I have not used the Fast Light Toolkit (FLTK) for something critical but, however I am a fan of the C++ GUI toolkit that is fairly easy to be taught and (in my expertise) dependable even throughout updates. When I discovered that there was a desktop surroundings constructed with FLTK, I used to be desirous to strive it—and I used to be rapidly glad I did. The Equinox Desktop Environment (EDE) is a quick and easy desktop written in C++ and FLTK for Unix desktops. It makes use of frequent desktop conventions, so it appears to be like and feels acquainted instantly, and after just a few days of utilizing it, I discovered its simplicity supplies a minimal magnificence that I get pleasure from.
Installing EDE
You are prone to discover EDE included in your distribution’s software program repository, however you can too discover it in its SourceForge repository. If you are already working a unique desktop, it is protected to put in EDE on the identical system as a result of it brings alongside just some additional functions, that are particular to EDE so they will not get in your method on different desktops.
EDE is simply the desktop, and it makes use of the Pekwm window supervisor to deal with format.
After putting in EDE, sign off of your present desktop session so you’ll be able to log into your new one. By default, your session supervisor (KDM, GDM, LightDM, or XDM, relying in your setup) will proceed to log you into your earlier desktop, so it’s essential to override that earlier than logging in.
With GDM:
With SDDM:
When EDE first boots, you may be prompted to verify some startup duties. On my Slackware workstation, KDE had marked some companies as startup duties (such because the HPLIP print monitor and a Bluetooth daemon), and EDE imported them with only one affirmation field.
After setting it up as soon as, you will not must do it once more.
EDE desktop tour
EDE’s format is precisely what most individuals anticipate from a desktop: software menu on the left, taskbar within the center, system tray on the appropriate. It’s the usual off-the-shelf format that confuses no one; this can be a desktop that is protected to put in on a Linux laptop and hand over, with confidence, to somebody who’s by no means used Linux of their life. They’ll fall proper into this desktop with a delicate and delicate touchdown.
You can convey up a small desktop menu with a right-click. This means that you can make an software launcher on the desktop, create a folder, and set some theme choices.
The panel on the backside of the display is retractable, so you’ll be able to work full-screen in case you favor. Click the clock within the bottom-right of the display to convey up a calendar and time-zone settings.
EDE has a small Configuration Place software that gives entry to some easy preferences:
- Background and icon settings
- Screensaver settings
- Time and clock
- System bell
- Keyboard
- Preferred functions
There’s not way more to EDE. There’s no file supervisor, no textual content editor, or paint program, or sport of solitaire. You should convey something you need to run in your desktop. That means you get to select and select from the big range of Linux functions and use no matter you like probably the most.
EDE as an announcement
I discovered the simplicity of EDE oddly comforting, not less than as a type of “holiday” desktop; it is a good place to go to. It’s not probably the most glamorous desktop obtainable, nor probably the most minimal, nor probably the most environment friendly. But its delicate, muted tones are calming, its familiarity soothing, and its icon theme enjoyable and exuberant. EDE is a desktop that is pleased with its sluggish and regular tempo.
If you are within the temper to place your toes up and revel in a clear and nice interface, strive EDE.
