I have Kubuntu 11.04 installed on my laptop, and I want to try, and probably switch to, Gnome-based Ubuntu. What is the best way to do so, by using the package manager, and not overriding the installation? I tried it before, but every time I had unwanted leftovers – The welcome or shutdown screen didn't change, dangling packages remained, etc.
For generality, the question goes also the other way around: How can one replace the KDE-based distro with Gnome, without any leftovers?
Is there a systematic way to completely replace Kubuntu <-> Ubuntu, and make sure that the only remaining things are the home partition?
Best Answer
To have both installed, you can install ubuntu-dekstop for Gnome-based ubuntu, and kubuntu-desktop for Kubuntu.
If you have both installed, you can configure the default display manager with
Either way you can choose whether to use Gnome or KDE at the login screen.
To remove one, you can uninstall ubuntu-desktop or kubuntu-desktop, then run
Depending on any additional packages you installed, some dangling packages may remain.
If you have a separate home partition, you can just reinstall Ubuntu/Kubuntu, formatting your root partition, without touching anything in your home partition. This will give you a clean installation, except for some config files remaining in your home partition. Of course, still make sure you have a backup of your important data.