Dual monitor usage at JWM

I'm designing a GUI tool for using dual monitors in a JWM environment, which I'll include in a future release. Arandr and Lxrandr are good tools, but they require users to perform some manual operations. This requires further research for those unfamiliar with them. Furthermore, they aren't designed for JWM, meaning dual monitors in a JWM session will be inconsistent. For example, when dual monitors are active, one monitor might have a panel while the other doesn't. To simplify things and improve dual monitor usage, I'm developing a GUI tool, as mentioned earlier. Until then, I'll try to help those who want to use dual monitors with commands here. The operations I'll describe here are valid for Besgnulinux JWM sessions.

Let's begin if you want to use dual monitors in a Besgnulinux JWM environment.

I will explain it using HDMI-1 and VGA-1; you should replace these with your own monitors. To find your monitor connections and with two monitors connected, first enter the following command into the terminal.

xrandr | grep -w "connected" | awk '{print $1}'

This is the output I get from this command; it might be different for you.

VGA-1

HDMI-1

We get the resolution with the command below.

xrandr --current | grep '*' | awk '{print $1}'

This is the output I got; yours might be different.

1440x900_60.00

Now we will place the outputs we obtained from these two commands into the command below.

xrandr --output HDMI-1 --mode 1440x900_60.00 --output VGA-1 --auto --right-of HDMI-1

In this configuration, HDMI-1 is the first monitor, VGA-1 is the second monitor, and VGA-1 is on the right.

If you want to do the opposite, i.e., make HDMI-1 the second one, the command should be as follows.

xrandr --output VGA-1 --mode 1440x900_60.00 --output HDMI-1 --auto --right-of VGA-1

If you want to move it from the right to the left, simply change the word "right" to "left".

If you understand the dual monitor operation so far, let's now integrate it with Besgnulinux JWM. To do this, simply execute the command below. Enter the entire command into the terminal at once.

cp -a ~/.config/jwm/tray.xml ~/.config/jwm/tray3.xml

sed -i 's|screen=.*|screen="1"|g' ~/.config/jwm/tray3.xml

sed -i '/tray3/d' ~/.config/jwm/jwmrc

sed -i "/tray.xml/a $HOME/.config/jwm/tray3.xml" ~/.config/jwm/jwmrc

To make it run at startup, add a desktop file like this to the "autostart" directory. This file will execute the command you added to the `Exec="` line every time the computer starts.

cat >~/.config/autostart/userrandr-auto.desktop<< EOF

[Desktop Entry]

Type=Application

Name=Besrandr automatic start

Comment=Start xrandr with the settings made using Besrandr

Exec=bash -c "xrandr --output HDMI-1 --mode 1440x900_60.00 --output VGA-1 --auto --right-of HDMI-1"

EOF

If you wish to disable it, use the commands below.

sed -i '/tray3/d' ~/.config/jwm/jwmrc

rm -r ~/.config/autostart/userrandr-auto.desktop

This process will make dual monitors more functional in the Besgnulinux JWM environment. As I mentioned earlier, in the next version, it will be possible to perform this process and more, namely using dual monitors compatible with JWM, via a GUI interface.

System information

Based on: Debian Trixie (stable)

Version number: 3-3

DE: JWM

WM: JWM

Processor architecture: 64bit

Disk usage: average 8 GB

Ram usage: average 340 MB

Kernel: 6.12.73+deb13-amd64

Icon theme: bes-own-dark

System theme: bes-dark

Installer: Calamares

Grub installation: UEFI and BIOS

Password

Name: besgnulinux

Password: live

Preliminary Information

Besgnulinux JWM version 3-3 is a release where innovations are integrated, some errors are fixed, and it has become more stable. From this perspective, I think it is a necessary and important version. Indeed, the innovations and changes added for user needs will make usage easier. One of Besgnulinux's goals is for users to find many things they are looking for in the system and to complete their work easily. Lightweight and fast tools working without issues need to align with a lightweight and fast system. Besgnulinux version 3-3 was developed at this point.

