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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Window Managers for the un-initiated (sopuli.xyz)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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As I'm about to start renewing and expanding the computer fleet in my house I decided I want to have a machine solely for my personal use, where I can use some solutions no one else will feel comfortable with in the house.

I've been wanting to try window managers for a while but after researching on it for a bit I'm none the wiser on which to choose.

There are a few distros out there that already deliver this kind of experience but I want to use the opportunity to learn and start from a stock Debian and build from there to where I want to get to.

I'm fully capable of setting up my computers as is but I'm aware WMs require a bit more involvement, so having at least good documentation is a must.

I'm also not averse to learn some coding, even more when considering I want to have a fully costumized conky, but I've never coded before.

The machine will be used essentially for writing, web surfing and email and, if possible, running Stardew Valley.

Any advice will be welcome.

Thanks in advance.

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[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Great for beginners
Uses it's own configuration language so no coding required
One of the most popular window managers so documentation and such is plentiful
Has a 1:1 Wayland fork called Sway
Is a manual tiling window manager which means you specify where a window will appear when you go to launch something.

AwesomeWM

Is awesome
Configured in Lua
Has a great status bar built in
Great documentation
Is a dynamic tilling window manager meaning it places new windows in accordance with a preset layout.

Qtile

My favorite
Has a 1:1 Wayland version built-in
Configured in Python
The best status bar I've used
Great documentation
Dynamic tiler

XMonad (Note: never used this so take this how you will)

Configured in Haskell
Has a lot of dependencies
Extremely configurable
Dynamic tiler

There're many more window managers out there but these are the ones I've personally used (besides XMonad) and know the most about.

If you don't like a built in status bar then you can disable it in the config and use another one like Polybar. Distrotube (on Odyssey or Youtube) also has really good videos on all of these window managers and more which I really recommend you check out if you haven't already.

Personally though, I think Qtile will give you the best experience.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago

I see Lua in Awsome, which also is used for Conky. Seems a good choice.

And if it self declares as being awsome... it must be.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

My vote also goes to qtile. Easily configured and very capable.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I tried qtile, it was ok but kinda finicky with the config and if you break it the whole thing falls down

Also think it broke my NixOS rebuild switch so I had to reboot every time I changed the config