Rich Shepard wrote: > On Fri, 27 Feb 2009, Michael M. Moore wrote: > >> So, assuming I'm not interested in a multi-head setup, not connecting to >> remote terminals or something, not at all put out by logging in from a >> console rather that a pretty screen with flowers and butterflies, nor by >> editing .xinitrc if I want to change my window manager, do I really need a >> display manager? Are there any other essential or desirable functions I'd >> be missing? > > Michael, > > You're approaching this from the wrong end. The first question for you to > answer is what you want to do that requires (or is facilitated by) the > computer. If the answer is 'nothing' then perhaps an Etch-A-Sketch(R) is > more appropriate. > > When you have a list of things to do on the computer, make a list of the > tools you can use for each one. Then consider how they may interact, what > would make it easier and more productive for the time you spend on the > computer, and how you prefer to work.
That's pretty close to what I am trying to determine -- how do things interact, what do I find easier, more productive, more enjoyable to use. > Then you can decide if you want a GUI desktop/window manager or you can do > everything by logging in on multiple terminals. Regardless of what you > decide, you do not need to log in via a GUI (KDM, GDM, XDM). You can log > into a terminal then manually run 'startx' when you desire. That's exactly why I was asking the question -- I couldn't find anything that said "You need a display manager because..." it provides this-or-that function I already know I need, or it interacts with something I already know I need in a certain way that makes that thing function better, or provides extra something-or-other. So I was coming to the conclusion that, nope, I don't need it. But these are complex things, these operating systems, and I thought I might be overlooking something. Roger brought up one issue I hadn't come across, security, but in my present circumstances, the potential problems he pointed out aren't really a concern. If someone breaks into my apartment, I will have more to worry about than can he gain access to my user login. And if my cat gives X the 3-finger salute and gets a command prompt, I doubt he'll be capable of using my credit card to order cases of Greenies. So it looks like, for my purposes, no, I don't need a display manager. Hooray! Michael M. _______________________________________________ PLUG mailing list [email protected] http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
