There is a place for graphically gorgeous distro’s, but when it comes to ease and speed, Xfce is just the best for me.
I started using Xfce when Xubuntu first came out and I switched to Linux Mint Xfce when that started. I did try other distro’s when others recommended them, but always switched back to Xfce.
I have an old Eeepc that runs so smoothly on the latest Mint Xfce despite being a senior in computer years.
And that’s why it was about time I gushed about Xfce on here 😀
I remember installing XFCE on an old Pentium 3 tower some office had stored under the stairs. It was like magic - the system just… worked again?! It was the first time I successfully installed Linux and it felt so fast. With Windows the thing barely worked.
That became my younger sister’s first computer. The tower and monitor etc. all just stayed on the ground and we played games on it together. Eventually I found an ethernet card and learned how to plug it in. I ran an ethernet cable from our modem through the house along the floor. Then we could go on Myspace and send email to each other.
Can’t believe my parents were ok with tripping over all that stuff, ha!
Perhaps your parents recognized the valuable skills you were developing!