Difference between revisions of "Install Desktop Environments"

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There are several Desktop Environments and Window Managers available for Manjaro, each with their own unique style, interface, and features. Furthermore, it is possible to install multiple environments if desired, which can be selected at the login screen at any time. Users are not restricted  to whatever comes pre-installed with a particular flavour of Manjaro.

There are several Desktop Environments and Window Managers available for Manjaro, each with their own unique style, interface, and features. Furthermore, it is possible to install multiple environments if desired, which can be selected at the login screen at any time. Users are not restricted  to whatever comes pre-installed with a particular flavour of Manjaro.

It is worth noting that a Desktop Environment(DE) is not a single entity; it is actually a collection of different components that work together. This commonly includes a:

It is worth noting that a Desktop Environment(DE) is not a single entity; it is actually a collection of different components that work together. This commonly includes a:

* '''window manager''' to display, move and resize application windows

* '''window manager''' to display, move and resize application windows

* '''file manager''' to visually browse, copy and access files, etc.  

* '''file manager''' to visually browse, copy and access files, etc.  

And so on. Most desktop environments will also come with their own preferred applications, in addition to various widgets, addons, and extensions to provide extra features. As such, upon entering the commands provided below in your terminal to download and install a desktop environment, you may be prompted to choose from a selection of components provided for it. '''To install a full desktop environment''' - complete with its own preferred file manager, applications, and so on

And so on. Most desktop environments will also come with their own preferred applications, in addition to various widgets, addons, and extensions to provide extra features. As such, upon entering the commands provided below in your terminal to download and install a desktop environment, you may be prompted to choose from a selection of components provided for it. '''To install a full desktop environment''' - complete with its own preferred file manager, applications, and so on

Where additional (and optional) extras for a desktop environment are available, the terminal commands to obtain these have also been provided.

Where additional (and optional) extras for a desktop environment are available, the terminal commands to obtain these have also been provided.

Some important information about installing the Manjaro settings packages:

Some important information about installing the Manjaro settings packages:

* The Manjaro settings packages contain the theming and settings to make the desktop the same as in the Manjaro ISOs

* The Manjaro settings packages contain the theming and settings to make the desktop the same as in the Manjaro ISOs

Installing multiple DEs is not without risks.  Here are some things that can pop-up when running more than one DE:

Installing multiple DEs is not without risks.  Here are some things that can pop-up when running more than one DE:

* The settings packages overlap so you can only have one DE pre-configured with the Manjaro theming.  The others will need to have the theming applied manually.

* The settings packages overlap so you can only have one DE pre-configured with the Manjaro theming.  The others will need to have the theming applied manually.

These risks are greatly reduced by using a different user account for each DE.

These risks are greatly reduced by using a different user account for each DE.

In summary, running multiple DEs is possible and a great way to enjoy Manjaro but it requires a willingness to troubleshoot and work through minor problems.  If you are the type of person who wants everything to "just work" out of the box, running multiple DEs might not be for you.

In summary, running multiple DEs is possible and a great way to enjoy Manjaro but it requires a willingness to troubleshoot and work through minor problems.  If you are the type of person who wants everything to "just work" out of the box, running multiple DEs might not be for you.

[[File: xfceDE.png|thumb|left|375px]]

[[File: xfceDE.png|thumb|left|375px]]

'''[http://xfce.org/ XFCE]''' is a lightweight and versatile desktop environment that utilises a classic drop-down or pop-up menu to access applications. It is also compatible with '''[[Compiz_and_Emerald|Compiz]]'''. A little time and effort will also be required to properly customise the desktop to suit personal taste. A 64 bit installation of Manjaro running XFCE uses about 390MB of memory.  As of version 18, Manjaro has moved to the gtk3 version of XFCE.

