Hello everyone, I've been a long-time Ubuntu user for over a decade, with experience ranging from gaming to IT work. Recently, I've decided to avoid snap packages due to personal preferences and performance issues on older hardware.
Installing and Customizing Debian GNOME on Raspberry Pi 4 and 5 without Snap
Below are the steps I followed to install and customize Debian GNOME on my Raspberry Pi:
My Opinion on Snap
When snap was introduced, I found it frustrating, especially since it seemed like every installation created an unwanted 'snap' folder. The move to snap-only for some essential applications like Firefox, without the option for a .deb installation, reinforced my decision to seek an alternative.
Removing Snap
For those interested, I have developed a list of commands for the Raspberry Pi 4 running Ubuntu 22.04 that removes snap and installs Chromium deb. Note, removing snap can lead to update issues and is intended for more advanced users.
Differences in GNOME Versions
It's important to note that different versions of GNOME have different features and performance characteristics. For example, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS uses GNOME 42, while the latest version, Ubuntu 24.04, has GNOME 46. Raspberry Pi OS is currently at GNOME 43.8.
1.1. Basic Installation
Install Raspberry Pi OS Lite. During the installation, I will indicate when you need to reboot.
I enable SSH to make it easier to copy commands from the forum and paste them into the Raspberry Pi.
Enable SSH go to 3. Interface Options > SSH
![Image]()
Just to start up clean.From this moment you do not need to reboot until I tell you.
1.2. Installing GNOME Core
Install only gnome-core for a clean, minimalist setup:
1.3. Language Settings
By default, UK English is selected. I disable this and choose US English and my own language:I turn off en_GB.UTF-8 UTF_8 and turn on en_US.UTF-8 UTF-8
![Image]()
1.4. Ubuntu Design
Install the Ubuntu theme for GNOME:
1.5. Chromium as Web Browser
Remove Firefox and install Chromium:There are different ways to install Chromium. You can simply install chromium-browser but I installed rpi-chromium-mods. This will install chromium-browser but something else as well. I do not know what the difference is. But it feels like it is better... Maybe someone can explain this.
1.6. Media Player
Replace Totem with Celluloid for better codec support. This is a personal video player. Totem doesn't work well. It's annoying with the pre-decided streaming services in your favorites list that you can't change. I chose Celluloid because it has no issues with codecs and is a GNOME program. Oddly, when you install Celluloid, you also get the mpv program. After installing Celluloid, I remove mpv.
1.7. Updating User Information
Update the display name of the user. When you're finally done with the installation, you'll eventually need to log into your OS. Just like in Ubuntu, your name appears on the screen. But because you installed GNOME-core, you never filled this in. If you want to do this, here's how:For example: sudo usermod -c "Mr. Wobbo" wobbo
1.8. Creating Standard Folders
With GNOME-core, not all user folders are created. In Ubuntu, the standard folders get appropriate icons. To add these folders and icons, you do the following. Create the standard folders and set the paths.And paste in user-dirs.dirs the following (for English):![Image]()
1.9. Printing and Office Suite
Install LibreOffice:Install scanner:I am using an HP printer/scanner:1.10. Booting the System
Set GNOME as the default desktop environment and reboot:
2.1. Debian Desktop to Ubuntu Desktop
From now on, no more terminal commands are needed. There are some things that are not available by default or need to be adjusted to mimic Ubuntu. In Debian GNOME, you can't use the Desktop. The menu dock is very different. The theme needs to be adjusted, for example, the font.
2.2. GNOME Addons
I use Chromium Shell to add GNOME Extensions. Go to Chromium GNOME Shell Integration and add it to your extensions.
Next, you can add the following GNOME extensions: Desktop Icons NG (DING) and Dash to Dock.
![Image]()
2.3. Setup Desktop Icons and Tweaks
Configure `Desktop Icons NG (DING)` and Tweaks:
![Image]()
2.4. Chromium Settings
Configure Chromium to integrate smoothly with the OS. If you set it up this way, it will match the style.
![Image]()
2.5. Others
Almost all appearance themes fit neatly into the general settings. For example, LibreOffice automatically uses the Ubuntu theme. If you use Gedit, you need to manually set the dark mode. There are parts of GNOME Settings where some elements should be orange, but they remain Debian's official blue. I don't know how to change that. There are some personal settings that might differ from the Ubuntu defaults. My Debian GNOME runs much faster than Ubuntu. Despite my preference, you can still install snap on this setup. I always test the game '0 A.D.' to check performance.
2.6. Conclusion
Are there things I missed or could improve? Let me know.
This process transforms your Raspberry Pi into a fast, snap-free, Ubuntu-like environment, perfect for those who prefer a traditional .deb-based setup. This is ideal for users with older hardware or those who prefer control over automatic updates.
Installing and Customizing Debian GNOME on Raspberry Pi 4 and 5 without Snap
Below are the steps I followed to install and customize Debian GNOME on my Raspberry Pi:
My Opinion on Snap
When snap was introduced, I found it frustrating, especially since it seemed like every installation created an unwanted 'snap' folder. The move to snap-only for some essential applications like Firefox, without the option for a .deb installation, reinforced my decision to seek an alternative.
