How to use i3 window manager in fedora with gnome

Question

I installed i3 and have its config file ~/.i3/config ready. When I execute i3 command, it says,

ERROR: Another window manager seems to be running (X error 10).

I found this article. I don't know much on gnome. I didn't understand what he meant by Exit your desktop environment or window manager and log on into i3 from the GDM menu (if you use it) in the article.

I keep finding articles on ubuntu - i3 but I am a bit worried to modify anything based on them although both are X-based. My particular worry is gnome that if I modify anything, it might screw up the rest.

I really want to experience using i3. Please let me know on how to configure/run i3. Thanks in advance.

Solution

After installing a new window manager (such as i3) you need to log out and change the settings at your login screen to match the new environment/manager. I haven't used Fedora but I suppose that there's a little button in your top right corner (of the login screen) where you can chose what desktop environment/window manager to use.

i3 is my WM of choice and if you have any further questions feel free to ask!

Comments

[Vamshi Suram]

Thanks. I was able to see it. It looks completely terminal environment. Is it possible to work on folder windows, chrome window etc. using i3 ? How can I just employ i3 for terminal only ?

[GLaDER]

You can use all the applications in i3 as you would in any other WM. Just press mod + d (mod could either be the windows key or the alt key and type the program you wish to launch. What do you mean by employing i3 for terminal use only?

[Vamshi Suram]

like using i3 window manager for new terminal windows... Since I need to select the window manager at the time of login, I guess that I can't have two window managers. Would it be possible.?

[GLaDER]

That is just right, you cannot (as far as I know) run two WM's at the same time. However, what would you like to achieve with this "terminal window"? Do you want the terminals to tile but the rest of the applications to be floating?

[Vamshi Suram]

Ya. Thats the sort of thing I want to do. Is there a way ?

[GLaDER]

There is a terminal emulator called Terminator which can have multiple sessions running in a tiling environment. Apart from that, I don't think so.

[Reto Gmür]

You could use Xnest or Xephyr to start an X-Server in a window and use i3 in thta window.

[xji]

@VamshiSuram For people who might have stumbled upon this post now: I think for tiling terminal only, tmux or terminator might suffice.