Login managers
Login managers will assist in choosing a graphical environment and will not require the user to start x.org to get into the window manager.
It's important to note that it's not necessary to use a login manager. If you're willing to log in at the command line and start X manually, you can save yourself a lot of system resources -- and the time it takes to load them. That can be a more appealing option on older machines.
GDM
GDM is the Ubuntu default for a login manager. However, GDM has a reputation of being a heavyweight, and on a system that needs as little bulk as possible, you might find it to be a burden. If you've got a decent system, install it using:
Code:
sudo apt-get install gdm
KDM
KDM is another manager, but has the same heavy reputation as GDM.
Code:
sudo apt-get install kdm
XDM
XDM is the login manager for straight X, and while less beautiful than GDM or KDM, it can perform in the same role without fuss.
Code:
sudo apt-get install xdm
SLiM
SLiM is a simple login manager. It just works as expected.
Code:
sudo apt-get install slim
If the LANG environment variable is not correctly set, see bug #234474.
LXDM
LXDM is a light simple login manager designed to fit with LXDE, available in repos from Lucid (10.04) onwards.
Code:
sudo apt-get install lxdm
Bookmarks