Linux GUI

[FOBSIDE]

It seems to me like there is so much out there with the interface of Linux and I really don't understand how it all related. Could someone please explain to me...I know that sounds really vague but I really don't understand much. Maybe if I give a few terms someone can explain how this is all related.

KDE Gnome MLVWM FVWM AfterStep IceWM FLWM GWM LWM SCWM Blackbox Window Maker QVWM Enlightenment...

 

[MGMorden]

All of those are different Window Managers. Basically that means that although you will still be able to use the same programs depending on which one of those prorams you use as your window manager, you will have a different interface (i.e., windows will look different, way you launch programs will be different, etc.) It really gives the user a lot of choice as to the way he/she wants their computer to look.

 

[FOBSIDE]

im kinda confused. why are gnome and kde the only two options when you install linxux(red hat)? i have gnome on my red hat box...so then whats enlightenment?

when people have themes for their desktop, theyre designed specifically for a certain window manager huh? like for instance, i saw an aqua theme in gnome i believe it was...

ok i think i just confused myself more.

 

[timco]

KDE and GNOME are desktop environments (like Windows). They include things like a file manager, email software, a control panel, a panel with a "K" or gnome menu (like Start menu), and so on. The others are just standalone window managers that look different. They don't have things like file managers so presumably RedHat, SuSe and whoever just decide to give you KDE and Gnome as options to make it easier for the users... Of course, you can change to a different window manager if you want and you don't have to use KDE or Gnome.

 

[thornc]

The graphical interface in unix/linux works a bit different than Microsft Windows...

Basically the X-Windows Interface works on server/client base, so the applications are
clients and X interface is a server....

Now there is "only one" developer for the X Interface is the "XFree86 Project,Inc."
Xfree86 is the server software that handles the hardware part of question...on top of
xfree goes what is called a window manager ( the GUI that controls the way things are
displayed ).

All of those that you suggest are window managers some more complex than the others,
in the end you can use any of them is just up to personnal choice...but most distributions
are fond of one and by default will install it. But usually in the custom installation
you can select the one that you want to install.

Now with the use of a graphical login manager like ( xdm,gdm and such ) you can even configue
things to allow the selection of which window manager a user will run....

Just look around a few linux sites and you learn all about this....

Good Luck