Best method to try out different window managers?

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opethfan89

Best method to try out different window managers?

Post by opethfan89 »

Hi all,

I currently use Mint 17.1 with the Cinnamon DE and while I enjoy it, I really enjoy seeing some of the posts in Reddit's /r/unixporn subreddit. Seeing those posts had made me curious about other desktop environments, but I'd like a way to test them without disturbing my current layout and/or have a way to revert my changes if I decide I don't like them.

Would the best way be to run Mint inside a VM and just restore my snapshot each time I want to change? Or is there a more elegant mechanism built into the operating system?

Thanks
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opethfan89

Re: Best method to try out different window managers?

Post by opethfan89 »

gmilo2 wrote:Since your main environment is Mint, you could create any number of virtual guests inside Virtualbox, VMWare, etc, choosing to install them or just run a live iso of [them]. While running a live iso, the capability exists to create a snapshot/saved state of that desktop. If you get tired of what you've been running/have saved, just discard the saved state and you are back to booting from a live iso. Or simply shut down the guest.
That's what I'm thinking of doing, but didn't know if there was a better mechanism in place. In my experience, VM's don't always play nicely with the hardware, so even if it runs in a VM it might run differently under the native hardware (again, that's in my experience). Mainly the question I should be asking is is there a way to try out different window managers/desktop environments and easily revert my changes?
leadwtZ

Re: Best method to try out different window managers?

Post by leadwtZ »

Hi,

Depending upon your 'pocket' just download distribution iso's and copy to disc or buy them from a Linux shop. Run as 'live' and away you go.

I have bought 'live' discs in the past which is how I got to LMmint. Also easier to compare I think as you an play to your heart's content without screwing up your system.

I also have used my spare HD and played with changing to different desktops on there again 'protecting' my primary drive.

Yo.
opethfan89

Re: Best method to try out different window managers?

Post by opethfan89 »

leadwtZ wrote:Hi,

Depending upon your 'pocket' just download distribution iso's and copy to disc or buy them from a Linux shop. Run as 'live' and away you go.

I have bought 'live' discs in the past which is how I got to LMmint. Also easier to compare I think as you an play to your heart's content without screwing up your system.

I also have used my spare HD and played with changing to different desktops on there again 'protecting' my primary drive.

Yo.
Thanks leadwtz,

Live CD's are definitely an option (although in the form of a USB, since I don't have a cd drive), but I was really hoping to try out different things like Enlightenment, busybox, etc without having to rely on a Live CD. I guess I may just stick to running them in a VM.
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Flemur
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Re: Best method to try out different window managers?

Post by Flemur »

You could try installing linux as usual, then installing the extra desktop "meta" packages, and switch between them by logging out/back in.

They might interfere with each other, so consider it a test install...
Please edit your original post title to include [SOLVED] if/when it is solved!
Your data and OS are backed up....right?
opethfan89

Re: Best method to try out different window managers?

Post by opethfan89 »

Flemur wrote:You could try installing linux as usual, then installing the extra desktop "meta" packages, and switch between them by logging out/back in.

They might interfere with each other, so consider it a test install...
That's exactly what I was asking about in my original post. I had a feeling the different packages might interfere with each other, and I really don't want to mess up the settings I have right now. Thanks for the suggestion.
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