IceWM is a window manager for the X Window System, designed with the goals of speed, simplicity, and not getting in the user's way. It offers a taskbar with pager, global and per-window keybindings, and a dynamic menu system. Application windows can be managed by both keyboard and mouse, and they can be iconified to the taskbar, tray, desktop, or hidden. IceWM supports multiple monitors through RandR and Xinerama, and it is highly configurable, themeable, and well-documented.
History of IceWM
IceWM was created by Marko Maček in 1997. It was written from scratch in C++ and is released under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License. Over the years, IceWM has gained popularity for its lightweight and efficient design, making it a preferred choice for users who want a fast and simple window manager. The project is now maintained on GitHub, where it continues to receive updates and improvements.
Features of IceWM
IceWM is known for its efficiency and ease of use. Here are some of its standout features:
- Speed and Simplicity: IceWM is designed to be fast and simple, making it an excellent choice for users who want a lightweight window manager.
- Taskbar and Pager: The taskbar includes a pager, allowing users to switch between multiple workspaces easily.
- Keybindings and Menu System: IceWM supports global and per-window keybindings and has a dynamic menu system that regenerates when configuration changes.
- Window Management: Windows can be managed by keyboard and mouse, and they can be iconified to various locations.
- Multiple Monitor Support: IceWM supports setups with multiple monitors through RandR and Xinerama.
- Configurability and Theming: IceWM is highly configurable and themeable, with over 400 themes available for download.
- Documentation: IceWM is well-documented, with man pages, a manual, and various how-tos available.
Availability in Popular Linux Distributions
IceWM is available in the software repositories of many popular Linux distributions, making it easy to install and use. Some of the distributions that include IceWM are:
- Debian
- Ubuntu
- Arch Linux
- OpenSUSE
- Gentoo
- Slackware
- CentOS
- antiX
- NixOS
- Most BSD systems
This wide availability ensures that users can enjoy the benefits of IceWM regardless of their preferred Linux distribution.
Installing IceWM on Debian Netinstall
Installing IceWM on a Debian netinstall system is straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Login as Root: First, log in as the root user.
2. Update Package List: Update the package list to ensure you have the latest information on available packages.
3. Install IceWM: Install IceWM along with `xinit` and `alsa-utils` (optional for sound).
bash
apt install icewm xinit alsa-utils |
4. Logout from Root: Exit the root user session.
5. Autostart IceWM: To autostart IceWM after a non-root user login, edit the `.bashrc` file.
Add the following lines to the file:
bash
if [[ -z $DISPLAY ]] && [[ "$(tty)" = "/dev/tty1" ]]; then
exec startx
fi |
6. Reboot: Reboot the system to see IceWM in action.
Latest Release
The latest release of IceWM is version 3.7.0, which was released on February 22, 2025. This version includes various improvements and bug fixes, ensuring that IceWM continues to provide a fast and efficient window management experience.
Conclusion
IceWM is a powerful and lightweight window manager that offers speed, simplicity, and a high degree of configurability. Its support for multiple monitors, extensive theming options, and efficient resource usage make it an excellent choice for users looking for a fast and straightforward window manager. Whether you are a seasoned Linux user or new to the world of window managers, IceWM provides a user-friendly and efficient environment for managing your desktop.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. The Distrowrite Project is not responsible for any issues that may arise from following the instructions provided. Always ensure you have backups and understand the commands you are executing.
Citations
1. IceWM Official Website
2. IceWM - Wikipedia
3. IceWM · GitHub
4. Installing IceWM on Debian netinstall | LinuxSide
5. How To Install icewm on Debian 11 | Installati.one
6. Icewm Guide|Legacy vs modern look|Features and more (YouTube 2023)
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