'''[http://xfce.org/ XFCE]''' is a lightweight and versatile desktop environment that utilises a classic drop-down or pop-up menu to access applications. It is also compatible with '''[[Compiz_and_Emerald|Compiz]]'''. A little time and effort will also be required to properly customise the desktop to suit personal taste. A 64 bit installation of Manjaro running XFCE uses about 390MB of memory.  As of version 18, Manjaro has moved to the gtk3 version of XFCE.

  sudo pacman -S lightdm lightdm-gtk-greeter lightdm-gtk-greeter-settings

  sudo pacman -S lightdm lightdm-gtk-greeter lightdm-gtk-greeter-settings

  sudo systemctl enable lightdm.service --force

  sudo systemctl enable lightdm.service --force

edit '''/etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf''', under [Seat:*] replace the greeter-session setting with '''greeter-session=lightdm-gtk-greeter'''

edit '''/etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf''', under [Seat:*] replace the greeter-session setting with '''greeter-session=lightdm-gtk-greeter'''

  sudo pacman -S manjaro-xfce-gtk3-settings manjaro-settings-manager

  sudo pacman -S manjaro-xfce-gtk3-settings manjaro-settings-manager

To configure LightDM to match the official iso replace the contents of /etc/lightdm/lightdm-gtk-greeter.conf with

To configure LightDM to match the official iso replace the contents of /etc/lightdm/lightdm-gtk-greeter.conf with

  [greeter]

  [greeter]

  indicators = ~host;~spacer;~clock;~spacer;~language;~session;~a11y;~power

  indicators = ~host;~spacer;~clock;~spacer;~language;~session;~a11y;~power

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

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[[File: KDEPlasmaDE.png|thumb|left|375px]]

[[File: KDEPlasmaDE.png|thumb|left|375px]]

'''[http://www.kde.org/ The KDE community]''' offers [https://www.kde.org/plasma-desktop Plasma], a feature-rich and versatile desktop environment that provides several different styles of menu to access applications. Its default window manager is kwin, but is also compatible with '''[[Compiz_and_Emerald|Compiz]]'''. An excellent built-in interface to easily access and install new themes, widgets, etc, from the internet is also worth mentioning. A 64 bit installation of Manjaro running KDE uses about 455MB of memory.

'''[http://www.kde.org/ The KDE community]''' offers [https://www.kde.org/plasma-desktop Plasma], a feature-rich and versatile desktop environment that provides several different styles of menu to access applications. Its default window manager is kwin, but is also compatible with '''[[Compiz_and_Emerald|Compiz]]'''. An excellent built-in interface to easily access and install new themes, widgets, etc, from the internet is also worth mentioning. A 64 bit installation of Manjaro running KDE uses about 455MB of memory.

To install a full set of K* applications use '''kde-applications'''.  This will be ~300 packages(including dependencies)

To install a full set of K* applications use '''kde-applications'''.  This will be ~300 packages(including dependencies)

   

   

  sudo pacman -S kde-applications

  sudo pacman -S kde-applications

SDDM is installed as a dependency of plasma.  To enable it

SDDM is installed as a dependency of plasma.  To enable it

   

   

  systemctl reboot

  systemctl reboot

   

   

  sudo pacman -S manjaro-kde-settings sddm-breath-theme manjaro-settings-manager-knotifier manjaro-settings-manager-kcm

  sudo pacman -S manjaro-kde-settings sddm-breath-theme manjaro-settings-manager-knotifier manjaro-settings-manager-kcm

Open plasma settings, go to Startup & Shutdown->Login Screen and select "Breath"

Open plasma settings, go to Startup & Shutdown->Login Screen and select "Breath"

Alternatively, the newer themes may be installed with:

Alternatively, the newer themes may be installed with:

   

   

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

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[[File: Gnome-de-18.jpg|thumb|left|375px]]

[[File: Gnome-de-18.jpg|thumb|left|375px]]

'''[http://www.gnome.org/ Gnome 3]''' is an intuitive desktop environment that utilises a tablet or smartphone style interface to access applications. It is not compatible with compiz. Although Gnome is very easy to learn and use, its customisation options are quite limited, and it can be difficult to configure. A 64 bit installation of Manjaro running Gnome uses about 447MB of memory.

'''[http://www.gnome.org/ Gnome 3]''' is an intuitive desktop environment that utilises a tablet or smartphone style interface to access applications. It is not compatible with compiz. Although Gnome is very easy to learn and use, its customisation options are quite limited, and it can be difficult to configure. A 64 bit installation of Manjaro running Gnome uses about 447MB of memory.

