swm: An X Window Manager Shell

swm is a policy-free, user configurable window manager client for the X Window System. Besides providing basic window manager functionality, swm introduces new features not found in existing window managers. First and foremost, swm has no default look-and-feel. Like the X Window system itself, swm does not dictate policy (look-and-feel); rather, it provides the mechanism for implementing window management policy. Users are not required to learn a new programming language to modify its behavior; instead, simple objects with associated actions determine swm's operation. Its major advantage over other window managers is a feature called the Virtual Desktop. The Virtual Desktop effectively makes the X root window larger than the physical limits of the display and can be panned in a number of ways, including scrollbars, a panner object, or window manager commands. Besides window management, swm also provides primitive session management. It can save a user's current window layout...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1990
• Where: USENIX
• Authors: Thomas E. LaStrange
• Keywords: Operating System, USENIX 1990, Window, Window Manager, Window System