Desktops and window managers, whats the difference?

[Xprotocol]

I was just wondering what the difference is between a desktop like KDE and a window manager.

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[mattmorrow]

The WM is a lower level set of software that manages window look, feel and behavior. Namely, things like the appearance of the frame, buttons, menus and scrollbars. It also controls things like focus behavior (e.g., click to focus vice just place the mouse over it). You can choose which WM to use with the desktop you choose (or _only_ use a WM and no desktop). The Desktop is more comprehensive, providing the type of panel (if any), additional context menus, utilities and themes. Search the Desktop/Window Manager forums for similar questions and addtional details.

[scott_R]

In an extremely general sense, a desktop is a framework that makes it easier for programs/programmers to do things by providing precoded interfaces.

A window manager, on the other hand, makes it easier for users by allowing you to specify your own personal look and feel to your computer.

A desktop example would be something like cut-and-paste. The desktop would handle the actual work of it, the programmer would simply provide hooks in his/her program for it.

A window manager example would be things like whether or not your mouse jumps to the next virtual desktop if you slide it off the last, or how large new windows are when they open.

Of course, I could be completely wrong on this and completely screw up your desktop/wm ideas forever...Merry Christmas! http://www.linuxnewbie.org/ubb/smile.gif

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[pbharris]

desktop is the area you are working in, i have four of them.

a window manager takes care of the desktops (how many for one thing), plus other stuff like the looks.

[Shad]

While Paul is technically correct, he is wrong in reference to the question asked.

A desktop is the area on screen generally.
A Desktop is low-level interface like KDE or GNOME.

Scott and Matt answered the question the best.

[optech]

Originally posted by Shad:
While Paul is technically correct, he is wrong in reference to the question asked.

A desktop is the area on screen generally.
A Desktop is low-level interface like KDE or GNOME.

uhhhh, repost this please


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