Why am I using Window Managers?
My journey into the world of Window Managers started from a series of needs and frustrations that shaped how I interact with my computer. Here is why I ended up using a Window Manager in my daily life.
Dissatisfaction with Resource Usage
Everything began with my growing dissatisfaction with Windows. Its resource usage was excessive, often bogged down by default processes that I didn’t understand and couldn’t control. That frustration pushed me to look for alternatives that offered more efficiency and transparency.
After trying desktop environments like GNOME and KDE on Linux, I ran into the same kind of issues. They were feature-rich but often felt bloated or cumbersome. I wanted a setup that was lightweight and tailored to my needs, so I ended up exploring 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 a must.
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. That alone makes my workflow more productive and creative.
Also, 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.
That fluidity helps me keep my focus and momentum during projects, whether I’m in the middle 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 and slow down in frustrating ways. A lightweight Window Manager keeps the same performance everywhere, so my experience stays consistent whatever machine I’m using.
AwesomeWM, the Right Fit for me
After experimenting with several Window Managers like BPWM and i3, I finally found my match in AwesomeWM. Its default configuration is sane and decent, and it meets my needs without burying me in complexity. Using it feels both efficient and enjoyable.
Personal Insight
Using a Window Manager changed the way I approach my work. It solved my frustrations with resource usage, gave me the screen real estate and keyboard-driven efficiency I need for my art and development projects, and made my workflow consistent across all my machines.
For me, adopting a Window Manager went beyond the practical side.
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 trying a Window Manager.