Why am I using Window Managers?
My journey into the world of Window Managers stems from a series of needs and frustrations that have shaped how I interact with my computing environment. Here’s a closer look at why I’ve chosen to embrace a Window Manager in my daily life.
Dissatisfaction with Resource Usage
Everything began with my growing dissatisfaction with Windows. I found its resource usage to be excessive, often bogged down by default processes that I didn’t understand and couldn’t control. This frustration pushed me to seek alternatives that offered more efficiency and transparency.
After trying various desktop environments like GNOME and KDE on Linux, I encountered similar issues. These environments, while feature-rich, often felt bloated or cumbersome. I wanted a setup that was lightweight and tailored to my specific needs, which ultimately led me to explore Window Managers.
Optimizing Screen Real Estate for Art and Development
I enjoys creating art and wether that or developing software, having ample screen real estate is crucial.
Working with multiple applications simultaneously is an usual thing: Sketching in a graphics program, referencing resources online, or keeping my coding environment open while accessing web-based tools and so on.
A Desktop Environment often limited my ability to arrange my workspace efficiently.
With a Window Manager, I can easily tile my windows and maximize my screen space, allowing for a more productive and creative workflow.
Moreover, the keyboard-oriented approach of Window Managers is very efficient.
I can quickly switch between windows, launch applications, and navigate my workspace using keyboard shortcuts.
This fluidity is essential for maintaining focus and momentum during projects, whether I’m in the midst of a creative session or deep in the code.
Flexibility Across Devices
Another factor in my decision to use a Window Manager is my tendency to switch between different computers, including older laptops. Many Desktop Environments struggle on less powerful hardware, leading to frustrating slowdowns. A lightweight Window Manager allows me to maintain performance across various systems, ensuring a consistent experience regardless of the machine I’m using.
AwesomeWM, the Right Fit for me
After experimenting with several Window Managers like BPWM and i3, I ultimately found my perfect match in AwesomeWM. It offers a sane and decent default configuration that meets my needs without overwhelming me with unnecessary complexity. The balance of usability and customization in AwesomeWM has made my computing experience not only efficient but also enjoyable.
Personal Insight
Using a Window Manager has been a game-changer for me, and I can confidently say that it has transformed the way I approach my work. It has addressed my frustrations with resource usage, provided the screen real estate and keyboard-driven efficiency I need for my creative and development projects, and streamlined my workflow across various devices.
Embracing a Window Manager has been more than just a practical decision for me.
By taking the time to tailor my computing environment to my specific needs, I’ve gained a sense of ownership and pride in my craft.
Same thing when I started understanding Emacs.
I firmly believe that computing experience should be a reflection of one’s unique personality and needs. Therefore, customization should always be done.
I highly recommend exploring the world of Window Managers.