Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Enlightenment

Enlightenment is not just a window manager for Linux/X11 and others, but also a whole suite of...

Enlightenment

Enlightenment Reviews and Details

This page is designed to help you find out whether Enlightenment is good and if it is the right choice for you.

Screenshots and images

  • Enlightenment Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-29

Features & Specs

  1. Lightweight

    Enlightenment is known for being a lightweight window manager, which means it consumes fewer resources compared to other desktop environments, making it suitable for older or less powerful hardware.

  2. Highly Customizable

    The environment offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor their user interface and experience according to their personal preferences.

  3. Efficient

    Due to its focus on performance and efficiency, Enlightenment can be particularly fast and responsive, which enhances the user experience.

  4. Aesthetic Design

    Enlightenment provides a modern and visually appealing design, giving users a unique and attractive desktop experience.

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Videos

The Enlightenment [AP World History Review] Unit 5, Topic 1

APUSH Review: The Enlightenment

Enlightenment Review

Social recommendations and mentions

We have tracked the following product recommendations or mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you see what people think about Enlightenment and what they use it for.
  • Enlightenment Desktop 0.25.0 released
    As for modern and sleek - isn't the default flat theme that's there now just that. It's what everyone wants? Flat? Sleek? Minimal shadows where needed for some borders/depth. Is the problem that it's dark? You can just select one of the light color palettes in the palette selector if that's what you want. Look at enlightenment.org and all the screenshots there now or just try the latest. Source: over 4 years ago
  • Enlightenment Desktop 0.25.0 released
    Don't give up too fast - it may be the thing you want exists and it just isn't where you expect it or there's a feature you just don't know is there. It may be it does something differently and it's odd at the start but then you get used to it and then suddenly you can't go back. This happened to people early in the E-0.17 rewrite where E would separate each screen and virtual desktops are switched separately per... Source: over 4 years ago
  • Enlightenment Desktop 0.25.0 released
    Hmmm... Not really. e uses about half the memory. I just updated the the about-enlightenment page on enlightenment.org with some numbers I took from an actual installed vm comparing e, xfce, gnome, kde, lxd, and lxqt. e is about 1/4 the mem of kde and even less than lxqt. You might find e is actually more customizable than kde if you dig into themes and how they work. They are sheer mountains of power if you want... Source: over 4 years ago
  • Follow-up to: I want Linux from Win as soon as I wake up, spent hours over the past days reading and watching videos about various Linux distros and have found 4 that might suit me. Also, I am afraid that my PC (Windows 10) might break down again, and I'd like to move to Linux before that happens.
    You could try Enlightenment, an old, forgotten gem. I use a distro designed for it (Elive Linux) but that's optional especially since the betas which are the only supported versions not using Debian Wheezy are using an "outdated-looking" (personally I like it) E16 desktop. Source: about 5 years ago

Summary of the public mentions of Enlightenment

Enlightenment, a Linux desktop environment and window manager, has a long-standing presence in the landscape of Linux desktop solutions. Despite its relatively low mainstream reputation compared to more common desktop environments like GNOME, KDE Plasma, or Xfce, Enlightenment still commands a contingent of dedicated users who appreciate its distinctive features and design philosophy. A comprehensive assessment of recent opinions and insights regarding Enlightenment offers a glimpse into its current standing and potential appeal within the Linux community.

One of Enlightenment's notable strengths lies in its high degree of configurability. As reported in several articles, users who appreciate deep customization find it a compelling choice. The design approach incorporates options for various user preferences, allowing adherents of the minimalist aesthetic to opt for a sleek, flat theme with minimal shadows, while those favoring a more detailed visual style can explore Enlightenment's skeuomorphic art direction.

The Enlightenment Foundation Libraries (EFL) serve as a backbone, providing a robust framework for a range of applications beyond desktop environments, including wearable, TV, and mobile platforms. This highlights Enlightenmentโ€™s versatility and potential for broader usage scenarios. Despite this, the transition from Enlightenment's earlier forms to its current state was initially met with skepticism, as some users found its unique features unconventional. However, as users acclimated to the environment, they discovered advantages such as the ability to manage virtual desktops separately per screen, a feature that some now consider indispensable.

A common point of appreciation is Enlightenment's efficient use of system resources. Reports suggest that it requires significantly less memory than some other desktop environments, making it an attractive option for users with hardware constraints. For instance, Enlightenment reportedly uses about half the memory of Xfce and just a quarter of KDE Plasma, positioning it as a lightweight alternative for performance-critical applications.

Despite its strengths, Enlightenment is often referred to as an "old, forgotten gem," indicating its underappreciation within mainstream Linux circles. However, distributions specifically tailored for Enlightenment, such as Elive Linux, continue to support and promote its use. For those willing to delve into the intricacies of its configuration, Enlightenment offers a rich, customizable experience that is arguably unmatched by its peers.

In conclusion, while Enlightenment may not hold the limelight alongside heavier hitters like GNOME or KDE, its niche appeal, borne from a blend of high configurability, lightweight operation, and unique features, ensures a devoted, albeit smaller, user base. Its continual development and adaptability suggest that it remains a viable and appealing option for users seeking a distinctive and flexible Linux desktop environment.

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Is Enlightenment good? This is an informative page that will help you find out. Moreover, you can review and discuss Enlightenment here. The primary details have not been verified within the last quarter, and they might be outdated. If you think we are missing something, please use the means on this page to comment or suggest changes. All reviews and comments are highly encouranged and appreciated as they help everyone in the community to make an informed choice. Please always be kind and objective when evaluating a product and sharing your opinion.