Back to Linux

Using Linux again intensively on the desktop. But I wasn't quite fan of the default KDE look but neither the Gnome look. I know I could use Sway, but given my workflow a desktop would fit better.

What it seemed people were doing, was either using the Breeze theme / niche dark theme or trying to mimic Windows or Mac. None of these options seemed appealing to me.

Classic Red Hat Look

What I ended up doing was theming the KDE desktop, to look like a classic redhat linux desktop from around the 2000 era. So far it's been very comfortable and a bit nostalgic.

I like the simplicity of the icons, and that they're not this "flat theme" trend. With the flat theme, it's just to distinguish the icons. Yet, I the modern KDE features.

Modern Comforts

In Nautilus, the file explorer, I can press the F4 key to instantly have a terminal. In the start bar, there is a little search options. So it very comfy.

New Desktop Trends

I did see there are some new desktop trends for Linux.

• skeuomorphic design, where the desktop is more like a real desk.
• PaperWM, where every Windows is always maximized. I believe that was a Gnome extension.

Anyway, for now I'll stick with this classic look for the desktop.

Terminal and CTF Labs

Still I use the terminal a lot. And do a lot of CTF (capture the flag) labs as hobby. If you are new to the terminal, you could learn using labs. While learning commands slowly by trial-and-error works, it's a lot slower and you may only learn the commands you need right now rather than fully grasp the terminal.