The Most Popular Desktop PCs in 2016
Every week we present customizable desktops submitted by readers that showcase beautiful wallpapers, great customization and customization of the user interface. Sometimes they are fun, sometimes functional, and sometimes both, but 2016 was a great year for them. Here are your favorites.
Simply Ubuntu desktop
On Flickr, fosco_ has introduced this simple Ubuntu desktop with minor tweaks to make it easier to interact . As we said, sometimes less is more, and this desktop makes good use of multiple widgets to make a great user experience even better.
Simple Monitor Desktop
Work Desk user the Flickrd.chasenelson simple, has only a few widgets and simple gradient wallpaper that does not distract. It’s perfect for a second screen, when you’re working on the first, or just as a quick preview on a monitor, you can minimize other things to check. Here’s how to set it up.
Temple morning work table
This desktop may not sound like much, but that’s why it’s so good. It is actually set up, but only in the right direction, and in the ways that work best for shadownight , which brought it to our desktop showcase. This is how it works.
Winter cottage desktop
Reader Alec used a little Übersicht magic to make his Mac more welcoming when he sits down to work, and informative when he gets up to leave it. This is how he arranged it.
Shrouded World Desktop
Reader Alec introduced this desktop to our desktop showcase , and aside from the stunning wallpaper, it’s a neatly customized Mac. This is how he arranged it.
Stormy sea desktop
This desktop is simple enough, and Flickr userjsmorley explained that they wanted something a little personalized, but nothingmore . The end result is an impressive desktop that anyone can easily copy. Here’s how.
Mountaintop Desktop
JonRedcorn2, often using a desktop system usually uses Windows, but this time he had the Mac – and it does not prevent him to customize it the way he likes. This is how he set up this beautifully clean desktop.
TRON workbench
A thdoan reader sent this carefully configured second screen using Rainmeter to our desktop Flickr show and tell pool. Best of all, there is even a video showing how it all works. If you like the look, here’s what you need to do yourself.
Edge of the World Desktop
This OS X desktop is simple, elegant, and combines a few simple widgets with gorgeous wallpapers for a great effect. If you like what you see, here’s how you can customize it, customize your own menu bar, and give your Mac the same look.
Desktop with bokeh effect with two monitors
We don’t have enough dual-monitor desktops in our desktop showcase , so when we see one – especially one as beautiful as this one – we have to highlight it. Best of all, there is nothing special about it and is easy to set up if you have two of your own displays. Here’s how.
NXT Nebula Desktop
A reader ravenclawwit stumbled upon the NXT theme for Rainmeter and found widespread use in this beautiful and functional desktop. Is that circle in the upper left corner? It’s actually a dock full of shortcuts. Here’s how it all works and how to set it up.
Dark planet desktop
Reader tatersneggs put together this Rainmeter-based desktop, which is bright enough but doesn’t really use a lot of widgets to get a neat, personalized look. This is how he arranged it.
Work table work table
I have a soft spot for desktops that actually look like desktops. Alec’s desk fits the bill perfectly and actually looks like a desk surface with objects in the corners, with still plenty of room for real work and a little tweak to customize it.
Arch Terminal Desktop
This linux desktop is a tribute to one of our favorite distributions , Arch Linux, and reader Kunal Gadgil shared it with us in our desktop demo and pool post . Here’s how you can get a look similar.
Sunset Firewatch Desktop
We used to introduce Firewatch Desktop , but now that the game is out, we see more than a few – and who can blame you, the atmosphere of the game is very engaging and the scenery is great. Reader Jadit has pieced this together.
That’s a lot of desktops! Remember, if you have your own desktop to show off, you can post it to your personal Kinja blog using the Desktop Showcase tag, or add it to our Lifehacker Desktop Show and Tell Flickr Pool . You can never guess, yours could be in next year!
Want more customizable desktops? Check out our most popular desktops and home screens in 2015 , 2014 , 2013 , 2012 , 2011 , 2010 , 2009 and 2008 .