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I want to know how to create a simple desktop environment, such as KDE, Gnome and LXDE, for Linux, or specifically, Ubuntu/Kubuntu, but I do not know how to begin and how complex it is.
I want to create a simple, efficient and lightweight desktop and to reproduce some good features from KDE, Gnome and Windows XP. I do not want to reinvent the wheel, I want to design the graphical interface and main dialogs.
I could use C++ with Qt, or maybe with X11 calls. A simple desktop like TWM would be the first step, then I could add taskbar, start menu, new features and play with new ideas.
Thanks.
Edit
I have installed icewm and I think it is what I need to begin. On the login screen, I can choose if I use KDE (desktop environment) or icewm (window manager). I do not understand what a window manager actually is.
I have downloaded icewm source code and I am confused. There are some concepts that I have to understand, such as, what happens after the login screen when the desktop is loaded, how a window works, etc.
Edit 2
I think I need a good tutorial. I have to understand how a Window Manager or Desktop Environment work. There are some concepts that I have to know.
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You can build a desktop environment easily by assembling different components of existing desktop environments, and other independent programs. It's better to know the general components of a desktop environment before building one, but it's not necessary.
A desktop environment is a collection of software running on top of an operating system that makes up the desktop Graphical User Interface. It usually includes everything from how the windows look and feel, to the style of the icons, files, folders, and the mouse pointers.
A Desktop Environment includes a Window Manager but builds upon it. The Desktop Environment typically is a far more fully integrated system than a Window Manager. Requires both X Windows and a Window Manager.
This is no simple feat but by no means impossible.
Other people have done it, there are plenty of DE or WM out there so there is no reason that you, with patient, skill and lots coffee couldn't do something great.
Learn the difference between DE and WM.
http://www.ghacks.net/2008/12/09/get-to-know-linux-desktop-environment-vs-window-manager/
Test different DE and WM, maybe one does exactly what you want it to do?
http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/30/how-to-pick-a-desktop-environment-in-linux/ http://www.gilesorr.com/wm/table.html
Make your own custom DE
Here is a guide to get you started creating your own custom DE
http://maketecheasier.com/easily-create-a-custom-lightweight-desktop-environment/2010/08/10
After doing all this you should be better equipped to figure out what you actually want to do.
Fork a project and get started changing it!
Good luck
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