Exploring the XMonad tiling window manager
Graphical Interface
Many users never look back once they get started with a tiling window manager. A close look at XMonad shows why.
I am not much of a graphical guy when it comes to computing. I know this sounds a bit clichÈ for a *nix nerd, but I live in the command line. I am a software developer and all I need is both vi/Vim and grep (no flame wars please) and a command line, preferably Bash, to use them in. I do all of my development out of locally hosted headless virtual machines and SSH into those virtual machines via a wonderful feature called port forwarding. The graphical desktop environment tends to be an afterthought for me, but even though that may often be the case, I still prefer it to be functional and allow me to remain productive.
I miss the days of simplicity when less was more. Nowadays, there are more desktop environments to choose from. Some of which are very lightweight while others dip into the heavier side of things. And while choice is never a bad thing, too much choice can often be intimidating. For instance, which desktop environment is best suited for you? Which features or functions are you looking for most? Are you looking for a composite window manager or a tiling window manager? Wait, what? What are composite and tiling window managers?
Window Managers
Many of us *nix users have grown used to the mainstream desktop environments, which include Gnome, KDE, Xfce, LXDE, or your preferred desktop environment, and it becomes difficult to fathom that others (still) exist – but they do. As unique as some of them may be, each is powerful in their own right. But before I dive into one particular desktop environment, I wish to cover the basics of window managers.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Direct Download
Read full article as PDF:
Price $2.95
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Find SysAdmin Jobs
News
-
OpenMandriva Lx 23.03 Rolling Release is Now Available
OpenMandriva "ROME" is the latest point update for the rolling release Linux distribution and offers the latest updates for a number of important applications and tools.
-
CarbonOS: A New Linux Distro with a Focus on User Experience
CarbonOS is a brand new, built-from-scratch Linux distribution that uses the Gnome desktop and has a special feature that makes it appealing to all types of users.
-
Kubuntu Focus Announces XE Gen 2 Linux Laptop
Another Kubuntu-based laptop has arrived to be your next ultra-portable powerhouse with a Linux heart.
-
MNT Seeks Financial Backing for New Seven-Inch Linux Laptop
MNT Pocket Reform is a tiny laptop that is modular, upgradable, recyclable, reusable, and ships with Debian Linux.
-
Ubuntu Flatpak Remix Adds Flatpak Support Preinstalled
If you're looking for a version of Ubuntu that includes Flatpak support out of the box, there's one clear option.
-
Gnome 44 Release Candidate Now Available
The Gnome 44 release candidate has officially arrived and adds a few changes into the mix.
-
Flathub Vying to Become the Standard Linux App Store
If the Flathub team has any say in the matter, their product will become the default tool for installing Linux apps in 2023.
-
Debian 12 to Ship with KDE Plasma 5.27
The Debian development team has shifted to the latest version of KDE for their testing branch.
-
Planet Computers Launches ARM-based Linux Desktop PCs
The firm that originally released a line of mobile keyboards has taken a different direction and has developed a new line of out-of-the-box mini Linux desktop computers.
-
Ubuntu No Longer Shipping with Flatpak
In a move that probably won’t come as a shock to many, Ubuntu and all of its official spins will no longer ship with Flatpak installed.