EssoraWM 0.1

A lightweight window manager based on JWM, redesigned for the Essora ecosystem

EssoraWM is a fork of JWM created for Essora Linux. It keeps the speed, simplicity and low resource usage of the original JWM window manager, while adding features that better fit the Essora desktop experience.

The project keeps the original jwm binary name for compatibility, but identifies itself as EssoraWM:

Why EssoraWM exists

JWM is fast, stable and extremely lightweight. EssoraWM does not try to replace that foundation. Instead, it extends it with practical desktop improvements for modern lightweight systems, especially the Essora Linux environment.

• Maintains the original JWM structure and compatibility
• Keeps the jwm command for existing scripts and sessions
• Adds Essora visual integration and workflow improvements
• Uses Pymenu as an external launcher instead of the original menu workflow
• Adds a native wallpaper selector and task preview behavior

Task previews in the panel

EssoraWM improves the panel task list by using window previews and removing the traditional task text labels from open windows. This makes the panel cleaner and more visual, especially when several applications are open.

• Task preview / thumbnail support
• Cleaner taskbar without duplicated window names
• Open applications are represented visually
• System tray and fixed panel applications keep their normal behavior

Native Wallpaper Manager

EssoraWM includes a native wallpaper selector that can be launched directly from the window manager:

The wallpaper manager searches images from /usr/share/backgrounds, shows previews, highlights the selected wallpaper and only applies the wallpaper when the user confirms the selection.

• Wallpaper thumbnails
• Green selection highlight
• Apply button to avoid accidental changes
• Scrollbar / navigation support for multiple wallpapers
• Wallpaper path saved in ~/.config/essorawm/wallpaper

ROX / PuppyPin compatibility

EssoraWM also includes compatibility with Puppy-style ROX desktops. If the file exists, EssoraWM detects:

It updates the wallpaper path inside the existing backdrop entry while keeping the current style, for example:

This makes the wallpaper selector useful not only for pure JWM sessions, but also for Puppy/ROX based environments where the desktop background is controlled through PuppyPin.

Pymenu integration

EssoraWM no longer depends on the traditional JWM menu as the main launcher. Instead, it is designed to work with Pymenu installed separately.

Pymenu is planned as a separate package. This keeps EssoraWM lightweight and modular, while allowing the launcher to evolve independently.

Build system and Debian package generation

EssoraWM includes a custom build script that compiles the window manager and creates a Debian package automatically.

The build system keeps the generated files inside the source tree and produces a ready-to-install Debian package.

• Compiles EssoraWM
• Builds NLS translations
• Includes Essora assets
• Creates the Debian package automatically
• Keeps packaging output organized inside the build directory

Source Code

• GitHub Repository

Original project

EssoraWM is based on JWM, Joe's Window Manager.

• Original project: JWM
• Original author: Joe Wingbermuehle
• License: MIT
• Essora modifications: josejp2424