Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Window Maker VS LXDE

Compare Window Maker VS LXDE and see what are their differences

Window Maker logo Window Maker

Window Maker is a free and open-source window manager for the X Window System

LXDE logo LXDE

Why will you like it? Less resource needs. You can use it on your less-pricey embedded board or salvaged computer. Component-based design. Don't want something in LXDE, or you don't want to use LXDE but only part of it?
  • Window Maker Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-18
  • LXDE Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-20

Window Maker features and specs

  • Lightweight
    Window Maker is known for its low resource consumption, making it ideal for older computers and systems with limited hardware capabilities.
  • Fast Performance
    Due to its minimalistic design, Window Maker offers fast performance and quick response times, enhancing the user experience.
  • Customizability
    Users have significant flexibility to customize the appearance and functionality of the desktop environment to suit their personal preferences.
  • GNUstep Integration
    It offers seamless integration with GNUstep, supporting a consistent environment for applications developed with this framework.
  • Stable and Mature
    As a long-standing project, Window Maker has a history of stability and has been thoroughly tested over many years, ensuring reliability.

Possible disadvantages of Window Maker

  • Steeper Learning Curve
    New users may find it challenging to configure and operate due to its unique interface and design paradigms compared to more conventional desktop environments.
  • Limited Features
    Compared to modern desktop environments, Window Maker may lack some advanced features and conveniences, which could be a downside for users expecting them.
  • Less Active Development
    Window Maker does not receive updates as frequently as some other environments, which may affect the availability of new features and bug fixes.
  • Compatibility
    While it integrates well with GNUstep, compatibility issues may arise with applications not designed with this framework in mind.

LXDE features and specs

  • Lightweight
    LXDE is designed to be lightweight, making it ideal for older hardware and systems with limited resources.
  • Fast Performance
    Due to its low-resource usage, LXDE provides fast and responsive performance even on less powerful machines.
  • Customizable
    LXDE is highly customizable, allowing users to modify the interface and functionalities to suit their needs.
  • Low Memory Usage
    LXDE uses significantly less memory compared to more feature-rich desktop environments, maximizing available system RAM.
  • Modular Components
    LXDE consists of modular components that can be used independently or replaced, offering flexibility to users and developers.

Possible disadvantages of LXDE

  • Basic Appearance
    LXDE's default appearance is considered quite basic and lacks the visual polish seen in more modern desktop environments.
  • Fewer Features
    LXDE sacrifices some features and functionality to maintain its lightweight footprint, which may limit advanced user needs.
  • Inconsistent User Experience
    Due to its modularity and simplicity, there might be inconsistencies in user experience compared to more integrated environments.
  • Development Pace
    The development and updates of LXDE are slower compared to other desktop environments, potentially leading to a lack of new features and slower bug fixes.
  • Limited App Integration
    Some applications may not integrate as seamlessly with LXDE as they do with other desktop environments like GNOME or KDE.

Analysis of LXDE

Overall verdict

  • LXDE is good for users who prioritize performance and simplicity over a more visually intricate and feature-rich environment. It provides a stable and reliable experience with essential features while maintaining fast responsiveness.

Why this product is good

  • LXDE (Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment) is known for its simplicity, speed, and minimal use of system resources. It is particularly well-suited for older hardware, computers with limited processing power, or users who prefer a more traditional and straightforward desktop interface. Its modular design allows for greater flexibility and customization, making it a preferred choice for users who want to build their desktop environment according to their needs.

Recommended for

  • Users with older computers or limited hardware resources
  • Those seeking a lightweight and fast desktop experience
  • Linux enthusiasts who prefer a traditional desktop interface
  • Users requiring a customizable and modular environment

Window Maker videos

Testor Window Maker

LXDE videos

Desktop December - LXDE Review

More videos:

  • Review - Lubuntu 18.04 LTS Review - Perhaps the last with LXDE

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Window Maker and LXDE)
Linux
33 33%
67% 67
Window Manager
100 100%
0% 0
Desktop Environments
0 0%
100% 100
Productivity
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Window Maker and LXDE

Window Maker Reviews

We have no reviews of Window Maker yet.
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LXDE Reviews

9 Best Linux Desktop Environments to Use in 2023
Another elegant and portable desktop environment is LXDE. LXDE stands for Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment. It uses minimal RAM compared to other desktop environments since it uses so few resources. LXDE is better suited to cloud workstations with older specifications, such as netbooks or outdated hardware.
Source: geekflare.com
Top 10 Best Desktop Environments in 2020
Lightweight and Low-resource can be considered the same, but in this case, thereโ€™s a difference. XFCE is a lightweight desktop environment even with a whole lot of built-in customizations and UI perks. LXDE, on the other hand, is a DE that is built to be as low-resource as possible. You certainly can add animations, but they need to be downloaded separately.
The 12 Best Linux Desktop Environments
LXDE is a user-friendly, energy-efficient, and lightweight Linux desktop environment. It is based on the GTK+, so LXDE can be a good alternative to Xfce if it runs slower on your system. It proves that LXDE is supported for all distros. Therefore it can be supported on older machines too.
Source: linuxhint.com

Social recommendations and mentions

LXDE might be a bit more popular than Window Maker. We know about 1 link to it since March 2021 and only 1 link to Window Maker. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Window Maker mentions (1)

LXDE mentions (1)

  • Touchpad Settings on Qtile with GUI App
    That said, you can look into lxinput https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Openbox#GUI_configuration https://lxde.org or... I don't know if kde-config-touchpad is still valid. Source: almost 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Window Maker and LXDE, you can also consider the following products

IceWM - icewm home page . Bug Tracking. If you have a patch, a bug report or a feature request to submit, please do so at the icewm project page at SourceForge.

Xfce - Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment for UNIX-like operating systems. It aims to be fast and low on system resources, while still being visually appealing and user friendly.

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

GNOME - An easy and elegant way to use your computer, GNOME is designed to put you in control and get things done.

Openbox - Openbox is a highly configurable, next generation window manager with extensive standards support.

KDE Plasma Desktop - Plasma Workspaces is the umbrella term for all graphical environments provided by KDE.