GDM is installed as a dependency of gnome, to enable it

GDM is installed as a dependency of gnome, to enable it

   

   

  systemctl enable gdm.service --force

  systemctl enable gdm.service --force

   

   

  sudo pacman -S manjaro-gnome-assets manjaro-gdm-theme manjaro-settings-manager

  sudo pacman -S manjaro-gnome-assets manjaro-gdm-theme manjaro-settings-manager

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

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[[File: budgie.jpg|thumb|left|375px]]

[[File: budgie.jpg|thumb|left|375px]]

The '''[https://github.com/solus-project/budgie-desktop Budgie Desktop]''' is a modern desktop designed to keep out the way of the user. It features heavy integration with the GNOME stack in order for an enhanced experience. A 64 bit installation of Manjaro running budgie uses about 632MB of memory.

The '''[https://github.com/solus-project/budgie-desktop Budgie Desktop]''' is a modern desktop designed to keep out the way of the user. It features heavy integration with the GNOME stack in order for an enhanced experience. A 64 bit installation of Manjaro running budgie uses about 632MB of memory.

  sudo pacman -S gnome-terminal nautilus budgie-extras dconf-editor

  sudo pacman -S gnome-terminal nautilus budgie-extras dconf-editor

   

   

  sudo pacman -S lightdm lightdm-slick-greeter lightdm-settings

  sudo pacman -S lightdm lightdm-slick-greeter lightdm-settings

edit ''/etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf'', under '''[Seat:*]''' replace the greeter-session setting with '''greeter-session=lightdm-slick-greeter'''

edit ''/etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf'', under '''[Seat:*]''' replace the greeter-session setting with '''greeter-session=lightdm-slick-greeter'''

   

   

  sudo pacman -S manjaro-budgie-settings manjaro-settings-manager papirus-maia-icon-theme

  sudo pacman -S manjaro-budgie-settings manjaro-settings-manager papirus-maia-icon-theme

To configure LightDM to match the official iso replace the contents of /etc/lightdm/slick-greeter.conf with

To configure LightDM to match the official iso replace the contents of /etc/lightdm/slick-greeter.conf with

  [Greeter]

  [Greeter]

  draw-grid=false

  draw-grid=false

   

   

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

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[[File: Cinnamon screenshot.jpeg|thumb|left|375px]]

[[File: Cinnamon screenshot.jpeg|thumb|left|375px]]

'''[http://cinnamon.linuxmint.com/ Cinnamon]''' is a desktop environment based on Gnome 3 that utilises a large panel-style menu to access applications. It is not compatible with compiz. Despite being based on Gnome, it has more customisation options and is easier to configure. Users of Windows Vista or Windows 7 may find Cinnamon's interface comfortably familiar. A 64 bit installation of Manjaro running Cinnamon uses about 665MB of memory.

'''[http://cinnamon.linuxmint.com/ Cinnamon]''' is a desktop environment based on Gnome 3 that utilises a large panel-style menu to access applications. It is not compatible with compiz. Despite being based on Gnome, it has more customisation options and is easier to configure. Users of Windows Vista or Windows 7 may find Cinnamon's interface comfortably familiar. A 64 bit installation of Manjaro running Cinnamon uses about 665MB of memory.

   

   

  sudo pacman -S cinnamon-wallpapers cinnamon-sounds gnome-terminal parcellite

  sudo pacman -S cinnamon-wallpapers cinnamon-sounds gnome-terminal parcellite

   

   

  sudo pacman -S lightdm lightdm-slick-greeter lightdm-settings

  sudo pacman -S lightdm lightdm-slick-greeter lightdm-settings

  systemctl enable lightdm.service --force

  systemctl enable lightdm.service --force

Then edit ''/etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf'', under '''[Seat:*]''' replace the greeter-session setting with '''greeter-session=lightdm-slick-greeter'''

Then edit ''/etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf'', under '''[Seat:*]''' replace the greeter-session setting with '''greeter-session=lightdm-slick-greeter'''

   

   

  sudo pacman -S manjaro-cinnamon-settings adapta-maia-theme kvantum-manjaro

  sudo pacman -S manjaro-cinnamon-settings adapta-maia-theme kvantum-manjaro

To configure LightDM to match the community edition replace the contents of /etc/lightdm/slick-greeter.conf with

To configure LightDM to match the community edition replace the contents of /etc/lightdm/slick-greeter.conf with

  [Greeter]

  [Greeter]

  enable-hidpi=auto

  enable-hidpi=auto

Set the Manjaro logo on the panel by right-clicking on the menu and clicking configure.  Select "Use a custom icon and label".  Select the Manjaro icon.

