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MicroXWin VS Openbox

Compare MicroXWin VS Openbox and see what are their differences

MicroXWin logo MicroXWin

MicroXWin is a web-based platform that is used for the deployment of X Window systems on various devices such as desktops, mobile phones, etc.

Openbox logo Openbox

Openbox is a highly configurable, next generation window manager with extensive standards support.
  • MicroXWin Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-02
  • Openbox Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-06

MicroXWin features and specs

  • Lightweight
    MicroXWin is designed to be a lightweight windowing system, meaning it consumes fewer resources compared to larger X server implementations. This can be particularly beneficial for devices with limited resources such as embedded systems.
  • Speed
    Due to its smaller size and reduced resource requirements, MicroXWin can perform operations faster than more resource-intensive windowing systems, leading to quicker boot times and improved responsiveness.
  • Simplicity
    MicroXWin's simplistic design makes it easier to configure and maintain, especially for projects that do not require the full capabilities of a larger X Window System.
  • Embedding
    Its lightweight and efficient nature makes it ideal for embedding in devices where minimal overhead is crucial, such as IoT devices or specific industrial applications.

Possible disadvantages of MicroXWin

  • Limited Features
    MicroXWin may not include all the features and capabilities available in full-fledged X server implementations, potentially limiting its use in more complex applications.
  • Compatibility
    Due to its minimal nature, MicroXWin might not be fully compatible with all applications or third-party tools designed to work with a standard X Window System.
  • Community and Support
    A smaller user base and community could mean less support and fewer community-driven resources or development projects compared to more widely used systems.
  • Scalability
    While excellent for smaller applications, MicroXWin might not scale effectively for larger, more demanding applications or environments that require more robust window management capabilities.

Openbox features and specs

  • Lightweight
    Openbox is a highly efficient window manager that requires minimal system resources, making it an excellent choice for older hardware or systems with limited resources.
  • Customizable
    Openbox offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor the look and feel of their desktop environment to their specific preferences.
  • Fast Performance
    Due to its lightweight nature, Openbox provides fast and responsive performance, resulting in quicker application launches and smoother overall desktop experience.
  • Comprehensive Keybindings
    Openbox supports complex keybindings, enabling power users to create efficient workflow setups through keyboard shortcuts.
  • Extensible
    Openbox can work seamlessly with other tools and additional software, allowing users to extend its capabilities with tools like panels, widgets, and additional plugins.

Possible disadvantages of Openbox

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Openbox requires a more hands-on approach and can be challenging for beginners to set up and configure due to its extensive customization options.
  • Limited Out-of-the-box Features
    Unlike full desktop environments, Openbox does not come with many built-in features, requiring users to install and configure additional software to achieve a fully functional desktop.
  • No Desktop Icons by Default
    Openbox does not support desktop icons natively, so users need to rely on additional tools like 'xfdesktop' or 'pcmanfm' to add this functionality.
  • Minimalistic Appearance
    While some users appreciate the minimalistic look, others might find it too bare-bones compared to more feature-rich environments like GNOME or KDE.
  • Manual Configuration
    Most customizations in Openbox require editing configuration files manually, which can be time-consuming and error-prone for users unfamiliar with text-based configurations.

Analysis of Openbox

Overall verdict

  • Openbox is a great choice for users seeking a lightweight and highly customizable window management solution. Its performance benefits on lower-end hardware and flexibility make it a valuable tool for power users and enthusiasts alike.

Why this product is good

  • Openbox is a highly configurable and lightweight window manager for the X Window System. It's known for its speed and simplicity, allowing users to control their desktop environment efficiently. It provides a blank canvas for users wanting to customize their workspace, making it ideal for those who prefer a minimalist setup or have limited system resources. The configuration is done through plain text files, offering flexibility for advanced users who wish to personalize their user experience meticulously.

Recommended for

  • Advanced users looking for customization options
  • Users with older or less powerful hardware
  • Minimalists who prefer a robust yet simplistic interface
  • Linux enthusiasts who enjoy configuring their desktop environment
  • Developers and programmers who want a distraction-free workspace

MicroXWin videos

MicroXwin Debian/Android Unified Distribution Running on MK808 mini PC

More videos:

  • Review - Xorg X11 versus MicroXwin on Xubuntu Precise
  • Review - MicroXwin and XFCE performance on Allwinner A20

Openbox videos

Get Rid Of That Bloated Desktop Environment And Install Openbox

More videos:

  • Review - Manjaro Openbox: First Impressions and Review
  • Tutorial - Openbox V8S Review- How to get Free TV!!!
  • Review - Open Box Review (Bx8 M-Audio Speakers) #Openbox #SpeakerReview
  • Review - Openbox A1 - Review
  • Review - OPEN BOX - @ikmultimedia TONEX #fyp #opening #openbox #review #guitar

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to MicroXWin and Openbox)
Window Manager
15 15%
85% 85
Linux
12 12%
88% 88
OS & Utilities
100 100%
0% 0
Open Source
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare MicroXWin and Openbox

MicroXWin Reviews

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Openbox Reviews

Top 10 Best Desktop Environments in 2020
People who’re deep into Linux, love Openbox’s simplicity. It’s extremely lightweight, and comes with only a text-based right-click menu that lists all your applications. The menu is customizable too, and you can add scripts or functions within the menu as a link.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing MicroXWin and Openbox, you can also consider the following products

Mir - The purpose of Mir is to enable the development of user interfaces shells.

i3 - A dynamic tiling window manager designed for X11, inspired by wmii, and written in C.

Y Window System - Y Window System is a platform that allows you to improve the speed, working, and efficiency of the application in your operating system and helps you to increase the responsiveness of applications similar to any locally based app.

Fluxbox - Fluxbox is a window manager for X that was based on the Blackbox 0.61.1 code.

DirectFB - DirectFB is a web-based platform that provides you with complete access to a software library that you can use for the acceleration of graphics, handling the input devices, and others for your Linux operating systems.

awesome - A dynamic window manager for the X Window System developed in the C and Lua programming languages.