El Linux desktop It's experiencing a particularly interesting moment, with new proposals that attempt to modernize the graphical experience without losing the flexibility that has always characterized the ecosystem. Not only are environments like KDE Plasma and GNOME consolidating their position, but projects like Orbitiny and Wayback are also arriving, seeking to revolutionize the way we work with... our distributions In day to day.
In parallel, Linux usage figures on desktop computers Linux distributions continue to evolve, refining their various desktop environments to reach a wider range of users, from those with very modest computers to those with powerful hardware who demand a more polished visual experience. All of this creates a landscape where the Linux desktop is gaining ground against other systems, including in Europe and Spain.
Orbitiny: a modular desktop that builds on your existing setup
One of the most striking proposals is OrbitinsIt's a desktop environment designed as a modular application that runs on top of the window manager already installed on your Linux distribution. Instead of completely replacing KDE Plasma, GNOME, or other desktops, it functions as an additional layer, almost like a regular application overlaying your current session.
This philosophy has one clear consequence: Orbitiny does not include its own window managerIt leverages the existing setup of your distro, so you don't have to abandon your current configuration to try it. It was developed from scratch using Qt and C++, with the aim of being flexible enough to adapt to all types of users without tying them to a single way of working.
One of the key points is its character modularThe environment's structure is divided into relatively independent components, meaning that if one particular piece crashes or malfunctions, the rest of the desktop can continue to function. This approach, uncommon in more monolithic environments, aims to improve perceived stability and reduce the impact of isolated failures.
Regarding its availability, Orbitiny is distributed in a Delivery to Italy takes one or two business days and is designed to It will work on virtually any modern Linux distribution.This makes it easier for both home users and those who want to experiment in test environments without being tied to a single distro.
Key features of Orbitiny over KDE, GNOME, and other desktops
The project is not limited to offering a simple visual "facelift". Orbitiny includes a set of utilities and panels that can replace or complement the usual tools on your current desktop, providing features that you would normally have spread across several applications.
- It can act as file manager and search engine main, taking over from other more traditional explorers.
- Integrates a panel with add-ons (widgets or plugins) that expand the functions of the desktop, from quick access to information modules.
- Available Full drag and drop support between its different components, which makes it easy to move files, shortcuts, or even text between applications.
- It incorporates its own clipboard manager, designed for those who constantly copy and paste and need a convenient history.
- It includes a device administrator to manage elements connected to the system without having to delve into several tools.
- Offers a advanced boot menu, with a sidebar and drag-and-drop compatibility, from which to launch programs and quickly access installed applications.
- The panel displays both the tasks in progress such as the list of available applications, unifying information that is often scattered between the launcher, the dock, and the notification area.
- It allows access to applications that are already open in the underlying desktop environmentso you don't have to switch sessions or give up what you already had going on.
Beyond those classic functions, the environment also features distinctive details such as desktop gesturesIt is possible to draw patterns directly on the desktop to launch certain actions, for example, opening a specific application, running a script, or activating a frequently used function without having to use the mouse or complex key combinations.
Another curious feature is the ability to merge two text files or paste content directly into a file directly from the desktop, without needing to open a conventional editor. These types of functions, although very specific, can be useful for advanced users who handle large amounts of plain text.
How to get Orbitiny up and running on your Linux distribution
The usual procedure involves download a compressed file with the binaries and environment resources. Once the download is complete, the package is extracted and, within the new folder, simply run the command:
start-orbitiny
At that point, a work session opens using the Orbitiny interface, which leverages the desktop already installed on the system. According to its developers, the environment is... reasonably stable And, although it coexists with another desktop, the overall feeling is similar to using a native environment and not just a floating application.
It should be noted, however, that the project is still in progress. development phaseSome bugs or unexpected behavior may still be found, which is normal for relatively new software. The team's goal is to reach version 1.0, which can compete head-to-head with other established environments, and at that point, they hope to gain a significant foothold within the Linux desktop community.
Wayback: uniting the X11 world with Wayland on the Linux desktop
While Orbitiny focuses on offering a distinct user experience, another project, WaybackIt directly addresses one of the most important debates in the Linux desktop: the definitive leap from X11 to Wayland. Its goal is to allow desktops and window managers designed for X11 can continue to function, but on a modern Wayland basis.
As described in its documentation, Wayback acts as a X11 compatibility layer which runs on Wayland. Technically, it's a Wayland compositor that sits in front of XWayland, implementing just enough so that XWayland can function like a traditional X server, but with Wayland underneath providing support.
The practical consequence is that desktop environments that rely heavily on X11 They could run on a Wayland system without having to rewrite all their code. This is especially attractive for small projects that don't have the resources for a full migration but also don't want to be stuck with a graphical stack that's becoming obsolete.
Wayback is based on wlrootsThe library used by many lightweight Wayland compositors allows it to rely on technologies already proven within the community. It is still a very young software, categorized as highly experimental, so its use is not recommended in production environments where stability is critical.
Even so, the interest it generates is remarkable: the project has become part of freedesktop.orgThe organization that brings together key Linux desktop technologies such as Xorg, Wayland, Mesa, NetworkManager, and PipeWire lends it considerable weight and suggests it could play a significant role in the transition of many desktops to Wayland in the coming years.