Set the Manjaro logo on the panel by right-clicking on the menu and clicking configure.  Select "Use a custom icon and label".  Select the Manjaro icon.

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

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[[File: deepin.jpg|thumb|left|375px]]

[[File: deepin.jpg|thumb|left|375px]]

The '''[https://www.deepin.org/en/dde/ Deepin Desktop]''' is an elegant, easy to use desktop. It is lightly configurable.  A 64 bit installation of Manjaro running deepin uses about 525MB of memory.

The '''[https://www.deepin.org/en/dde/ Deepin Desktop]''' is an elegant, easy to use desktop. It is lightly configurable.  A 64 bit installation of Manjaro running deepin uses about 525MB of memory.

   

   

  sudo pacman -S deepin-extra

  sudo pacman -S deepin-extra

   

   

  sudo pacman -S lightdm

  sudo pacman -S lightdm

  systemctl enable lightdm.service --force

  systemctl enable lightdm.service --force

Then edit ''/etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf'', under '''[Seat:*]''' replace the greeter-session setting with '''greeter-session=lightdm-deepin-greeter'''

Then edit ''/etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf'', under '''[Seat:*]''' replace the greeter-session setting with '''greeter-session=lightdm-deepin-greeter'''

   

   

  sudo pacman -S deepin-manjaro

  sudo pacman -S deepin-manjaro

   

   

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

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{{note|There is not currently a Manjaro settings package for Enlightenment|}}

{{note|There is not currently a Manjaro settings package for Enlightenment|}}

[[File: E20-Green_Onix_760.png|thumb|left|375px]]

[[File: E20-Green_Onix_760.png|thumb|left|375px]]

'''[http://www.enlightenment.org/ Enlightenment]''', sometimes known simply as E, is a lightweight desktop environment known for its configurability and tools for creating beautiful user interfaces using its Enlightenment Foundation Libraries (EFL). E started in 1997 as a stacking windows manager, emerging as a desktop environment with development release 0.17. E does not come with a broad array of tools by default, which can be an advantage for experienced users who want to customize their installation, and a disadvantage for users with little or no experience of Linux. E uses a few unique terms, for example referring to panels as “shelves”. A 64-bit installation of E uses about 160M of memory.

'''[http://www.enlightenment.org/ Enlightenment]''', sometimes known simply as E, is a lightweight desktop environment known for its configurability and tools for creating beautiful user interfaces using its Enlightenment Foundation Libraries (EFL). E started in 1997 as a stacking windows manager, emerging as a desktop environment with development release 0.17. E does not come with a broad array of tools by default, which can be an advantage for experienced users who want to customize their installation, and a disadvantage for users with little or no experience of Linux. E uses a few unique terms, for example referring to panels as “shelves”. A 64-bit installation of E uses about 160M of memory.

   

   

  sudo pacman -S enlightenment

  sudo pacman -S enlightenment

Entrance is available from the AUR in the package '''entrance-git'''.  Information on how to install packages from AUR can be found '''[https://wiki.manjaro.org/index.php/Arch_User_Repository here]'''.

Entrance is available from the AUR in the package '''entrance-git'''.  Information on how to install packages from AUR can be found '''[https://wiki.manjaro.org/index.php/Arch_User_Repository here]'''.

   

   

  $ sudo systemctl enable entrance.service --force

  $ sudo systemctl enable entrance.service --force

  sudo pacman -S enlightenment-manjaro-themes

  sudo pacman -S enlightenment-manjaro-themes

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

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{{Note|Installing LXDE will also result in installing ''Openbox'' as its default window manager. The LXDM display manager will also be downloaded, although it will be necessary to enable this yourself if you wish to replace your existing display manager.}}

{{Note|Installing LXDE will also result in installing ''Openbox'' as its default window manager. The LXDM display manager will also be downloaded, although it will be necessary to enable this yourself if you wish to replace your existing display manager.}}

[[File: lxde17.1.11.jpg|thumb|left|375px]]

[[File: lxde17.1.11.jpg|thumb|left|375px]]

'''[http://lxde.org/ LXDE]''' is a super-lightweight desktop environment that is very similar to XFCE, with the exception that it is not compatible with Compiz. As with XFCE, LXDE is also a somewhat basic desktop environment, lacking some modern features that would be expected, such as a search-bar to find applications and files. However, it is also an excellent choice for less powerful computers.