Removing Snap
For those interested, I have developed a list of commands for the Raspberry Pi 4 running Ubuntu 22.04 that removes snap and installs Chromium deb. Note, removing snap can lead to update issues and is intended for more advanced users.
Differences in GNOME Versions
It's important to note that different versions of GNOME have different features and performance characteristics. For example, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS uses GNOME 42, while the latest version, Ubuntu 24.04, has GNOME 46. Raspberry Pi OS is currently at GNOME 43.8.
1.1. Basic Installation
Install Raspberry Pi OS Lite. During the installation, I will indicate when you need to reboot.
I enable SSH to make it easier to copy commands from the forum and paste them into the Raspberry Pi.
Code:
sudo raspi-config
Code:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradesudo rebootCode:
sudo apt autoremove && sudo reboot 1.2. Installing GNOME Core
Install only gnome-core for a clean, minimalist setup:
Code:
sudo apt install gnome-core1.3. Language Settings
By default, UK English is selected. I disable this and choose US English and my own language:
Code:
sudo dpkg-reconfigure locales
1.4. Ubuntu Design
Install the Ubuntu theme for GNOME:
Code:
sudo apt install yaru-theme-gnome-shell yaru-theme-gtk yaru-theme-icon yaru-theme-sound yaru-theme-unity fonts-ubuntu fonts-ubuntu-title fonts-ubuntu-console1.5. Chromium as Web Browser
Remove Firefox and install Chromium:
Code:
sudo apt remove firefox-esrsudo apt install rpi-chromium libwidevinecdm01.6. Media Player
Replace Totem with Celluloid for better codec support. This is a personal video player. Totem doesn't work well. It's annoying with the pre-decided streaming services in your favorites list that you can't change. I chose Celluloid because it has no issues with codecs and is a GNOME program. Oddly, when you install Celluloid, you also get the mpv program. After installing Celluloid, I remove mpv.
Code:
sudo apt remove totemsudo apt install celluloidsudo apt remove mpvUpdate the display name of the user. When you're finally done with the installation, you'll eventually need to log into your OS. Just like in Ubuntu, your name appears on the screen. But because you installed GNOME-core, you never filled this in. If you want to do this, here's how:
Code:
sudo usermod -c "Your Name" username1.8. Creating Standard Folders
With GNOME-core, not all user folders are created. In Ubuntu, the standard folders get appropriate icons. To add these folders and icons, you do the following. Create the standard folders and set the paths.
Code:
mkdir -p ~/{Desktop,Documents,Downloads,Music,Pictures,Videos,Public,Templates}nano ~/.config/user-dirs.dirsCode:
XDG_DESKTOP_DIR="$HOME/Desktop"XDG_DOCUMENTS_DIR="$HOME/Documents"XDG_DOWNLOAD_DIR="$HOME/Downloads"XDG_MUSIC_DIR="$HOME/Music"XDG_PICTURES_DIR="$HOME/Pictures"XDG_VIDEOS_DIR="$HOME/Videos"XDG_PUBLICSHARE_DIR="$HOME/Public"XDG_TEMPLATES_DIR="$HOME/Templates"
1.9. Printing and Office Suite
Install LibreOffice:
Code:
sudo apt install libreoffice-writer libreoffice-calc libreoffice-impress libreoffice-help-en-us libreoffice-gtk3 libreoffice-gnome libreoffice-l10n-en-us libreoffice-style-*Code:
sudo apt install simple-scanCode:
sudo apt install hplipSet GNOME as the default desktop environment and reboot:
Code:
sudo apt install gnome-tweakssudo systemctl set-default graphical.targetsudo reboot2.1. Debian Desktop to Ubuntu Desktop
From now on, no more terminal commands are needed. There are some things that are not available by default or need to be adjusted to mimic Ubuntu. In Debian GNOME, you can't use the Desktop. The menu dock is very different. The theme needs to be adjusted, for example, the font.
2.2. GNOME Addons
I use Chromium Shell to add GNOME Extensions. Go to Chromium GNOME Shell Integration and add it to your extensions.
Next, you can add the following GNOME extensions: Desktop Icons NG (DING) and Dash to Dock.
2.3. Setup Desktop Icons and Tweaks
Configure `Desktop Icons NG (DING)` and Tweaks:
2.4. Chromium Settings
Configure Chromium to integrate smoothly with the OS. If you set it up this way, it will match the style.
2.5. Others
Almost all appearance themes fit neatly into the general settings. For example, LibreOffice automatically uses the Ubuntu theme. If you use Gedit, you need to manually set the dark mode. There are parts of GNOME Settings where some elements should be orange, but they remain Debian's official blue. I don't know how to change that. There are some personal settings that might differ from the Ubuntu defaults. My Debian GNOME runs much faster than Ubuntu. Despite my preference, you can still install snap on this setup. I always test the game '0 A.D.' to check performance.
2.6. Conclusion
Are there things I missed or could improve? Let me know.
This process transforms your Raspberry Pi into a fast, snap-free, Ubuntu-like environment, perfect for those who prefer a traditional .deb-based setup. This is ideal for users with older hardware or those who prefer control over automatic updates.
Statistics: Posted by Wobbo — Sun Jun 30, 2024 3:38 pm