i basically need all basic desktop
functionality like auto-mount
Try one of fully-featured file managers like PCManFM with volume handling features as well as desktop.
You also may check the What is recommended file manager for i3wm?.
nm-applet etc
How can I use NetworkManager with i3?
How do you use i3 comfortably?
It's a fairly general question, so the answer will be a bit general too. Here is my approach:
- First and the foremost, read the i3 User's Guide.
- Understand what a tiling window manager and accept it or it will be tough to get used to i3. I used to use GNOME for decade or longer. Anyone who comes from floating windows manager shoujdl expect to give some effort to adjust workflow, habbits and preferences, undoubtly.
- Understand i3 is not DE, but WM, only WM.
- Review your expectations if that is what you are looking for.
- Read what others say about i3, how they use i3 (e.g. Arch Linux forum i3 thread).
- Learn about i3 configuration file.
- Scan GitHub for people's i3 config files (see what interesting people do, look for inspiration, mine is here ~/.config/i3/config).
- Learn key shortcuts.
- Take it slow, give it time. Don't expect to get everything perfect immediately.
- Don't try to unnaturally bend i3 to fit your preferences, rather try find how to use native features of i3 to perform what you want. You may find that i3-way is quicker, efficient, better than what you are used to.
Is it possible to integrate a shutdownbutton/session-manager into i3bar?
I don't use it myself, but you may find some hints here: How do i suspend,lockscreen and logout?
sorry i am a noob in regard to configuring this all on my own?
No problem, I'm i3 newbie too. Although, if you want to use i3, you will have to read the User's Guide for sure :-)
p.s. Use of punctuation and paragraphs is usually a very good idea.