Linux is much more than a regular OS, in fact, rather than most “boxed” operating systems it can be customized to look and feel however the user wants it.

In this series, will be reviewing various window managers for Linux and pointing out some of the main features. In this review we will start with a few of lightweights; Blackbox, and it’s decendant, Fluxbox, and even newer; Openbox.

I have always been a fan of the slimmed-down windows managers. It enables easy access to the command line without all the eye candy bogging down the system. A lightweight solution is great for servers, and can make a laptop or desktop system much faster (in addition to making it look kinda cool).

Blackbox

Blackbox has been around for awhile, it is extremely lightweight, and usually a good choice for a server, though it can be used as a desktop window manager as well.

Almost everything can be accessed via Blackbox’s simple menu interface. Simply click on the desktop anywhere, and the menu comes up.

Fluxbox

Fluxbox was actually derived from Blackbox. It includes a few more features and in one of my personal favorites. It’s look and feel is similar to Blackbox at first glance, and the menu system is also similar; but there are a few extras worth pointing out.

First off, Fluxbox has a variety of themes that can be installed and it actually comes with a few by default.

It also has addon programs such as “idesk” that will allow for desktop icons if the standard menu interface isn’t enough.

OpenBox

Openbox is yet another derivative of the “box” series of window managers. It seems to be even further slimmed down from Fluxbox in some areas.

If installed from source; at first glance it may appear rather plain, but with a little tweaking, it can be very robust.

Addons for Fluxbox/Blackbox/Openbox

• Idesk: Idesk is an add-on that allows for a user to have the convenience of dektop icons in the “box” environment. It even allows for transparency of some icons.
• Conky: Conky is one of those must-have programs for most desktops running a slim window manager, it can give vital system information at a glance. It also looks really flashy on ther minimal desktop.  I have used Conky quite a bit in many different distros, but it really seems to stand out as a major application on the slimmed down desktop, in fact, some distros include this program by default in their “box” environments.  It can provide vital system information at-a-glance without pulling up the command line.
• Chestnut Dialer: This program is written in the Python programming language and is a great way to use dial up modems or 3g air cards to connect to the internet, it provides a simple easy-to-configure interface and fits in well in the “box” environment.

There are many fantastic programs that Linux has to offer, it would be nearly impossible to list them all. If your Linux distro comes with a package manager I’d suggest looking at many of the nifty programs available. You’ll find that it’s lots of fun and very rewarding!

“Box” distros

Certain distros already come packaged with minimal window managers; and usually include a few extra built in customization for changing system setting through graphical interfaces:

• Linux Mint Fluxbox CE edition
• Nbuntu
• Crunchbang

These are just a few distro’s that have a “box” window manager by default.

There are more distros out there, http://www.distrowatrch.com/ has a large listing to check out if you are looking for a specific flavor of Linux to meet your needs or style.

Another great website for system customization is http://www.box-look.org/ .

At that site you can find everything from wallpapers to system themes.

There are also sections to find upgrades for other window managers; such as IceWM and PekWM.

Whether your choice of desktop environment is extremely light, full featured, and just a Linux shell, the Linux OS provides something other operating systems don’t; the ability to make it look and work like you want it to. This aspect shows just how versatile open source computing can be. And also a ton of fun too!

Monty Dine : Monty has worked with technology for 15 years, and is also a motorcyclist, musician and licensed pilot. As a Linux enthusiast, his mantra is: "Why use Windows when you can have the whole house?"