Rhino Linux's Big Switch: From XFCE to KDE Plasma

The Rhino Linux team has been working on a significant change. They are moving away from the XFCE desktop environment. This shift is part of a project called the Unicorn Beyond XFCE Initiative (UBXI). The goal is to bring the unique look and feel of the Unicorn desktop to a new platform. The team started this journey in 2023. They wanted to take the best parts of the Unicorn desktop and make them work on something different. The result? A new desktop based on KDE 6. This isn't a completely new environment. Instead, it's a migration from XFCE to KDE Plasma. The new desktop keeps the familiar Unicorn look and layout, which is crucial for fans of the original design. Over a recent weekend, the new UBXI desktop was tested. Although it needs some refinements, it shows promise. It could take Rhino Linux to new heights. The installation process is straightforward. Users need a running, updated version of Rhino Linux. Then, they open a terminal and type a simple command. The installation takes less than 5 minutes. After rebooting, users can switch to the new KDE Plasma desktop.

The new UBXI desktop is similar to the old one. But it has some noticeable differences. It's clear that this is a KDE Plasma desktop. The top bar and the KDE Plasma menu icon give it away. However, the developers have done a great job making it look like the Unicorn desktop. They used a floating panel option for the left-side dock, giving it a modern touch. KDE Plasma is known for its refined look and ease of customization. This makes the move to KDE Plasma a smart choice. Even so, the new desktop feels like a rethemed version of KDE Plasma. It lacks some unique features that could set it apart. For example, customizing the top panel can make the desktop look more unique. This small change can make a big difference in the overall aesthetic. The Rhino Linux team has an opportunity here. They can make the new desktop truly unique. This could attract more users and set Rhino Linux apart from other distributions. After all, one of the great things about Linux is the freedom to customize and innovate. The new UBXI desktop is a step in the right direction. But it could go further to become something special.

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