'''[http://lxde.org/ LXDE]''' is a super-lightweight desktop environment that is very similar to XFCE, with the exception that it is not compatible with Compiz. As with XFCE, LXDE is also a somewhat basic desktop environment, lacking some modern features that would be expected, such as a search-bar to find applications and files. However, it is also an excellent choice for less powerful computers.

   

   

  sudo pacman -S lightdm lightdm-gtk-greeter lightdm-gtk-greeter-settings

  sudo pacman -S lightdm lightdm-gtk-greeter lightdm-gtk-greeter-settings

  systemctl enable lightdm.service --force

  systemctl enable lightdm.service --force

   

   

  sudo pacman -S manjaro-lxde-logout-banner manjaro-lxde-xfce4-notifyd manjaro-lxde-xfce4-volumed-pulse manjaro-settings-manager manjaro-settings-manager-notifier manjaro-lxde-settings arc-maia-icon-theme kvantum-manjaro

  sudo pacman -S manjaro-lxde-logout-banner manjaro-lxde-xfce4-notifyd manjaro-lxde-xfce4-volumed-pulse manjaro-settings-manager manjaro-settings-manager-notifier manjaro-lxde-settings arc-maia-icon-theme kvantum-manjaro

To configure LightDM to match the community edition replace the contents of /etc/lightdm/lightdm-gtk-greeter.conf with

To configure LightDM to match the community edition replace the contents of /etc/lightdm/lightdm-gtk-greeter.conf with

  [greeter]

  [greeter]

  panel-position = bottom

  panel-position = bottom

   

   

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

<br clear="all" />

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[[File: Lxqt-de-18.png|thumb|left|375px]]

[[File: Lxqt-de-18.png|thumb|left|375px]]

The '''[https://lxqt.org/ LXQt Desktop Environment]''' LXQt is a lightweight Qt desktop environment. It will not get in your way. It will not hang or slow down your system. It is focused on being a classic desktop with a modern look and feel.  A 64 bit installation of Manjaro running lxqt uses about 250MB of memory.

The '''[https://lxqt.org/ LXQt Desktop Environment]''' LXQt is a lightweight Qt desktop environment. It will not get in your way. It will not hang or slow down your system. It is focused on being a classic desktop with a modern look and feel.  A 64 bit installation of Manjaro running lxqt uses about 250MB of memory.

  sudo pacman -S lxqt xscreensaver

  sudo pacman -S lxqt xscreensaver

  sudo pacman -S lightdm lightdm-slick-greeter lightdm-settings light-locker

  sudo pacman -S lightdm lightdm-slick-greeter lightdm-settings light-locker

  systemctl enable lightdm.service --force

  systemctl enable lightdm.service --force

edit /etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf, under [Seat:*] replace the greeter-session setting with greeter-session=lightdm-slick-greeter

edit /etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf, under [Seat:*] replace the greeter-session setting with greeter-session=lightdm-slick-greeter

  sudo pacman -S manjaro-lxqt-extra-settings manjaro-openbox-adapta-maia papirus-maia-icon-theme

  sudo pacman -S manjaro-lxqt-extra-settings manjaro-openbox-adapta-maia papirus-maia-icon-theme

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

<br clear="all" />

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[[File: mate.jpg|thumb|left|375px]]

[[File: mate.jpg|thumb|left|375px]]

The '''[https://mate-desktop.org/ MATE Desktop]''' Environment is the continuation of GNOME 2. It provides an intuitive and attractive desktop environment using traditional metaphors for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems.  MATE is under active development to add support for new technologies while preserving a traditional desktop experience.  A 64 bit installation of Manjaro running MATE uses about 378MB of memory.

