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window-manager
A window manager (WM) is system software that controls the placement and appearance of windows within a windowing system in a graphical user interface (GUI) in a operating system like Arco-Linux. It can be part of a desktop environment (DE) or be used standalone.
Note: Window managers are unique to xorg. The equivalent of window managers on Wayland are called compositors because they also act as compositing window managers.
Window managers are X clients that control the appearance and behaviour of the frames ("windows") where the various graphical applications are drawn. They determine the border, title bar, size, and ability to resize windows, and often provide other functionality such as reserved areas for sticking dockapps like Window Maker, or the ability to tab windows like Fluxbox. Some window managers are even bundled with simple utilities like menus to start programs or to configure the window manager itself.
The Extended Window Manager Hints specification is used to allow window managers to interact in standard ways with the server and the other clients.
Some window managers are developed as part of a more comprehensive desktop environment, usually allowing the other provided applications to better interact with each other, giving a more consistent experience to the user, complete with features like desktop icons, fonts, toolbars, wallpapers, or desktop widgets.
Other window managers are instead designed to be used standalone, giving the user complete freedom over the choice of the other applications to be used. This allows the user to create a more lightweight and customized environment, tailored to their own specific needs. "Extras" like desktop icons, toolbars, wallpapers, or desktop widgets, if needed, will have to be added with additional dedicated applications.
Some standalone window managers can be also used to replace the default window manager of a desktop environment, just like some desktop environment–oriented window managers can be used standalone too.
Prior to installing a window manager, a functional x-server installation is required.
Types
Stacking
(aka floating) window managers provide the traditional desktop metaphor used in commercial operating systems like Windows and macOS. Windows act like pieces of paper on a desk, and can be stacked on top of each other. For available Arch Wiki pages see Category:Stacking window managers.
Tiling window managers
"tile" the windows so that none are overlapping. They usually make very extensive use of key-bindings and have less (or no) reliance on the mouse. Tiling window managers may be manual, offer predefined layouts, or both. For available Arch Wiki pages see Category:Tiling window managers.
Dynamic window managers
can dynamically switch between tiling or floating window layout. For available Arch Wiki pages see Category:Dynamic window managers.