You Won’t Believe How Fast And Efficient Your Linux Machine Can Get With Openbox Window Manager - Here’s How To Install And Configure!

If you’re a Linux user, you probably know that one of the biggest advantages of using a Linux distribution is the ability to customize your desktop environment to your taste. Different desktop environments have different features, and users can choose an environment that best suits their needs. If you’re looking for a lightweight, fast, and highly customizable window manager for Linux, you should definitely consider Openbox.

Openbox is a highly configurable window manager that is designed to be lightweight and user-friendly. It is widely used for Linux distributions that require low system resources such as puppy Linux, ArchLabs, and MX Linux. With Openbox, you can have a highly customized desktop environment that is both functional and beautiful. This article will guide you on how to install and configure Openbox on your Linux machine.

Installing Openbox

Before you can start using Openbox, you’ll need to install it on your Linux machine. The installation process may differ depending on what Linux distribution you’re using.

Ubuntu and Debian users

If you’re using a Debian-based Linux distribution such as Ubuntu or Debian, you can use the terminal to install Openbox. Launch the terminal and type the following command:

sudo apt-get install openbox obconf

This command will install Openbox as well as the Openbox configuration tool, obconf.

Fedora and Red Hat users

If you’re using a Fedora-based Linux distribution such as Fedora or Red Hat, you can use the terminal to install Openbox. Launch the terminal and type the following command:

sudo dnf install openbox obconf

This command will install Openbox as well as the Openbox configuration tool, obconf.

Arch Linux and Manjaro users

If you’re using a rolling release Linux distribution such as Arch Linux or Manjaro, you can use the terminal to install Openbox. Launch the terminal and type the following command:

sudo pacman -S openbox obconf

This command will install Openbox as well as the Openbox configuration tool, obconf.

Configuring Openbox

Once you’ve installed Openbox, you can start configuring it to your liking. You can use the obconf tool to configure Openbox. Launch the terminal and type the following command to launch the obconf tool:

obconf

The obconf tool will launch, and you can start tweaking your Openbox settings.

Themes

Openbox has a default theme that is plain and simple. You can customize the theme by choosing a different theme from the obconf tool. Click on the “Appearance” tab and choose a theme from the list. You can download more themes from the internet and install them using the obconf tool.

Keybindings

Openbox has default keybindings that you can customize to streamline your workflow. Click on the “Keybindings” tab in the obconf tool to view the default keybindings. You can change any keybinding by clicking on it and typing a new key combination.

Openbox has a default right-click menu that you can customize to include your favorite applications. Click on the “Menus” tab in the obconf tool to create a new menu or edit the existing menu.

Window decorations

Openbox has a default window decoration that is plain and simple. You can customize the window decoration by choosing a different decoration from the obconf tool. Click on the “Window decorations” tab and choose a decoration from the list.

Conclusion

Openbox is a fantastic window manager that can help you make the most out of your Linux machine. It is lightweight, fast, and highly customizable. With Openbox, you can have a desktop environment that is both functional and beautiful. Follow the steps outlined in this article to install and configure Openbox on your Linux machine today!

Openbox is a lightweight and highly configurable window manager. It’s perfect for lightweight distros like minimal Ubuntu. However, getting used to it can be a bit daunting for new users. For starters, when you first install it, you will be greeted with a black screen. While this can be intimidating, with a few pointers, you’ll get used to the setup and will be able to configure it so that you aren’t greeted with a black screen every time you log in to your computer. Here we show you how to install and configure Openbox on your Linux PC.

Installing Openbox

On Debian/Ubuntu based distros, use the following command:

For Fedora:

For OpenSUSE:

For Arch Linux, use the following:

Note: we will be using Ubuntu for this tutorial. However, the commands and steps can be adapted to suit other distros.

Applications Menu and Openbox Configuration Manager

This was mentioned before, but you will see a blank screen when you first log in.

Have no fear, though – all of your applications are still there. You can access them from the Openbox Applications menu. To access this menu, just right-click on the desktop and hover over Applications.

If you want to change the theme, you can do so by right-clicking and selecting Obconf to open the “Openbox Configuration Manager.”

There are a number of themes available, and you even have the option of installing new themes.

In addition to a Themes tab, you will also have access to the following tabs :

  • Appearance: here you can change the appearance of your windows and fonts.Windows: this tab lets you change settings related to your windows.Move & resize: here you can adjust how your windows are resized.Mouse: this tab lets you change settings related to your mouse. For example, you can choose whether to focus windows when the mouse pointer moves over them.Desktops: this allows you to change settings related to managing multiple desktops.Margins: here you can set screen margins if desired.Dock: this lets you adjust the appearance of your dock app.

Dock and Wallpaper Manager

Your desktop probably looks quite weird now without a dock, so let’s get that sorted out. Go to your terminal and install Cairo Dock with the following command:

You will need to make Cairo Dock autostart now. You can do that with the following commands:

The last command will open the nano editor. Add the following entries to nano and save the file (using Ctrl + O).

Log out and back in, and you’ll be able to see the dock.

Cairo Dock adds shortcuts such as an applications menu and a browser shortcut. You’ll also have access to a desktop switcher.

With the dock in place, the next major thing that’s missing is wallpaper. You can get started with this process by installing Nitrogen. Do this with the following command:

After installing nitrogen, open the app’s preferences and choose locations where you have wallpaper stored. You can select them, and the images in these folders will be made available as wallpapers. You can then choose to set the wallpaper of your choice.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, it is easy to install Openbox, but it might initially be difficult to see why it’s so good. However, as you add familiar layers, such as the dock and wallpaper, you get to appreciate how versatile and customizable this window manager is. You may also want to check out some of the best Openbox themes to spice up your desktop. If Openbox does not appeal to you, you can also try another lightweight window manager like LXQT. Feel free to check out the Openbox Wiki for more information related to tweaking Openbox.

William has been fiddling with tech for as long as he remembers. This naturally transitioned into helping friends with their tech problems and then into tech blogging.

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