Really simple question regarding Linux and Window Managers

[BlueWeasel]

As seen in some of my other recent OS threads, I'm been experimenting with various Linux distros over the past week or so. So far I've tried Fedora3, Damn Small Linux, Ubuntu, and now Mepis on my Celeron 1.5Ghz, 512mb RAM laptop.

So far, I love the applications/games/utilities included with Mepis, but the KDE interface seems bloated to me. I like the simple desktop of Ubuntu/Fedora, but they are kinda bare compared to Mepis. Finally, I love the pure speed of DS Linux.

Being new to the Linux, I'm still learning the ropes. I keep hearing that I can change Window Managers at the drop of a hat, but it's still not clear to me as to limitations to what I can and can't do.

I found this site - Xwinman.org

Specifically, I know KDE/Gnome/XCFE are desktop evironments and Blackbox/IceWM/etc. are Window Managers. Is it possible to replace one with the other?

For example, I'd like to take my current install of Mepis and replace the KDE desktop and replace it with something more streamlined, like Blackbox or Fluxbox. Is that even possible? By doing that, will I lose any of the applications currently running on the KDE?

 

[n0cmonkey]

I use blackbox on my system at home. I don't use a DE or other WMs (unless I'm playing around). Works fine, and so do all of the applications I can run under other stuff. 😉

 

[BlueWeasel]

So, by switching from KDE to Blackbox/Fluxbox, I won't lose any of the apps/games/utilities currently running in KDE? I'm referring to the ones that came part of the Mepis install like Konqueror, Kmail, etc.

 

[Infohawk]

You can run kde apps in blackbox/fluxbox without any problems. So you won't lose them.

How you change desktop environment's or window managers depends on the distro. Usually you can go to the display manager (login screen) to change it though.