Window Managers
The info below is old...from when we were using fvwm as the default window manager. We have now switched to xfce as the default window manager. You can still use fvwm if you want, or wmaker.
This page is set up to help you play with window manager options. Below are a few sample window managers from current and former sysadmins. Simply copy the files to your home directory and try them out. But be sure to copy your original version first! (maybe to .fvwm2rc.old) Usually the *wmrc file (.twmrc, .fvwm2rc, etc) sets up your window managers (colors, menus, buttons, etc), and the .xsession file specifies the intial size and position of your windows. Also, remember that these are our personal window managers and we like to play too... everything might not be working.
If you would like to see a list of your hidden '.' files, do ls -a
To find out about more options that you can add, check out the man pages. Also, read your .fvwm2rc file, as it has some explanations.
- man fvwm
- man fvwmpager
- man fvwmiconman
- Color Options
- A list of fvwm man pages
Also, keep in mind the .x files
- .xsession - sets default windows up, creates basic environment
- .Xdefaults - a fun file. Can define defaults for various things, like aterms and xterms so that you can just call 'aterm' in .xsession and it will have all of your fancy customizations.
- .xinitrc - if you want special ssh stuff like Jeff has, the .xsession calls .xinitrc, which performs the same functions as the old .xsession
- .xmodmap - you can define some fun keybindings here.
- .vimrc/.xemacs - can define vim/emacs options here (.vimrc is a v file, not an x file though)
- .bashrc/.cshrc/etc - yet more things like aliases and stuff
Also, if you change something in your window manager and find that you can't login, just go to a mac in the CS Lab (or your computer at home) and login. Then copy the most recent working version over to the version that is running and you should be all set. OR, if you're at one of the UNIX machine consoles, just press Control-Alt-F1 to switch to a text console. Login, fix things, log out, then press Control-Alt-F7 to switch back to a graphical console and try again.
Remember to copy the .xsession file over to your home directory too (save your original!) and make sure that it's excecutable (chmod 755 .xsession). For these window managers to work both files have to be copied to your direcory with the same names (if it says .ctwmrc it better be called .ctwmrc in your directory, same with .xsession). (:
Screen shots are provided. That way you know at least some of what you're getting into...
Have fun!
- Default screenshot
- Default .fvwm2rc Currently used instead of .twmrc
- Default .twmrc
- Default .xsession
This is the window manager given as the default for all new accounts. Just in case you really mess things up, or just want to reminisce about your CS21 days...
- Jeff's screenshot
- Jeff's .fvwm2rc
- Jeff's .xinitrc
- Jeff's .xsession
- Mary's screenshot
- Mary's .fvwm2rc
- Mary's .xsession
- Talia's screenshot
- Talia's .ctwmrc
- Talia's .xsession
- Sean's .fvwm2rc
- Sean's .xsession
- Meggie's .Xdefaults
- Meggie's .fvwm2rc
- Meggie's .xsession
- Meggie's .xinitrc
To make changes to your shell (change your prompt, make aliases, change your path, etc), go to our Shells Page.