Ubuntu – How to create a new Ubuntu desktop environment/window manager

Read this to understand the difference: What is the difference between a desktop environment and a window manager?

• You pick a window manager or a desktopmanager you like and download the source.
• Edit the source files
• Package it under a new name
• Install it with that new name

Each of these options can be fairly difficult and require expertise. For instance: without thorough knowledge on coding software you are not going to get far.

Setting up your new manager is fairly easy:

• As a starter you can create a custom xWindows session.

This page will teach you how to design your own personalized X (graphical desktop) sessions by editing shell scripts. Desktop environments like GNOME often have their own session managers. These session managers allow you to specify which additional programs will be loaded at the beginning of your session by providing a graphical interface. However, knowing how to create X session scripts can grant you greater flexibility in customizing your desktop environment whether you use GNOME, KDE, XFCE, Openbox or other lesser-known window managers like Blackbox or FVWM. Furthermore, being able to create X session scripts allows you to run a graphical desktop even if the graphical login manager, GDM, is broken or not installed.

Content:

1. Anatomy of a simple X session script
2. How to create a X session script
3. Sample ~/.xinitrc File
4. LightDM configuration