Want To Try A *Box Window Manager

[izizzle]

I've tried GNOME, KDE, XFCE, and E17, but never any of the *Box Window Managers. I thought it was time I gave one of them a shot. Any ideas which *Box manager to start with? There are quite a few (Fluxbox, Blackbox, Openbox, probably others...) Something that will really let me see the capabilities of the *box WM's. Also, feel free to reccommend distros that use the *box WM's.

Thanks!

[Locutus_of_Borg]

i recommend openbox

crunchbang linux comes with openbox, it's based off of ubuntu too

[hictio]

Fluxbuntu (http://www.fluxbuntu.org/) is the name of the game! :D

[ubersolid]

Fluxbox is great, it's easy to configure too. Haven't used in a while though.

[NWAdawg]

A second for CrunchBang. Its a Ubuntu-based Openbox live-cd

[snowpine]

Hi there, first of all, you don't need to install a new distro to test one of the *boxes; you can install them in your existing Ubuntu install and then choose which session you want from the login screen. The advantage of this method is you have access to all of the applications and files of your existing Ubuntu install.

But, if you prefer to test a separate distro, CrunchBang is a great choice. It can be inspiring to see what is possible with a well configured *box setup. I also recommend checking out websites like box-look.org and deviantart to get some nice *box themes and artwork. Good luck!

[rtom]

My hint is to use LXDE, it's also in the repos, just do sudo apt-get install lxde and at login change to that DE. It's openbox based, but with some more "design" (e.g. openbox has no icons in the menus, LXDE does).

Not sure, just heared that "Lubuntu" is already agreed to be made by Canonical?!

[cthulhu_54]

I vote Fluxbox, it's so easy to configure, unlike openbox...

So, start with Fluxbox, give it a try, then try openbox. It will be a rich experience.

WARNING: Do not use fluxconf-package, it will/might give invalid commands to the keys-file (which also controls the mouse), as it is no longer maintained(?), no biggy, but I lost the left-click on my mouse. Just changed back my keys-file and I was back on track.

Biggest difference between Open and flux is: Flux is easier to configure (just one line in a text file, for each command), and flux comes with a tray, and you can merge two windows into one (drag and drop one window on top of the other using the scroll wheel). OpenBox is slightly faster and has more recent updates.

[Dr Small]

I use Openbox exclusively, but used to use IceWM.
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Openbox
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/IceWM
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Fluxbox

Any of those guides should help get you started with whatever you choose. Basically, it comes down to preference, as there is no real winner or better one out of all the *boxes and Window Managers.

Openbox is dead simple, easy to configure, has loads of different themes, and looks nice. Yet of course, each has their own special functions and benefits by using them. So, take your pick. You're in the land of plenty :)

[lykwydchykyn]

I've been using openbox for the last few weeks on my laptop, I think it looks classier than the others. Well, at least fluxbox, since that's the other one I tried.

I have it running with cairo dock, it looks pretty nice.