Innovations

A special study was conducted for Asian languages. Fonts supporting Asian languages were added. A tool called "Font Manager" was created to switch between fonts. With this tool, "Fcitx" can be set up with a single click.

In the live environment, the desired language can be selected from the "Bootloader" screen. That is, the live environment can be tested in the desired language.

Login can be done from the same screen with options like "nomodeset, acpi=force." This can eliminate faulty graphics cards or other obstacles. It will be life-saving for some computers that cannot access the system in this way.

A tool was created to convert RPM to DEB format for the use of packages that are not in the Debian repository but are in repositories using RPM. Many packages I tried with this tool, which is the predecessor of the Alien software, worked without problems. Although not every package worked, many packages from Opensuse, Fedora, and Mageia repositories can work.

A simple tool called "Virtual Machine" was created to easily test various ISO files. With this tool, which is a precursor to the QEMU virtual machine, ISO files can be tested with a single click.

Qt and GTK4 interfaces have been arranged to match the system theme. Along with some additional software added for this purpose, the Besgnulinux system theme and icon theme have been redesigned. There are six interconnected icon themes in different styles in the system.

A GUI-based "Touchpat Indicator" tool has been added. Also, those who want can install Touchegg from "Third-party software." A few more software have been added to the third-party software. You can install Wine and the Liquorix kernel with this tool.

Lxrandr has been added for those who use multiple monitors.

All Besgnulinux tools are gathered in one window. You can access them with the icon on the desktop.

Other performed operations

In a small survey I conducted, Thunar and the JWM menu were set as default according to user preferences. Many items have been added to the Thunar menu for ease of use. Additionally, anyone who wants can add the modern menu with the "Add to Menu" tool.

The brightness setting of the "Brightness" tool was increased.

The "Besrandr" tool was reorganized for multi-monitor use.

Small changes were made to the welcome screen, providing a nicer appearance.

When the Equalizer is enabled, the sound arrangement automatically switches.

The search tool was reorganized so that everything can be managed from a single window.

With the "Keyboard language switcher" tool, the feature to add a flag or text to the panel was added.

A different folder change option was added to the "Theme color changer" tool. You can choose between folders with the same icon theme but different appearances.

A plugin was added to the "Manage Panels" tool for keyboard backlight control. However, this tool is still in the testing phase.

Gufw firewall was removed from the system based on some feedback.

Since Thunar runs in the background, a refresh button has been added to the menu to reset it.

Since the slow opening issue in the Brave browser was not resolved, I put it on hold for a while. Instead, two browsers were added. Chromium was set as the default for normal use. The Tor browser was adapted to the system for VPN use. A separate tool was created for easy updating of the Tor browser.

The desktop is active. The desktop is managed by Xfdesktop, which is integrated with the Thunar file manager.

If you want to install Flatpak software, I recommend installing it through the "Third-Party Software" tool. It will be installed along with the special tools I've created to make using Flatpak easier.

You can see images of the newly added vehicles in the images below (image no: 4).

Also, for those who are curious, I did not find the Simple version necessary. There is not much difference in resource usage compared to the Full version. I find the Simple version unnecessary for a 15-20 MB difference. Therefore, I think the Full version, which meets every need, is better.

Some default software in the system

Thunar, Libreoffice, Touchpat Indicator, Chromium, Tor browser, Mousepad, Lxterminal, Lightdm, Gnome games (20 light games), Inkscape, Mtpaint, Viewnior, Deluge, Sylpheed, Guvcview, Smplayer, Grsync, Gparted, Printer...

Download Besgnulinux JWM 3-3 version here, which includes innovations, ease of use, minor bug fixes, and aims to be stable, lightweight but useful.

Download

Besgnulinux JWM 3-3

Video

Besgnulinux JWM 3-3 video

Other images

Error detected

Error: The theme doesn't refresh after changing color.

Solution: Use the refresh buttons in the menu.

