AfterStep is a continuation of the BowMan window manager which was originally put together by Bo Yang. BowMan was based on the fvwm window manager, written by Robert Nation. Fvwm was based on code from twm. And so on... It was originally designed to emulate some of the look and feel of the NEXTSTEP user interface, but has since taken steps towards adding more useful, requested, and neat features especially in 1.4 version ! The changes which comprise AfterStep's personality were originally part of bowman development, but due to a desire to move past simple emulation and into a niche as its own valuable window manager, AfterStep designers decided to change the project name and move on.
Important features of AfterStep include:
1. Wharf: a free-floating application loader which can "Swallow" running programs and also can contain "Folders" of more applications.
2. Gradient filled TitleBars with 5 button : help/zap, action/tasks, iconize/maximise, shade/stick & close/destroy buttons
3. Gradient filled root window PopUp menus which can be configured to accomodate different tastes and styles of management
4. NEXTSTEP style icons which give a consistent look to the entire desktop
5. Pixmapped Pager with desktop pixmmaping
6. Easy to use look files, to share you desktop appearance with your friends
7. Start menu entries in a hierarchy of directories
8. WinList : a tasklist which can be horizontal or vertical
9. Many modules & asapps to give a good look to your X window station
Initiation files will look very familiar to users of fvwm 1.24r since it shares a good number of commands and owns the same syntax. As those who know can attest, this can yield a tremendous amount of flexibility.
AfterStep now also has its own mailing list devoted to discussion of AfterStep code, features, help, and the future of the project. If you would like to subscribe, simply send an email message to:
afterstep-request@eosys.com
or
afterstep-dev-request@eosys.com
The body of the message should contain the word 'subscribe'.
Well, if you like what you see, have a problem, or would like to join in development, let me know.
Have Fun!