What is KDE/Gnome?

**Prog** · 01-02-2009, 05:44 PM

They are not a window manager and are referred to as a "Desktop". Along with CDE and XFCE. I thought that all of these things ran on top of X Windows and were called managers. If they are not a manager then what is a Desktop exactly?

**WingedPanther** · 01-03-2009, 07:00 AM

X11 provides the ability to run Graphical programs and grab mouse input, but doesn't really do a whole lot beyond that (that I know of). The Desktops build on that by providing things like desktops, menus, etc that provide an interface you can use. Think of X11 as a GUI library that the desktops make use of to do their thing.

**Prog** · 01-05-2009, 07:51 AM

I still don't understand. I know X11 provides the graphics but what is the difference in a "Desktop" and a "Manager" ? See the list here: Window Managers for X ?

**WingedPanther** · 01-05-2009, 08:10 AM

I think the difference is the level of functionality. KDE/Gnome come with a lot more than just drawing windows.

**zErOaCid** · 03-12-2009, 03:08 PM

Those are windows managers. There are tons of windows manager that you can try to name some few: xfce, fluxbox, blackbox and enlightenment. These are lightweight window managers.