Window Managers for X

The term „Window Manager“ means a system software that is used to control and check the placement and appearance of windows within a so-called windowing system. This generally occurs in a graphical user interface. Fact is that window managers provide a variety of useful and very helpful features that facilitate the development of a clear and well-arranged desktop environment. Some of these features are briefly described below:

• Multiple Desktops: Some window managers do provide a multiple desktops facility. This feature makes it possible to use several root windows and also to easily switch between several desktops.
• Tabbed Windows: There exists a variety of window managers that provides a so-called tabbed window facility. This feature enables special applications to be joined and grouped together. Consequently it turns out to be possible to share common frames.
• Virtual Desktop: A virtual desktop is also called ‘scrolling desktop’. Those window managers which provide this facility enable the desktop to be much larger than the actual screen.
• Start Button: Actually every window manager contains a start button which provides a defined menu of several programs ready to be launched. The start button is placed on a menu bar, normally at the bottom of the desktop.
• Autohide: This feature provides the possibility to make menu bars disappear especially when the pointer gets moved away from the edge of the screen or desktop.
• Mouse Warping: ‘Mouse Warping’ represents a special feature that is able to center the mouse pointer on that application that is currently active.

Strictly speaking there exists a wide range of different programmes for Window Managers. A very special Windows Programme is the one which facilitates the installation of a printer. The window manager installs a special button for the printer on the desktop. The button represents a special desktop widget that provides a well-arranged overview considering any kind of printing details. Consequently it turns out to be possible to check and control the fill level of every Toner and ink cartridge. Generally the button is placed separately at the bottom of the screen but can easily be switched to a menu bar or any other place within the desktop environment.