Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Edubuntu: How to Switch Between Linux OS

When Linus Torvalds invented Linux, no one knew that this Operating System would face countless changes that you cannot even comprehend. The main motive to invent Linux was that it could be availed by anyone around the world free of cost.

The fully customizable and highly secure Linux Operating System underwent so many variations that each variant became a sub-project, aimed at certain specific task. Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Edubuntu, and Xubuntu are also variant of Linux Operating System. For those who are not much familiar, lets have a brief look at each of them:

Ubuntu

• Uses Gnome Desktop manager
• It is not extensively customizable
• Allows inline renaming of files
• Gnome by default has dark grey and purple UI with two toolbars at top and bottom
• Selecting an option automatically commits the settings

Kubuntu

• Uses KDE desktop manager
• KDE by default has blue and grey UI with one toolbar at the bottom of the screen, and has one main menu.
• KDE is more responsive
• You need to click apply to commit changes
• It has KMenu to access all programs
• To rename a file a popup windows opens
• It is extensively customizable

Edubuntu

• Uses KDE desktop manager
• KMenu to access all programs
• Targeted mainly for education purposes for children
• Includes LTSP
• It is extensively customizable

Xubuntu

• Uses XFCE desktop manager
• Made for less powerful computer and is optimized for speed

How to Switch Between Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu or Edubuntu

Sometimes you are in need install multiple versions of them e.g Ubuntu with Kubuntu. Plus you might need to switch between one version to other. In the following let have a look how to do so:

After a successful install of Kubuntu its easy to revert to Ubuntu:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop

When it asks what DM to use e.g KDM or GDM, select GDM and continue.
When done its time to remove the Kubuntu packages:

sudo apt-get remove kubuntu-desktop kubuntu-artwork-usplash

It will remove some of the Kubuntu packages and with auto remove the rest of the Kubuntu packages can be removed now:

sudo apt-get autoremove

When done reboot (or restart x) and you have your Ubuntu ready for use.
Replace Kubuntu with Xubuntu:

sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop
Select gdm as dm
Remove Kubuntu as explained earlier

Replace Kubuntu with Edubuntu:

sudo apt-get install edubuntu-desktop
Select gdm as dm
Remove Kubuntu as explained earlier

If you wish to keep the Kubuntu packages simply skip the remove step.
If you wish to revert from Ubuntu to Kubuntu:

sudo apt-get install kubuntu-desktop
Select kdm as dm
sudo apt-get remove ubuntu-desktop
sudo apt-get autoremove

Ubuntu to Xubuntu:

sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop
sudo apt-get remove ubuntu-desktop
sudo apt-get autoremove

Ubuntu to Edubuntu:

sudo apt-get install edubuntu-desktop
sudo apt-get remove ubuntu-desktop
sudo apt-get autoremove

If you revert to Kubuntu make sure to select KDM as DM, all others require GDM.
Removal of Xubuntu:

sudo apt-get remove xubuntu-desktop xubuntu-artwork-usplash
sudo apt-get autoremove

Removal of Edubuntu:

sudo apt-get remove edubuntu edubuntu-artwork-usplash
sudo apt-get autoremove

Want to switch from GDM to KDM or vice versa while having both installed?
Try something like this:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure gdm

And select your preferred DM, or

sudo dpkg-reconfigure kdm

So you see, its not very hard to switch from one environment to another, and sometimes its easier to use the cd you have laying around and switch after install.