OpenBSD Install
Feb 2 2023
I have had OpenBSD on a laptop since late October 2022. I wanted to use a Window Manager instead of a Desktop Environment for a lighter install. During the install process, I chose to start the X Windows System with the native display manager xenodm. The FAQ entry for The X Window System states that using xenodm provides greater security over using the startx command. After a brief stint with the default fvwm Window Manager, I wanted to try the native cwm - Calm Window Manager - written by the developers.
The first step was to add an entry in the ~/.xsession file to load cwm. I decided to rename the original file to ~/.xsession.orig and create a new one. This way if I really messed things up I could go back and start over. To use cwm as the Window Manager, create the new ~/.xsession file and enter the line exec cwm and save the file in your home directory. By using exec before cwm when the Window Manager exits you will be returned to the xenodm login dialog instead of the console. At the next login cwm will start up. The ~/.xsession file can also start other applications and customize aspects of the X environment, but the primary purpose right now is to start the Window Manager.
I will be adding to the ~/.xsession file X programs that will start when X loads a little later. In the mean time I will need to start some X programs from the terminal to try out various options I will want to set. Some things to explore are how to start multiple xterms and locate them within the screen and also options for a xclock instance. After some time with the default cwm configuration I expect I will want to alter a few things.