Transform Your Ubuntu Desktop: An Introduction to the i3 Tiling Window Manager

Beyond the Default Desktop

Did you know you can completely change the way you interact with your Ubuntu desktop? The book ‘Ubuntu System Administration Guide’ introduces a powerful alternative called the i3 window manager. Unlike traditional desktops where windows float and overlap, i3 is a tiling manager that automatically arranges your open applications in a grid, maximizing screen real estate and enabling keyboard-driven control.

Getting Started with i3

Installation is straightforward. Open a terminal and run the following command:

sudo apt install i3

Once installed, simply log out of your current session. At the login screen, you’ll see a small gear icon. Click it and select ‘i3’ before you log back in. Your desktop will now be a clean slate, ready for a new, efficient workflow.

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This post is based from content of the book Ubuntu System adminstration guide. And the book can be found here https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mattias-Hemmingsson/author/B0FF5CQX13