4. Understand the Difference: When using the default Cinnamon desktop, the "Cinnamon (Software Rendering)" option serves as a backup in case your graphics card gives you trouble. However, it should only be used when absolutely necessary, as it might lead to decreased performance and visual effects.
5. Log In: Enter your username and password to log in after choosing the Cinnamon desktop environment.

Step 4: Getting Started with Cinnamon Desktop Environment on Debian 12

Once Cinnamon has been successfully installed on your Debian system, the following useful hints will help you get around and maximize your new desktop environment:

General Cinnamon Guidance with Debian 12

• Interface Acquaintance: Set aside some time to explore the Cinnamon interface. Its user-friendly layout is designed to make it simple for users to navigate and use.
• Hot Corners Activation: Move the pointer to any corner of the screen to quickly carry out actions with Hot Corners. Go to System Settings > Hot Corners to activate and customize this feature to fit your workflow.
• Shortcut Keys Exploration: Increase productivity by becoming proficient with Cinnamon's keyboard shortcuts. To find and customize these shortcuts, go to System Settings > Keyboard.

Cinnamon Customization Guidance with Debian 12

Theme Alteration:

• For more customization options, such as window borders, controls, mouse pointers, icons, and desktop aesthetics, navigate to System Settings > Themes.
• Interact with the various themes on the Cinnamon Spices website, each of which is intended to provide a distinctive user interface.

Panel Tweaking:

• To adjust the panel's position, size, and visibility, right-click on it and select Modify Panel.
• To add or remove applets, open the panel's context menu and choose Add Applets to Panel.

Additional Cinnamon Guidance with Debian 12

Applet Handling:

• Play with the applets, which are the little programs in the panel, to increase the functionality of your desktop. Effectively handle these to improve user experience.
• Go to System Settings > Applets or check out the Cinnamon Spices website for a wider variety of applets.

Window Management Mastery:

• To improve your multitasking skills, become proficient with the different window management tools Cinnamon provides, such as snapping, tiling, and shading.

Workspace Optimization:

• Use Cinnamon's virtual desktops, or workspaces, to organize and access your apps in a methodical manner. Keyboard shortcuts or the Workspace Switcher applet can be used to manage workspaces.

Additional Commands: Remove Cinnamon From Debian 12

Step 1: Remove Cinnamon From Debian 12

There may be times when you decide to remove Cinnamon because your needs have changed. Cinnamon and its related files must be removed, regardless of whether you want to go back to your previous configurations or are thinking about trying out a different desktop environment. This task is accomplished by the following command:

sudo apt autoremove '^cinnamon' task-cinnamon-desktop --purge

By running this command, you will remove Cinnamon and all associated files, returning your desktop to how it was before Cinnamon was installed.

Step 2: Re-install GNOME on Debian 12

It is essential that you update your package list and reinstall the gnome, gdm3, and task-gnome-desktop packages if you go back to the GNOME Desktop Environment after uninstalling Cinnamon. To do this, run the following commands:

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

Step 3: Activating GDM on Debian 12

To stop your computer from booting into a terminal or displaying a login screen akin to a server, turn on GDM (GNOME Display Manager) before you reboot it. In the event that this occurs, run the following command to restore the GNOME Desktop login:

sudo systemctl enable gdm --now

Step 4: System Reboot

Restarting the system is required to take effect all the changes. To apply all recent changes and force a system restart, run the following command:

sudo reboot

This procedure walks you through the process of uninstalling Cinnamon and switching back to GNOME on your Debian Linux system. This is especially helpful if you want to experiment with the different Debian Linux desktop environments.

FAQs to Install Cinnamon on Debian 12

Conclusion

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

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