The Linux desktop between X11, Wayland and the evolution of the ecosystem
Wayback also has a symbolic component. Its logo is clearly reminiscent of Xorg's, but with the "X" replaced by a "W," a direct reference to both Wayland and the project's own name. Some community members have interpreted it as a kind of technical and conceptual response to XLibre, the Xorg fork that attempts to prolong the life of X11 in the face of the advance of Wayland.
Meanwhile, major industries are already setting the course: GNOME has abandoned its Xorg-based sessionAnd KDE has plans to do something similar starting with a future version of Plasma (in the 6.x branch). This trend is pushing more and more distributions to offer Wayland as the default desktop environment, especially on modern desktops and laptops.
In this context, tools like Wayback can help to legacy applications and desktops Don't get left behind. The Wayland protocol isn't always easy to implement, and projects like Wine or certain window managers have encountered serious obstacles when porting their code. A layer that cushions that transition can make all the difference in maintaining the diversity that characterizes the Linux desktop.
Wayback's development is still progressing at a cautious pace, and its developers make it clear that, for now, it's more of a testing ground than a fully mature solution. However, if it manages to stabilize, it could become a strategic asset for those who want to adopt Wayland without giving up the X11 desktops they've been comfortable with for years.
Usage share and maturity: the Linux desktop is gaining ground
While new desktop projects are emerging, the use of Linux on personal computers It also increases. Various data suggest that, between 2022 and 2025, global market share in desktop computers It has gone from figures close to 2,7% to values ​​around 4,7%, with some markets, such as the US market, exceeding 5% for the first time.
Among the factors driving this growth is the discontent among Windows users With recent changes, including the aggressive integration of artificial intelligence features, the emergence of more web-based elements within the system, and a perceived push toward subscription models, the Linux desktop offers more direct control over the environment and less reliance on third-party cloud services.
The progress in compatibility with games and graphics applications This trend has also been influenced by technologies like Proton and projects closely linked to Steam, which have significantly expanded the catalog of playable titles on Linux—something that would have sounded quite optimistic a few years ago. The desktop environment is no longer seen solely as an option for servers or development teams, but also for leisure and general use.
In parallel, the ecosystem is strengthened in terms of security and stabilityThe integration of Rust into critical parts of the kernel, the adoption of immutable distributions, and the improvement of software delivery practices (with greater use of SBOM and verifiable signatures, driven in part by European regulations) directly impact the reliability expected of a modern desktop.
All of this contributes to the Linux desktop being increasingly perceived as a realistic alternative for a broad audience, including in professional environments in Europe and Spain, where regulatory compliance and security requirements are gaining importance.
Environments and flavors: Kubuntu, Xubuntu and Lubuntu for each type of equipment
Beyond specific projects like Orbitiny or Wayback, the user encounters a range of consolidated desktop environments packaged in different distributions. A clear example is the Ubuntu-derived family, which illustrates well how the Linux desktop adapts to the available hardware and the tastes of each person.
Ubuntu It acts as a common base, but depending on the chosen desktop environment, there are variations such as Kubuntu, Xubuntu, or Lubuntu. They all share the same underlying system and software repositories, but completely change the graphical layer and, with it, resource consumption, aesthetics, and the way you interact with the system.
Lubuntu It is geared towards very modest or older computers. It uses the LXQt environment, which combines elements of LXDE and Razor-qt, and prioritizes a simple interface with very few visual effects and minimal resource consumption. Thanks to this, it can run with basic requirements such as 2 GB of RAM and about 25 GB of disk spacerestoring utility to computers that would become practically useless with heavier systems.
At an intermediate point it is located Xubuntuwhich uses the Xfce desktop environment. This environment offers an interesting balance between performance and customization, with an appearance that doesn't stray too far from the classic GNOME-based Ubuntu desktop, but with a lower load on the machine. Despite being lightweight, it allows Adjust themes, widgets, and other graphical elements, and maintains compatibility with Ubuntu repositories, so the user has access to a wide catalog of software.
At the most comprehensive end we find Kubuntuwhich incorporates KDE Plasma. This desktop environment is characterized by its modern look and offers numerous visual and functional configuration options. It is not as resource-efficient as Lubuntu or Xubuntu, and feels more comfortable with at least 4 GB of RAMBut in return, it offers a richly detailed experience, integration with applications from the KDE project itself (such as the Dolphin file manager) and features like KDE Connect to synchronize the phone with the computer.
The existence of these flavors demonstrates the extent to which the Linux desktop can be adjusted to the contextFrom an old laptop being rescued with a minimal environment to a modern desktop where a polished look and advanced functions are sought, always maintaining the common software base and the philosophy of freedom of the ecosystem.
With projects like Orbitiny adding new layers on top of established desktops, Wayback trying to bridge the gap between X11 and Wayland, and distributions fine-tuning their environments according to user type and hardware, the The Linux desktop is consolidating itself as a field in full swing, in which innovation, tradition and a growing interest from those seeking a more open and controllable system to work, play or simply browse with some peace of mind coexist.
