Ubuntu – How to make multiple DEs less messy? Specifically KDE on Ubuntu

desktop-environmentsgnomekde

On one of my laptops, I installed all of the popular DEs because I like to experiment with them. I have Unity, GNOME Shell, KDE, and xfce all installed. It seems that KDE and GNOME don't "get along", and makes things messed up such as words and characters on the screen. Also, it appears that some applications get mixed up with each other. Is there any way to make the DEs less "messy"? – Ubuntu 11.10

Also, is there a way to install KDE in a way that DOESN'T install a bunch of other stuff that isn't needed. Such as the KDE sentences… They aren't needed since I already have the GNOME applications. Also, when you install KDE it also changes the shutdown and startup screen to Kubuntu instead of Ubuntu.

In response to a comment on my question, I tried to install KDE-core but I could not find it. And will installing KDE mess up the fonts in my other DEs?

Best Answer

I think that if you want to experiment with different Desktop Environments it is perhaps best to do that on virtual machines rather than the computer you use all the time.

Each DE installs so many other programs you're bound to get some clashes, and certainly lots of alternative apps you probably don't want (how many office apps do you need?)