IceWM
IceWM is a fast, lightweight window manager for the X Window System. It aims to be simple, fast, and lightweight while still being customizable and functional.
lightweight
fast
simple
x11
IceWM: Fast Lightweight Window Managers
A fast, lightweight window manager for the X Window System aiming to balance simplicity, speed, and customizability.
What is IceWM?
IceWM is a window manager for the X Window System graphical infrastructure. It aims to be fast, simple, and lightweight while still being highly customizable and functional.
Some key features and characteristics of IceWM:
- Uses very little system resources, making it well-suited for older or low-powered hardware
- Lightning fast performance thanks to its C codebase and optimization efforts
- Extremely customizable appearance through themes and editing configuration files
- Supports customizable menus, icon boxes, task bars and window decorations
- Standard X window manager features like virtual desktops, keyboard shortcuts, program switching etc.
- Session management so programs and windows open where you left off
- Standards compliant - works nicely with other X11 programs
- Available for many Linux distributions and BSD variants
IceWM offers a lightweight yet functional graphical environment for those who want simplicity and speed over bells & whistles. Its aggressive optimization and tiny resource footprint make it a great choice for old computers or constrained environments.
IceWM Features
Features
- Lightweight and fast
- Supports modern X11 standards
- Themeable and customizable
- Virtual desktops
- Taskbar and system tray
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Window tabs
- Session management
Pricing
- Open Source
- Free
Pros
Very lightweight and fast
Low resource usage
Highly customizable
Good performance on older hardware
Active development and support
Cons
Less features than full desktop environments
Steeper learning curve than beginner-friendly DEs
Less out-of-box polish than heavier DEs
Limited integration with desktop services
Official Links
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