Difference between revisions of "FVWM"
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[[Category:Stacking WMs (English)]] {{i18n|FVWM}} FVWM is a stable, powerful, efficient, and ICCCM-compliant multiple virtual desktop window manager for the X Window system. It requires some effort to learn to use it well, since it is almost entirely configured by editing configuration files with a text editor, but those who persist end up with a desktop environment that works exactly the way they want it to work. Development is active, and support is excellent. | [[Category:Stacking WMs (English)]] {{i18n|FVWM}} FVWM is a stable, powerful, efficient, and ICCCM-compliant multiple virtual desktop window manager for the X Window system. It requires some effort to learn to use it well, since it is almost entirely configured by editing configuration files with a text editor, but those who persist end up with a desktop environment that works exactly the way they want it to work. Development is active, and support is excellent. | ||
− | One should not confuse the | + | One should not confuse the FVWM window manager with the project FVWM-Crystal, which can be also found in the Arch repositories. And for those who wonder, FVWM means Feeble Virtual Window Manager. |
This wiki is by no means complete, but with user participation it can help show the potential of FVWM. The discussion in Arch Forums is [http://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=82758 here]. | This wiki is by no means complete, but with user participation it can help show the potential of FVWM. The discussion in Arch Forums is [http://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=82758 here]. | ||
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==Installing FVWM== | ==Installing FVWM== | ||
− | Install | + | Install FVWM with the following command: # pacman -S fvwm. You can also install the patched version [http://aur.archlinux.org/packages.php?ID=7195 FVWM-patched] (presently out of date) from the [[AUR]], or if you have archlinuxfr (see [[Unofficial user repositories]]) added to your pacman.conf it can be installed so: # pacman -S fvwm-patched |
==Starting FVWM== | ==Starting FVWM== | ||
− | + | FVWM will automatically be listed in kdm/gdm in the sessions menu. Otherwise, add | |
exec fvwm2 | exec fvwm2 | ||
or | or | ||
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[[SLiM]] is very good login manager, that does not have many dependencies and acts well with FVWM. SLiM can also be used with multiple environments as well so it makes it very appealing if one need several environments, but want to have a real control of the process. | [[SLiM]] is very good login manager, that does not have many dependencies and acts well with FVWM. SLiM can also be used with multiple environments as well so it makes it very appealing if one need several environments, but want to have a real control of the process. | ||
− | + | When you start FVWM, you will get into the blank configuration. However, when you left-click on the desktop, you will be able to select to configure FVWM. Chose the modules you want and you are ready to get started. | |
− | When you start | ||
− | == | + | ==Making FVWM Better== |
− | Since | + | Since FVWM comes pretty blank in the beginning, you need to create your desktop from scratch... or almost. So here are some tips: |
*Although it is outdated, the [http://zensites.net/fvwm/guide/ FVWM beginners guide] helps to understand how FVWM functions and how to build '''your''' basic setup. | *Although it is outdated, the [http://zensites.net/fvwm/guide/ FVWM beginners guide] helps to understand how FVWM functions and how to build '''your''' basic setup. | ||
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*Useful applications are similar to those suggested for [[Openbox]] or [[Fluxbox]]. | *Useful applications are similar to those suggested for [[Openbox]] or [[Fluxbox]]. | ||
− | + | *As you copy what other people have done, you might look at these [http://www.fvwmforums.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=1505 tips on configuration files] by Thomas Adam, the most active FVWM developer. | |
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==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
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* [http://www.zensites.net/fvwm/guide/ FVWM beginners guide] | * [http://www.zensites.net/fvwm/guide/ FVWM beginners guide] | ||
* [http://www.box-look.org/ Box-Look] | * [http://www.box-look.org/ Box-Look] | ||
+ | * [http://www.fvwmforums.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=1505 Thomas Adam on common mistakes in configuration files] |
Revision as of 23:47, 9 October 2011
FVWM is a stable, powerful, efficient, and ICCCM-compliant multiple virtual desktop window manager for the X Window system. It requires some effort to learn to use it well, since it is almost entirely configured by editing configuration files with a text editor, but those who persist end up with a desktop environment that works exactly the way they want it to work. Development is active, and support is excellent.
One should not confuse the FVWM window manager with the project FVWM-Crystal, which can be also found in the Arch repositories. And for those who wonder, FVWM means Feeble Virtual Window Manager.
This wiki is by no means complete, but with user participation it can help show the potential of FVWM. The discussion in Arch Forums is here.
Installing FVWM
Install FVWM with the following command: # pacman -S fvwm. You can also install the patched version FVWM-patched (presently out of date) from the AUR, or if you have archlinuxfr (see Unofficial user repositories) added to your pacman.conf it can be installed so: # pacman -S fvwm-patched
Starting FVWM
FVWM will automatically be listed in kdm/gdm in the sessions menu. Otherwise, add
exec fvwm2
or
exec fvwm
to your user's .xinitrc.
A sample .xinitrc might be as follows:
DEFAULT_SESSION=fvwm case $1 in fvwm*) exec ck-launch-session fvwm ;; awesome) exec ck-launch-session awesome ;; *) exec ck-launch-session $DEFAULT_SESSION ;; esac
SLiM is very good login manager, that does not have many dependencies and acts well with FVWM. SLiM can also be used with multiple environments as well so it makes it very appealing if one need several environments, but want to have a real control of the process.
When you start FVWM, you will get into the blank configuration. However, when you left-click on the desktop, you will be able to select to configure FVWM. Chose the modules you want and you are ready to get started.
Making FVWM Better
Since FVWM comes pretty blank in the beginning, you need to create your desktop from scratch... or almost. So here are some tips:
- Although it is outdated, the FVWM beginners guide helps to understand how FVWM functions and how to build your basic setup.
- You should also check the FVWM homepage (which includes a FAQ and a Wiki), and the FVWM forums.
- Check out the configs at http://www.box-look.org.
- As you copy what other people have done, you might look at these tips on configuration files by Thomas Adam, the most active FVWM developer.
External Links
Links used in this tutorial: