Of desktop environments and window managers
March 29, 2009 by Clair Ching
Filed under Explanation
Image Credit: Clair Ching, 2009.
Desktop environments and window managers are related but they are not quite the same. It was not that easy for me to realize it at first. Why? Because both allowed me to interact with Linux through something graphical.
Desktop Environments
Desktop environments are the ones which provide a complete set of tools and as such, we have an easier time of doing things because everything worked together. From the desktop panel/s to the applets and/or widgets, and even tools like calendars and screensavers, there’s a complete set of tools that let us work with Linux distros almost seamlessly.
Advantages include the following:
- A seamless working environment
- A set of tools for users
- A uniform look and feel all throughout your desktop
Disadvantages include the following:
- It is usually heavier, demanding more from your machine. Which implies that you need better specs for your computers. At least the newer desktop environments seem to have that issue.
- Desktop environments usually have more files that it depends on so that it could work properly.
Examples of Desktop Environments:
GNOME and KDE
Window Managers
Window managers usually focus on managing the windows of the applications that are running. They are may or may not be included in a desktop environment. They could run stand alone. That is one of the nicest things about them.
Some advantages:
- They are usually lighter than desktop environments.
- There are plenty to choose from. From something with absolutely no fuss and gives you the applications in full screen without any window bars, to something that lets you manage your applications and view them in various windows, with resizing, etc.
- Some window managers even have very basic panels or menus that would improve interaction with us users.
Whether you decide to try window managers or desktop environments, I hope you’d find something definitely useful for you. Sometimes what is not bundled into your chosen Linux distro helps you become more productive. But it really depends on how you work or what your preferences are.
