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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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WM/DE recommendation request: able to have i3-like control, but friendly enough for an ex-windows user (beehaw.org)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I've been using i3wm for long enough that i now can't go back to a user interface that requires me to use a mouse to get stuff done. However, I'm setting up an old laptop that will be used by both me and my SO for mainly media purposes, but also as my general-use computer for basic tasks. He has been using windows since forever, and has no interest in learning all my keyboard combos.

I'm looking for a WM that supports tiling and keyboard control to do all the things, while still having the mouse-centric control options he's used to: something akin to a "start" button where he can get to the applications, a "close" button on the windows themselves, and the ability to rearrange windows with the mouse.

I'm also not interested in having to logout/login just to use a different WM, as i imagine us going back and forth on who is in control of the computer relatively frequently. I know PopOS has tiling support, but my muscle memory is strong, and I found it cumbersome to redefine all the bindings in a GUI to get it more "i3-like", so having keyboard bindings in a config file would be a huge plus for me.

This magical WM may not exist. I may just have to deal with needing a mouse to use this laptop or having two WMs installed. But I figured it was worth asking y'all for recommendations. Thanks!

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[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I3wm with xfce or kde or something? Works really well together. Closing and moving windows, or better toggleling floating mode, can be done with middle mouse button or right mouse button.

You will have start button and gui of xfce but all the control of i3wm for windows. I used it that way before switching to i3 on endavouros.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

This sounds promising. I think he'd appreciate having the out-of-the-box niceties of a DE, too.