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How mouse-less can you make Linux? (lemmy.blahaj.zone)

submitted 2 weeks ago by HEXN3T@lemmy.blahaj.zone to c/linux@programming.dev

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macOS is my favourite operating system. Finder in column view with arrow keys to navigate, combined with space for file preview, is incredibly fast and intuitive. Trackpad integration also results in less hand movement. I'm building a Linux (Bazzite) desktop, though, and I've set my sights on the stars.

nnn looks to be an incredible file manager, and was a great recommendation. It looks even more capable than Finder, albeit without scrolling/zooming previews, thanks to macOS having unmatched trackpad functionality. Not to mention Spotlight, which makes opening apps trivial--especially with Alfred available as well. I want to go beyond mere file management, though.

File managenent, browsing, gaming, everything. Just how much can you configure a Linux system to eliminate mouse usage? Shortcut guides welcome (I already know the major ones). I also have a keen interest in tiling window managers, but I've not delved that deep yet. I don't know how to set one up.

Guess I'm forced to learn Emacs/Vim/similar.

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[–] moreeni@lemm.ee 70 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

Step 1: open a terminal emulator of your choice. There's no step 2 because you are already done. All features, 0 dependency on your mouse.

You're welcome :)

[–] cRazi_man@lemm.ee 25 points 2 weeks ago

"If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe."

You could use terminal for everything, but first you must learn to use terminal.

[–] astrsk@fedia.io 20 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Even better, after your machine boots up, press ctrl+alt+F(3-6) to access TTY sessions and then there is no mouse at all. Plenty of TUI apps work just fine here too.

[–] myersguy@lemmy.simpl.website 19 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Don't install a GUI and you can just skip this step

[–] astrsk@fedia.io 5 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Difference being you can still do things like launch steam games as long as you have a DE installed even if you’re using TTY primarily.

[–] myersguy@lemmy.simpl.website 8 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

I was mostly being tongue in cheek, but I think it might be possible to launch steam in big picture mode, rendered by Gamescope, from the TUI. No DE required.

[–] astrsk@fedia.io 6 points 2 weeks ago

Oooh fascinating! I’m gonna have to try that myself. Bring us back to DOS days of computing.

[–] Earflap@reddthat.com 3 points 2 weeks ago

Yes this works but not with flatpak steam unfortunately.

[–] thingsiplay@beehaw.org 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Unfortunately there is often a use case for mouse that is hardly doable without, such as nondestructive video editing or image editing. I even use the mouse in Vim. Why is there this obsession not to touch the mouse??

[–] swab148@lemm.ee 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Some people just don't want to move their hands off the keyboard, it can be an incredibly productive workflow if you're used to it.

[–] thingsiplay@beehaw.org 3 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

My point is, it depends on the workflow and the tools. Try editing complex images with keyboard alone with GIMP or Inkscape. I'm a Vim user and used tiling window managers for years, so I know exactly what you mean with keyboard centric workflow being productive. But sometimes ignoring the mouse can make the workflow harder, not easier. Off course it always depends on what you actually do.

Edit: Guess I answered my ... question (even though it wasn't a question). Never mind.

[–] swab148@lemm.ee 4 points 2 weeks ago

It sounds like OP wants a "mouseless except for gaming" setup, no mention of image or video editing. Sounds like the slippery slope into ergo-mechs tbh