Cyber Synapse S.R.L.

Installing the Timeless Window Manager on Debian

Step by step guide and HOWTO

Debian Linux is known for its stability and security, making it a reliable choice for servers and workstations.

It also has a vast software repository with extensive community support, ensuring access to a wide range of applications.

Twm is a lightweight window manager and is available in the default Debian repositories, so installation is straightforward using the package manager.

Timeless Window Manager, is one of the oldest and most basic window managers available for the X Window System.

First released in 1987, it serves as a lightweight, no-frills window manager that is still functional despite its minimalism.

Twm is extremely lightweight and consumes very few system resources (CPU, memory, etc.).

It can run smoothly even on older, less powerful hardware.

Compared to modern desktop environments or window managers, Twm’s memory footprint is very small.

This makes it ideal for resource-constrained systems, like embedded devices or very old computers.

Because Twm has been around for decades and hasn’t changed much in that time, it is extremely stable.

There are very few bugs or crashes associated with it, as it has been heavily tested and used over time.

It can be relied upon to perform essential window management functions without issues.

Twm provides the essential features of a window manager, such as moving, resizing, iconifying windows, and simple menus.

However, it does not have many advanced features common in more modern window managers like tiling, compositing, or fancy animations.

By default, Twm comes with very basic configuration and aesthetics, which some users may find too plain.

However, it is configurable through a .twmrc file, allowing users to customize key bindings, window decorations, and menus.

Unlike desktop environments like GNOME or KDE, Twm is purely a window manager and does not come with features like a file manager, taskbar, or system tray.

Despite being old and minimalistic, Twm is highly customizable through its configuration file.

Users can change window behaviors, create custom menus, and define keyboard shortcuts.

However, it requires manual editing of configuration files, which can be cumbersome for users unfamiliar with its syntax.

Twm lacks GUI-based tools for customization, so all configurations must be done manually through text files, making it less accessible to novice users compared to more modern window managers.

Twm’s visual appearance is simple and dated.

It lacks modern graphical features such as transparency, shadows, or animations.

It doesn’t support modern theming or desktop aesthetics, making it look very "old-school" by today’s standards.

The UI elements are basic and functional, but not visually appealing.

This can be a positive aspect for those who prefer simplicity or nostalgia for the early days of graphical user interfaces.

Twm appeals to power users who prefer simplicity, minimalism, and manual control over graphical user interfaces.

It is especially useful for those who need a very basic environment or want to build their system from the ground up without the overhead of a full desktop environment.

It’s a great choice for older machines or in situations where system resources are severely limited (such as virtual machines or lightweight servers running X).

Twm is a very mature project, but active development has largely ceased.

It receives only minimal maintenance and bug fixes, and its feature set remains as it was years ago.

There are no expectations for new features or significant upgrades.

Twm's user base is small compared to other window managers and desktop environments.

Most modern Linux users prefer more feature-rich or modern alternatives such as Openbox, i3, or tiling window managers like Xmonad.

Twm offers a very minimalist, stable, and lightweight experience, making it ideal for users who need a simple and efficient window manager without the overhead of modern desktop environments.

However, it is not well-suited for users seeking a feature-rich or visually appealing environment.

It shines in scenarios where performance, simplicity, and low resource usage are priorities, but it is too barebones for most modern desktop users.

Today we shall install the Timeless Window Manager on Debian

We need to complete several steps to get it working correctly.

1. Boot the system -- System Ready.