The '''[https://mate-desktop.org/ MATE Desktop]''' Environment is the continuation of GNOME 2. It provides an intuitive and attractive desktop environment using traditional metaphors for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems.  MATE is under active development to add support for new technologies while preserving a traditional desktop experience.  A 64 bit installation of Manjaro running MATE uses about 378MB of memory.

  sudo pacman -S mate-extra dconf-editor

  sudo pacman -S mate-extra dconf-editor

  sudo pacman -S lightdm lightdm-slick-greeter lightdm-settings

  sudo pacman -S lightdm lightdm-slick-greeter lightdm-settings

  systemctl enable lightdm.service --force

  systemctl enable lightdm.service --force

edit '''/etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf''', under [Seat:*] replace the greeter-session setting with '''greeter-session=lightdm-slick-greeter'''

edit '''/etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf''', under [Seat:*] replace the greeter-session setting with '''greeter-session=lightdm-slick-greeter'''

  sudo pacman -S manjaro-mate-settings arc-maia-icon-theme papirus-maia-icon-theme manjaro-settings-manager manjaro-settings-manager-notifier

  sudo pacman -S manjaro-mate-settings arc-maia-icon-theme papirus-maia-icon-theme manjaro-settings-manager manjaro-settings-manager-notifier

To configure LightDM to match the community edition replace the contents of /etc/lightdm/slick-greeter.conf with

To configure LightDM to match the community edition replace the contents of /etc/lightdm/slick-greeter.conf with

  [Greeter]

  [Greeter]

  draw-grid=false

  draw-grid=false

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo useradd -mG lp,network,power,sys,wheel <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

  sudo passwd <username>

<br clear="all" />

<br clear="all" />

{{note|By nature, building your own desktop environment from a Window Manager will take substantially more time and effort than simply downloading a pre-defined desktop environment.}}

{{note|By nature, building your own desktop environment from a Window Manager will take substantially more time and effort than simply downloading a pre-defined desktop environment.}}

{{warning|The images provided below are purely for illustrative purposes only. You will have you put in the necessary time and effort to configure them.}}

{{warning|The images provided below are purely for illustrative purposes only. You will have you put in the necessary time and effort to configure them.}}

Although Desktop Environments commonly provide a good range of customisation options to suit personal taste and preference, they may still be seen as somewhat restrictive or controlled in the sense that they merely allow for the personalisation of their pre-defined components. However, certain Window Managers empower users to take a 'do it yourself' approach in order to create their own desktop environments. In essence, they may be used as a foundation on which to build upon, as literally every component and every aspect of the desktop is under the direct control and choice of the user. An environment may be as elaborate or as minimalistic as desired, and it is even possible to mix and match various components from other desktop environments.  

Although Desktop Environments commonly provide a good range of customisation options to suit personal taste and preference, they may still be seen as somewhat restrictive or controlled in the sense that they merely allow for the personalisation of their pre-defined components. However, certain Window Managers empower users to take a 'do it yourself' approach in order to create their own desktop environments. In essence, they may be used as a foundation on which to build upon, as literally every component and every aspect of the desktop is under the direct control and choice of the user. An environment may be as elaborate or as minimalistic as desired, and it is even possible to mix and match various components from other desktop environments.  

Therefore extremely powerful and versatile, these window managers also carry the additional benefit of being faster and more resource efficient than pre-defined desktop environments. Interestingly, the super-lightweight LXDE environment is itself built on the Openbox window manager. There are two types of Window Manager: '''Stacking''' and '''Tiling'''. These names denote how application windows will behave on your desktop.

Therefore extremely powerful and versatile, these window managers also carry the additional benefit of being faster and more resource efficient than pre-defined desktop environments. Interestingly, the super-lightweight LXDE environment is itself built on the Openbox window manager. There are two types of Window Manager: '''Stacking''' and '''Tiling'''. These names denote how application windows will behave on your desktop.

'''Stacking window managers''' are by far the most popular, and essentially allow application windows to be moved freely around the screen, which may overlap - or 'stack' - upon one another, hence the name. All popular desktop environments (e.g. XFCE, KDE, Gnome, etc.) use stacking window Managers.

'''Stacking window managers''' are by far the most popular, and essentially allow application windows to be moved freely around the screen, which may overlap - or 'stack' - upon one another, hence the name. All popular desktop environments (e.g. XFCE, KDE, Gnome, etc.) use stacking window Managers.

