Configurability

Are these windows managers easy to customise?

You can edit Awesome by making changes to the ~/.config/awesome/rc.lua file but it doesn’t exist by default. You have to first create the ~/.config/awesome directory manually, and then copy the sample rc.lua file from the /etc/xdg/awesome directory. Whether it’s titlebar items such as close or maximize, their position, or the context menu background, everything is controlled by editing the config file.

The other window managers are no different and also require manual manipulation of config files. When you first run i3, it offers to create the config file for you by starting the i3-config-wizard. It asks you to specify the modifier you wish to use. The default is the Windows key, but you can choose an alternate such as Alt.

ICEWM distinguishes itself by enabling you to tweak a vast number of aspects using the Preferences menu. Remember to click Save Modifications at the bottom of the Preferences menu to make the changes stick.

Trying to change things in fvwm3, especially if you have no experience with the windows manager (or its predecessor fvwm2) is likely to lead to frustration. Especially because of the lack of official information, and instructions that are specific to fvwm2. Enlightenment sets the bar by presenting a sophisticated configuration system, called Settings Panel, which can be accessed from the Main menu’s Settings submenu. It can be used to change the border styles for windows, enable transitions, change wallpapers, themes, fonts, and various other cosmetic changes. Enlightenment also offers the option to place Gadgets on your desktop. These work much like KDE Plasma’s desktop widgets, and are a welcome addition to its toolset.