Should I Use XFCE Instead of Unity?

What Is XFCE and Why Should I Use It?

XFCE is a desktop environment for Linux. It comes with Xubuntu and can be installed on Ubuntu. The default desktop environment on Ubuntu is Unity, which some people dislike. I personally prefer XFCE over Unity by a long shot, here are my reasons why,

1. Speed
2. Simplicity
3. Ease of configuration
4. Themes
5. Low Resource Usage

Let me break it down for you.

Speed

XFCE uses less resources to do the same things so it is inherently faster. Every once in a while I notice lag when using Unity, even on speedy computers. I like my computers to run fast and fluid and Unity doesn't deliver that 100% of the time like I expect, whereas XFCE never seems to slow down, even on slower computers. The amount of RAM freed up from using XFCE also allows more programs to be run on the same computer if your computer has a small amount of RAM.

Simplicity

Unity is simple to use, but has so many features that it is not as straightforward as XFCE. I prefer a simple, to the point DE and XFCE is perfect for that. You get a start menu and a task bar and your set, if you want more panels, so be it. You can add as many as you want with a few mouse clicks. Each panel can do a different thing and you can cater your entire environment to your workflow.

Ease of configuration

With XFCE everything is a few clicks away. You can adjust every aspect of your desktop, from the panels, to the application menu and the notification area. There are so many ways to set up your Desktop environment.

Themes

XFCE can look like anything you want it to. 

Like Windows 7, theres a theme. XP? That too. What about OS X? Yep. Some stereotypical futuristic computer theme? You betcha.

Even with a bunch of themes, your computer will still run lightning fast.

Low Resource Usage

Probably the most important point to me is that is uses very little resources. This basically means that your computer can use the power that it usually puts towards running Unity into your applications, which matter the most. Your computer will be snappier and any lag you had will be gone.

Downsides?

The downsides are appearance and functionality related. If you want to sacrifice preformace for fancy animations or the Unity Lenses, then so be it. It all comes down to personal preference, but I HIGHLY recommend you give XFCE a try.