If Besgnulinux hadn't been designed for lightweight environments, it might not have been so selective about its file managers. Each file manager has its pros and cons. The most interesting aspect is the inconsistent performance levels, especially in terms of resource usage. Add to that some bugs, and choosing between file managers becomes quite difficult. Looking at resource usage, performance, features, and ease of use, they don't seem to differ much from each other. Therefore, I felt compelled to create both this thread and the poll shown on the right. As Besgnulinux users are probably aware, a different file manager is adapted to the system with each version. Therefore, assuming users make the best choice, I'll share my comparison of the three file managers with you.

The image below shows the amount of memory each of the three file managers uses after being opened normally.

Nemo uses 21.9 MB, Thunar Tumbler together uses 29.3 MB, and Pcmanfm uses 15.1 MB of memory. Here, during normal startup, Thunar uses the most memory.

The image below shows the resource usage of all three file managers after entering a directory with multiple files.

Pcmanfm uses 181.4 MB, Nemo uses 149.5 MB, and Thunar (with Tumbler) uses 95 MB of resources. Pcmanfm uses the most resources in a directory with multiple files.

Now, let's look at the state of the three file managers after closing them. As shown in the image below, Nemo, Thunar, and Pcmanfm are completely closed. However, Thunar continues to run in the background and, along with Tumbler, uses 90.8 MB of memory. A file manager shouldn't be running in the background after being closed, which is a drawback.

I've shared with you the situation when file managers are opened, when entering a directory with multiple files, and after closing it. As you know, Nemo is the best in memory usage comparisons.

Let me briefly mention some other features besides this.

Pcmanfm

Pcmanfm is fast and useful, and meets many needs. It uses excessive memory in directories with many files. It often crashes when removing or moving large files. There are also errors in the archiving function in the latest version.

Thunar

It's fast, has more features than Pcmanfm, and is useful. However, it uses a lot of memory when used with Tumbler and has the drawback of continuing to run in the background even when closed. Also, although not as much as Pcmanfm, it can crash when deleting large files.

Nemo

Nemo has a wide range of features and minimal memory usage. It is useful and user-friendly. However, it has some minor bugs. There is no option to create submenus in the right-click context menu. Therefore, added actions look ugly in the right-click context menu. When running as root, the scroll bar sometimes becomes unusable in a directory with multiple files. However, scrolling is possible with the mouse wheel. As I said, this happens only when running as root and sometimes.

After this comparison and explanation, you can add your own experiences and check the box in the poll on the right, or share your opinions on this topic in this thread.

System information

Based on: Debian Trixie (stable)

Version number: 3-2

DE: JWM

WM: JWM

Processor architecture: 64bit

Disk usage: average 8 GB

Ram usage full version: average 340 MB

Ram usage simple version: average 300 MB

Ram usage core version: average 270 MB

Kernel: 6.12.57+deb13-amd64

Icon theme: bes-own-dark

System theme: bes-dark

Installer: Calamares

Grub installation: UEFI and BIOS

Password

Name: besgnulinux

Password: live

Preliminary information

Besgnulinux JWM 3-2 version created three ISO images: full, simple and core, according to the different preferences of the users. In the full version, all generally used packages are installed. The Simple version does not include some packages that not everyone will use. But both versions are basically the same. The Core version is especially for conscious users. There are no packages other than terminal in the Core version. However, in the info window I added in the core version, desktop installation commands are also given for users who are not conscious. Still, I recommend the full or simple version to new users. Firmware is installed on all three dies.

What has been done in Besgnulinux JWM 3-2 version

A lot of work has been done and important changes have been implemented in this version.

First, let's talk briefly about the procedures performed.

As in the previous version, the classic and modern menu were adapted together in this version. You can switch between these menus or use them dually with the "Add to Menu" tool.

Added some important elements to the welcome screen.

The "Add Key" tool has been restructured.

Added translation from png to svg format to the "Image Editor" Tool.

The "Change Keyboard Language" tool has been rearranged.

A total of 21 colors, dark and light, were adapted to the "Change Theme Color" tool.

The "Window Control" tool has been reworked.

The "Panel Control" tool has been adapted again.

The "Third Party Software" tool has been adapted again.

Some adjustments have been made to ensure stable operation of the system.

