This guest post was written by Blair Mathis from LaptopLogic.com - the best place to read about new laptop software and check out cool laptop accessories.

Are you unhappy with the functionality of your desktop? Are the menus distracting, the system slow to start, etc? Would you rather have a minimal layout? A faster boot speed? In that case, you need to look at the window managers available for Linux users.

Window Managers are essentially the programs that control the way your menus and windows are arranged, moved, etc. They can completely change the feel of your computer, and be used to optimize your workspace for whatever you need it to do.

IceWM

This window manager is touted as the best choice for minimalists, and you'll see why the moment you enter the IceWM website. The window manager is so light, so small that you'll hardly believe it's there. Your login speeds will increase greatly over Gnome and KDE, and you'll be presented with a small, clean desktop and menus. There is no bloat, no slow speeds; just simple menus and blazing fast speeds.

Needless to say, this isn't a window manager for Compiz or other fancy time-consumers--it's purpose is to be fast, and at that goal it succeeds wildly.

Fluxbox

Another minimalistic window manager, but is prettier and has many different varieties. It's fairly easy to make your own Fluxbox, so if you're looking to shake your own interface, you may want to look here.

The amount of features Fluxbox features depends on what you use. You can run a version so basic that you're present with a blank screen--no menus, no anything--and you right click for a menu. Others can be used to fill your screen with system info and other geeky images.

Blackbox

Is Fluxbox not quite your cup of tea? Give Blackbox a look. It's very similar, and yet has it's own personal style that you may like.

Openbox

Yet again, similar to Fluxbox and Blackbox. Give it a go before picking one.

WindowMaker

WindowMaker can be customized many different ways. You can add custom icons and taskbars and menus. It's designed to look and feel like the NEXTSTEP user interface, and is fast at startup. The level to which it can be customized and configured, as well as the features it offers, makes it a good choice.

XFCE

XFCE is a desktop environment and not a window manager. It has been added to this list, however, because it has garnered quite a following, and comes in many different flavors, and just might be what you're looking for. It can be made quite attractive, and you can customize it to look how ever you would like. Want a bright and simple interface? Done. Want a dark, web 2.0 look? Done.

The goal of XFCE is to be lightweight while also being visually attractive and enjoyable to use. If you're looking for a lightweight window manager like IceWM or Fluxbox, but you detest having such a minimalist look, give XFCE a try.