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Desktop Environments/Window Mangers, whats the difference?

vendion Gear
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Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 5:17 pm

Even though Linux is technically a command line OS, though the power and magic of X.org, specifically X11, we can have the ease of use of a GUI. Linux has freedom and choose even when it comes down to the type of GUI that you use, there are two different environments Window Managers and Desktop environments. Window Managers are built to work with X.org to give you a graphic way to run programs, manage files, etc..., Desktop environments are an entire desktop and has "fancy" graphics while still be able to run programs, manage files so on and so fourth. There are positive and negative sides to running ether one.

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 5:47 pm

Desktop Environments

Desktop Environments is the GUI system that offer "fancy" graphics, the ability to run GUI based programs, and manage files, and everything else that you would like from a GUI system. There are downsides to running a desktop environment, the biggest and most stated one is the amount of system resources needed to run the desktop. Some desktop environments available to Linux include (for more information about the D.E., or downloads please follow the links provided):

vendion Gear
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vendion Gear
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Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 6:47 pm

Window Managers
Window Managers run on top of X.org and lack the "fancy" graphics of a desktop environment but in return they consume noticeably less system resources and preform faster than a desktop environment. Some window managers available for Linux include (for more information about the D.E., or downloads please follow the links provided):

There are a lot more, to many to list in one post, if you would like a complete list of these window managers and a link to their main website then go to the Window Managers for X website ( http://xwinman.org/others.php )

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 6:49 pm

If you would like more information on desktop environments and or window mangers in Linux the free free to hit up the Desktop and Window Managers sub-forum.

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