Major changes

Thunar was adapted to the system as a file manager.

Added 16 different functional items to the Thunar right context menu.

Thumbnails in the cache thumbnails directory have been limited to 70 megabytes to prevent excessive accumulation. You can disable or enable the thunar daemon from the "Activate Tools" tool so that it does not use too much resources.

Mousepad was adapted to the system as text editor. A style file named bes-dark was created for the mousepad. The interface color of the mousepad has been adapted to change when the system color changes.

Set up Xfdesktop for desktop. Xfdesktop was preferred because it does not use too many resources and works stable. Xfdesktop manages both the desktop and has a right-click context menu. It is also possible to change background images.

Appfinder, Mousepad, Thunar and Xfdesktop have been adapted to work with JWM. Therefore, resource usage is in the normal process as usual.

In the full and simple versions, the desktop is enabled by default.

Some packages added to the full version

Brave browser, Inkscape, Thunar, Mousepad, Hardinfo2, Clamtk, Gufw, Keepassxc, Libreoffice, Printer packages, Games, Mtpaint, Viewnior, Smplayer, Deluge, Guvcview, Onboard, Gparted, Synaptic...

Some packages added to the Simple version

Brave browser, Thunar, Mousepad, Mtpaint, Viewnior, Smplayer, Deluge, Guvcview, Synaptic...

Three different versions, carefully developed for different preferences and prepared to be more useful without compromising stability and resource usage, are ready for use.

Download here

Besgnulinux 3-2 JWM Full, Simple, Core

Note: The Linux kernel header was not installed. If you want to use tools like VirtualBox, you must first install the header with the following command:

sudo apt install -y linux-headers-amd64

System information

Based on: Debian Trixie (stable)

Version number: 3-1

DE: JWM

WM: JWM

Processor architecture: 64bit

Disk usage: average 8 GB

Ram usage: average 290 MB

Kernel: 6.12.48-1-amd64

Icon theme: bes-curved-dark

System theme: bes-dark

Installer: Calamares

Grub installation: UEFI and BIOS

Password

Name: besgnulinux

Password: live

What has been done in the Besgnulinux JWM 3-1 release?

In this version, the base design was kept as is, but many changes were made.

Some regularly added software has been removed from the system upon request. The ISO file has been reduced to around 2500 megabytes. Libreoffice, Inkscape, Games, Printer are some of the software that will not install. The installation of these software is left to the user's discretion. The ability to add items to the menu has been adapted. This was also done by request. Users can add or remove items from the menu. A relatively modern menu has been added to the JWM menu. An image of this menu, called App Finder, can be seen below. A second menu is not required; it's simply for user preference. Another significant change is the change to the default file manager. The latest version of the Pcmanfm file manager, which we've been using for years, is riddled with bugs. Therefore, it's been replaced by the Nemo file manager. Nemo works well with JWM and is quite lightweight, consuming an average of 25MB of memory. This time, the desktop is active. Spacefm is managing the desktop. Spacefm is responsible for the desktop. Nemo has been integrated into the system for normal use. 18 items for various operations have been added to the Nemo right-click context menu. These items will make many user tasks easier. Another change is that the QMPlay2 video player has been made the default, which I find lightweight and capable. Tray and record features have been added to the screenshot software. You can add it to the system tray and record the screen. Some Besgnulinux tools have been reorganized. Some suspicious looking items have been streamlined. The touchpad indicator is active, you can remove it if you are not using the laptop. You can install Flatpak and Virtualbox from the "third-party software" tool. You can also install the Liquorix kernel from the same tool. Also, I don't know if it's necessary, but a welcome screen has been added. You can disable it from running at startup if desired.

Some software installed on the system

Brave browser, Abiword, Nemo, Pluma, Lxterminal, Xarchiver, Gparted, Synaptic, Mtpaint, QMPlay2...

As always, you can download this version, which has been purified from background software other than basic services, designed for ease of use and with care taken for stable operation, from the link below.

Besgnulinux JWM 3-1

Video

Besgnulinux JWM 3-1

Other images