IceWM for Linux: Simple, Lightweight Window Manager

Every mainstream computer operating system has a window manager, which is the behind-the-scenes application that manages how and where your windows are placed, minimized, maximized, etc.

The window manager is often grouped together with companion applications (configuration utilities, a panel or dock) and generally described as the "user interface." The Linux operating system allows you choose from several different window manager and user interfaces to create a custom experience if you wish. One of the more "minimal" window managers available is IceWM.

IceWM is a very elegant UI that focuses on keeping things simple, and not getting in the user's way. It does not bundle any general utilities for configuring your computer; those are usually already available from the default set of applications included in your Linux install. Instead it focuses only on managing your windows and providing you with a simple, easy to use task bar, along with an application switcher (we'll cover that in a few moments).

To install IceWM simply look in the repositories for your favorite distribution of Linux...it's likely there. On Debian-based systems (like the very popular Ubuntu), it's easy to just type the following into a terminal:

sudo apt-get install icewm

Or find it your Add/Remove Applications program ("Synaptic" on many systems).

The first thing you'll notice about IceWM when you log in is that are no icons on the desktop! That's right, IceWM doesn't do that, although it's easy to find other applications that can help you with that, if you'd like. Consider PCManFM or Rox, two great file managers that will also manage your desktop background and icons. I personally enjoy having a completely clear desktop with no distractions.

The second thing you'll notice is the very simple, almost Widows95-ish task bar at the bottom of your screen. On the far left you'll find your menu button, where you can find some default entries for applications you likely have your system. The menu does not auto-update...to add more menu entries you must edit a simple text file called "menu" in your in the ".icewm" directory in your home folder.

You'll also find some other very useful configuration files in ".icewm." The "preferences" file allows you set up all sort of useful configuration options, like how you'd like your mouse to behave, where the taskbar should be located, and even the format of your clock. All of the options are well commented, so it should be pretty easy to figure out to customize the behavior of your new window manager. The "keys" file is where you can specify custom keyboard shortcuts, which come in really handy for many people. Finally, the "winoptions" file allows you set advanced options for certain windows, and I haven't done a whole lot with that file.

IceWM also comes with a simple Alt-Tab application switcher which allows you cycle through all your open windows by pressing the Alt+Tab key combo. A simple concept to be sure, but remarkably effective in helping to navigate without a mouse. Another great feature is the ability to work on more than one "virtual desktop," allowing for a great approach to manage windows. Place all your browser windows on one desktop and email on another, for example.

Some people have noted that the default look for IceWM is rather plain, however many elegant and eyecatching skins are available at http://box-look.org, and they are super easy to install. Simply uncompress the zip file into a "themes" directory in your ".icewm" folder. YOu'll find styles that can make IceWM look like Windows Vista, MacOS X, as well completely original looks.

Even though IceWM is simple, it is also very capable of doing some pretty cool stuff if you poke around the "preferences" file a bit. I love it because it really does what it's supposed to superbly well, and gives my computer a speed boost due to it's light weight... all while looking good and not causing me any frustrations! Plus, it's familiar enough that anyone used the "Window 95" style of computing will feel pretty much at home.

I haven't even come close to scratching the surface of how many ways IceWM can be tweaked an customized...which is one of the reasons it remains as one of my preferred ways of interacting with my computer. Find out more about IceWM and what it can do make your computing even more productive at http://icewm.org.