What is a GUI?

A GUI, or Graphical User Interface, is a visual way for users to interact with a computer system. Instead of typing commands using text, users can click on icons, buttons, and menus to perform tasks. It’s like the difference between reading a command manual and using a touchscreen phone.

On Linux, a popular open-source operating system, GUIs allow users to navigate the system and manage files more intuitively. While Linux can be operated entirely using text commands in a terminal, many users prefer GUIs because they offer a more user-friendly experience. Different distributions of Linux might have various GUIs, which are also called “desktop environments.”

Desktop environments like GNOME, KDE Plasma, and Xfce are examples of GUIs available for Linux. These give Linux its “look and feel”, allowing users to open apps, browse the web, and manage files with ease. Each of these environments has its unique style and features, catering to different user preferences.