Learning Debian GNU/Linux

Window Managers

Window managers create the borders, icons, and menus that provide a simple-to-use interface. Window managers also control the look and feel of X, letting you configure X to operate almost any way you desire. Some Linux users who are accustomed to the look and feel of Microsoft Windows 9x use the FVWM window manager to establish a user interface that resembles that of Windows 9x, both in appearance and operation. Other Linux users prefer to avoid anything resembling a Microsoft product. Table 6-1 describes the most popular Linux window managers. For detailed information about a variety of window managers, see the X11.Org web site at http://www.x11.org/wm/.

Table 6-1. Popular Window Managers

Window Manager	Description
AfterStep	Resembles the user interface of the NEXT computer (NEXTStep).
BlackBox	A small, simple, efficient window manager. Compatible with KWM.
Enlightenment	A highly configurable window manager.
FVWM	One of the most venerable and popular Linux window managers—small, efficient, and configurable. Can mimic the Microsoft Windows 9x user interface. Not fully compliant with GNOME desktop.
ICEWM	A fast, small window manager especially popular among users of Debian GNU/Linux.
KWM	A window manager that sports an accompanying desktop, KDE. The combination of KWM and KDE provides a robust and efficient user interface. However, KWM includes some non-GPL code, inhibiting its adoption as the de facto standard Linux window manager. Not compliant ...