[[File: manjarobox.png|thumb|left|375px]]

[[File: manjarobox.png|thumb|left|375px]]

'''[http://openbox.org/ Openbox]''' is by far the most popular Window Manager available. Due to its popularity there is excellent documentation available, as well as a good choice of additional themes that may be downloaded. '''To install Openbox, enter the command:'''

'''[http://openbox.org/ Openbox]''' is by far the most popular Window Manager available. Due to its popularity there is excellent documentation available, as well as a good choice of additional themes that may be downloaded. '''To install Openbox, enter the command:'''

To install a logout script, configuration application, menu-editor, and extra themes for Openbox, enter the following command:

To install a logout script, configuration application, menu-editor, and extra themes for Openbox, enter the following command:

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[[File: fluxbox2.png|thumb|left|375px]]

[[File: fluxbox2.png|thumb|left|375px]]

'''[http://fluxbox.org/ FluxBox]''' is another popular Window Manager. It is particularly notable for providing some features not seen in Openbox, such as ''tabbing'', which allows for windows to be grouped together. '''To install FluxBox, enter the command''':

'''[http://fluxbox.org/ FluxBox]''' is another popular Window Manager. It is particularly notable for providing some features not seen in Openbox, such as ''tabbing'', which allows for windows to be grouped together. '''To install FluxBox, enter the command''':

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[[File: icewm2.jpg|thumb|left|375px]]

[[File: icewm2.jpg|thumb|left|375px]]

'''[https://www.ice-wm.org/ IceWM]''' is a Window Manager notable for perhaps being closer to a full desktop environment than Openbox or FluxBox. This includes providing a panel complete with menu, in addition to a workspace switcher. '''To install IceWM, enter the command''':

'''[https://www.ice-wm.org/ IceWM]''' is a Window Manager notable for perhaps being closer to a full desktop environment than Openbox or FluxBox. This includes providing a panel complete with menu, in addition to a workspace switcher. '''To install IceWM, enter the command''':

To install a suite of tools and themes specifically for IceWM, enter the command:

To install a suite of tools and themes specifically for IceWM, enter the command:

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'''Tiling window managers''' - as the name would suggest - tile application windows; each will have their own place on the screen, just like conventional tiles do not overlap. However, unlike conventional tiling, these window managers are usually very flexible, and allow for a multitude of different tiling patterns to suit personal taste and preference. Where stacking window managers focus on using the mouse for navigation, tiling window managers focus on the utilisation of the keyboard instead. As such, they can be much faster to use.

'''Tiling window managers''' - as the name would suggest - tile application windows; each will have their own place on the screen, just like conventional tiles do not overlap. However, unlike conventional tiling, these window managers are usually very flexible, and allow for a multitude of different tiling patterns to suit personal taste and preference. Where stacking window managers focus on using the mouse for navigation, tiling window managers focus on the utilisation of the keyboard instead. As such, they can be much faster to use.

[[File: awesome.png|thumb|left|375px]]

[[File: awesome.png|thumb|left|375px]]

'''[http://awesome.naquadah.org/ Awesome]''' is a popular tiling Window Manager, notable for using the '''Lua''' language for configuration. '''To install Awesome, enter the command''':

'''[http://awesome.naquadah.org/ Awesome]''' is a popular tiling Window Manager, notable for using the '''Lua''' language for configuration. '''To install Awesome, enter the command''':

To install some extra widgets for Awesome, enter the command:

To install some extra widgets for Awesome, enter the command:

Alternatively you can install the [[Awesome Community Edition]].

Alternatively you can install the [[Awesome Community Edition]].

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[[File: i3wm.png|thumb|left|375px]]

[[File: i3wm.png|thumb|left|375px]]

'''[http://i3wm.org/ i3]''' is arguably the most popular tiling window manager available, and notable for using a single, completely self-contained configuration file. '''To install i3, enter the command''':

'''[http://i3wm.org/ i3]''' is arguably the most popular tiling window manager available, and notable for using a single, completely self-contained configuration file. '''To install i3, enter the command''':

To install a status bar and screen-locker for i3, enter the command:

To install a status bar and screen-locker for i3, enter the command:

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