A window manager proxy method, system, and product are described allowing a Java based desktop to provide window manager services on UNIX. A computer system executes a UNIX-based operating system and a desktop implemented in Java. The computer system does not include a separate window manager. Java applications are presented by the computer system utilizing a graphical user interface. Native UNIX applications are also presented by the computer system utilizing the same graphical user interface. Native UNIX applications interact with the window manager proxy in the same manner in which they would interact with a traditional window manager. The window manager proxy forwards frame window activity related to the desktop to the Java desktop, and is the native interface from the Java desktop to the native platform for frame window activities. Native UNIX applications, Java applications, and the Java desktop are thus rendered and managed in a consistent manner providing the end user with the look and feel as configured within the Java desktop.