Configure Login Manager

We'll use slim as our login manager. Slim is an abbreviation for simple login manager. The branding USE flag gentoo-ifies the experience if desired.

$ sudo emerge -av slim

Next we'll want to configure the system to start X after the boot sequence has completed.

$ sudo rc-update add xdm default

Then, edit the DISPLAYMANAGER variable in /etc/conf.d/xdm so that the simple login manager (slim) is utilized.

$ sudo nano -w /etc/conf.d/xdm

DISPLAYMANAGER="slim"

We also want slim to start the xfce session after we log in.

$ sudo nano -w /etc/env.d/90xsession

XSESSION="Xfce4"

Finally, update the environment variables.

$ sudo env-update && source /etc/profile

Upon reboot, you should now be greeted by a logon prompt. After logging in or typing startx, you should see the xfce interface, and a working desktop environment. Next we'll want to add some eye candy to our desktop, so let's work on Compositing.