ALT Linux WindowMaker is an open source Linux-based distribution built around the old-school and minimalistic WindowMaker window manager. It is definitely the perfect operating system for very old computers.
ALT Linux is an independent Russian Linux distribution that comes in many flavors, including School Server, School Junior, School Teacher, School Master, Server, Rescue, and specific editions with the MATE, Cinnamon, Xfce, GNOME, KDE, IceWM, LXDE, and Enlightenment desktop environments.
Distributed as Live CDs for 64-bit and 32-bit computers
This is the smallest ALT Linux flavor that includes a desktop environment. It is distributed as Live CD ISO images that support both 64-bit and 32-bit architectures. It can be run directly from the live media (CD or USB) or installed locally on a disk drive.
If used from a USB flash drive, the boot medium will provide a persistence mode that allows users to save their live session and reuse it whenever they want. The Live CDs can also be used to boot an existing operating system or run a memory test.
Uses the WindowMaker window manager for the default graphical session
Unfortunately, WindowMaker is not a desktop environment for novices. It is actually a very minimalistic window manager that features no panels or taskbars, but only some sort of widgets, called DockApps.
To access the main menu and launch applications, you will need to right click anywhere on the desktop. Each menu entry can be accessed with the left mouse click. Some basic functions for restarting the session, lock the screen and exit the window manager are also provided.
In addition, the main menu is used to switch between multiple virtual workspaces, configure various aspects of the window manager, change themes, styles, icon sets, background image, as well as to show or hide running apps.
Default applications
Default applications include the Mozilla Firefox web browser, Midnight Commander file manager, Synaptic Package Manager, XTerm terminal emulator, and some other WindowMaker related utilities.
