The Community Ubuntu Documentation describes Byobu as a “text-based window manager.” The paradox is only apparent because, just as a window manager enhances an X session, Byobu enhances a virtual terminal, making it easy to open new tabs and adding a detailed status line.
Byobu was originally designed for Ubuntu but is now available for RPM distributions and other Unix-like systems. Running on top of GNU Screen or tmux — the choice is yours — the software takes its name from the comparison of its multiple tabs to the Japanese folding screens used as room dividers.