TIP_KDE_look_like_XFCE

Overview

This article presents a method of setting up KDE to look similar to XFCE or one of the lighter window managers. WM vs DE debate is a valid topic, but isn't really relevent to the article. However, I will list some reasons why you may want to use this advice:

You should be interested in this if:

• You like KDE and use many KDE applications.
• You like the layout and feel of XFCE or fluxbox.

Prerequisites

To follow this guide you will need KDE. At time of wrting, KDE is at v3.4.1. In gentoo, you can get KDE by:

 # emerge kde-meta

Further, you must be able to log into the KDE in some manner, such as KDM. If not done, set up KDM:

DISPLAYMANAGER="kdm"

 # rc-update add xdm default
 # /etc/init.d/xdm start

Step 1: Setting up the Taskbar

The major mark of XFCE and many box WMs is the centered taskbar. Thus we will start there.

Optional, Top Taskbar

• Right Click on the KDE Menu Icon.
• Choose: Panel Menu -- Remove from Panel -- Applet -- Taskbar
• Right Click on the KDE Menu Icon.
• Choose: Panel Menu -- Add to Panel -- Panel -- External Taskbar
• For now, close any configuration info that comes up.
• Left Click on the new panel and drag to top of screen.
• Right click on new panel and choose Configure External Taskbar
• In the window "Configure - KDE Panel", choose "Taskbar" from the left menu.
• Uncheck Show Windows from All Desktops
• Now choose "Layout" from the menu on the left
• In the "Arrangement" tab, set "Settings For" to "External Taskbar"
• Set "Size" to "Tiny"
• Goto the Hiding Tab. Uncheck "Show Right Panel Hiding Button"
• Click "OK" to exit config.

Now you should have a bar across the top of the screen for your tasks. Many users I know do not like the taskbar in this location; however, I've seen it this way and like it.

Step 2, Main Panel

h This part of the guide will set up the signiture, centered panel for the faux-box setup.

• Right Click on the KDE Menu Icon. Choose Configure Panel
• Under "Position", click the lower, center rectangle.
• Set Length to about 20%. Make sure the box Expand as Required to Fit Contents is checked.
• Set "Size" to "Tiny"
• Goto the Hiding Tab. Uncheck "Show Right Panel Hiding Button"
• Goto the Appearance Tab. Click on "Advanced Options".
• Set "Applets Handels" to "Fade Out" and click "OK". Click OK in the Panel Config window as well.

Now the desktop should resemble something like XFCE.

Step 3, Desktop

• Right click on the desktop and choose "Configure Desktop"
• In the "Behavior" Section, Set "Button Actions -- Right Mouse Button" to "Application Menu"
• In the "Multiple Desktops" section, check "Mouse Wheel over desktop background switches desktop"

Optional -- You may want to name your desktops.

Step 4, Window Dragging

• Right click on the desktop or click the K Menu. Choose "Control Center".
• Set "Desktop -- Window Behavior -- Advanced -- Active Desktop Borders" to "Only when moving Windows"
• Set "Desktop Switch Delay" to about "70 msec"
• Apply Changes.

This should have the feel of many of the lighter weight WMs.

Step 5, Menus and More

Sorry about this, but if you really want a light WM, you need to set up the menus to contain less items. This can be done by right clicking the K menu and chooseing "Menu Editor".

Also, I prefer Fuzzy Clock as my clock.