Xfce Wiki

Sub domains
 

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision
Next revision		Previous revision
faq [2019/03/27 16:08] – [Panels] blueberrybrowniefaq [2019/08/30 19:23] (current) – [Frequently Asked Questions] kevinbowen
Line 1: Line 1:
 ====== Frequently Asked Questions ====== ====== Frequently Asked Questions ======
-This is a list of frequently asked questions about Xfce. Feel free to improve and/or extend this page, but keep it clean and easy to read for other users. 
  
-====== Getting started ======+<note important>Please see https://docs.xfce.org/faq for up to date documentation! 
 +</note> 
 + 
 +  * **[[faq#Getting Started|Getting Started]]** 
 +  * **[[faq#Installation|Installation]]** 
 +  * **[[faq#Starting Xfce|Starting Xfce]]** 
 +      * **[[faq#Login Problems|Login Problems]]** 
 +      * **[[faq#Logout Problems|Logout Problems]]** 
 +  * **[[faq#Usage|Usage]]** 
 +      * **[[faq#Keyboard|Keyboard]]** 
 +      * **[[faq#Kiosk|Kiosk]]** 
 +      * **[[faq#Menu|Menu]]** 
 +      * **[[faq#File Manager|File Manager]]** 
 +      * **[[faq#Desktop Manager|Desktop Manager]]** 
 +      * **[[faq#Window Manager|Window Manager]]** 
 +      * **[[faq#Session Manager|Session Manager]]** 
 +  * **[[faq#Visual Appearance|Visual Appearance]]** 
 +      * **[[faq#Applications|Applications]]** 
 +      * **[[faq#Themes|Themes]]** 
 +      * **[[faq#Windows|Windows]]** 
 +  * **[[faq#Development|Development]]** 
 + 
 +---- 
 +====== Getting Started ======
 ===== About Xfce ===== ===== About Xfce =====
  
Line 24: Line 46:
  
 === How long a wait is it between each official release? === === How long a wait is it between each official release? ===
-There is no set schedule, a new version will be released when it is ready. Xfce's development is split up into key phases, each of which can take months or even years to complete. More information on the release model can be found [[https://xfce.org/about/releasemodel|here.]] Currently the wait for Xfce 4.14 has been over 4 years, [[https://wiki.xfce.org/releng/4.14/roadmap|here is it's current status.]] Although this may seem like a long time - remember, Xfce is developed by a small group of hard-working volunteers!  +There is no set schedule, a new version will be released when it is ready. Xfce's development is split up into key phases, each of which can take months or even years to complete. More information on the release model can be found [[https://xfce.org/about/releasemodel|here.]] Currently the wait for Xfce 4.14 has been over 4 years, [[https://wiki.xfce.org/releng/4.14/roadmap|here is it's current status.]] Although this may seem like a long time - remember, Xfce is developed by a small group of hard-working volunteers! 
 + 
 +[[|Back To Top]] 
 + 
 +----
 ====== Installation ====== ====== Installation ======
  
-Xfce can be installed in at least two different ways: +Xfce can be installed either from the package manager of your distro or [[https://docs.xfce.org/xfce/building|from the source code]]. Installing via a package manager is preferred as it allows you to easily go back if the Xfce environment is not for you. Building from the source code allows you to try out the latest features that may be unstable for daily use.
-  * From the package manager of your distro. This is the preferred way as you can easily go back if the Xfce environment is not for you.+
     * [[http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Xfce|Arch]]     * [[http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Xfce|Arch]]
     * [[http://wiki.debian.org/Xfce|Debian]]     * [[http://wiki.debian.org/Xfce|Debian]]
Line 34: Line 59:
     * [[http://www.freebsd.org/handbook/x11-wm.html#X11-WM-XFCE|FreeBSD]]     * [[http://www.freebsd.org/handbook/x11-wm.html#X11-WM-XFCE|FreeBSD]]
     * [[http://www.gentoo.org/doc/en/xfce-config.xml|Gentoo]]     * [[http://www.gentoo.org/doc/en/xfce-config.xml|Gentoo]]
-    * Mageia: Mageia Control Center (add the package task-xfce) or, as root, urpmi task-xfce (http://www.mageia.org)+    * [[http://www.mageia.org|Mageia:]] Mageia Control Center (add the package task-xfce) or, as root, urpmi task-xfce
     * MidnightBSD: pkg_add -r xfce4     * MidnightBSD: pkg_add -r xfce4
-    * Mythbuntu: sudo apt-get install mythbuntu-desktop +    * [[http://www.netbsd.org/docs/guide/en/chap-x.html#chap-x-other-window-managers|NetBSD]]
-    * [[http://www.netbsd.org/docs/guide/en/chap-x.html#chap-x-other-window-managers|NetBSD]] (pkg_add xfce4)+
     * Ubuntu: sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop ([[http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=xubuntu-desktop|package description]]; [[apt://xubuntu-desktop|direct install]])     * Ubuntu: sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop ([[http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=xubuntu-desktop|package description]]; [[apt://xubuntu-desktop|direct install]])
-  * [[http://www.xfce.org/download/building|From the source code]]. This way you can build your own environment and try out the latest features.+ 
 +[[|Back To Top]] 
 + 
 +----
  
 ====== Starting Xfce ====== ====== Starting Xfce ======
Line 110: Line 137:
 For some reason, your X applications cannot connect to the session manager. Possible causes for this are: your hostname cannot be resolved (see Login problems section), your home partition or partition containing /tmp is filled up, your hostname contains non-ascii characters (no umlauts allowed, in particular) or either ~/.ICEauthority or /tmp/.ICE-unix have wrong permissions. Check .xsession-errors for clues. For some reason, your X applications cannot connect to the session manager. Possible causes for this are: your hostname cannot be resolved (see Login problems section), your home partition or partition containing /tmp is filled up, your hostname contains non-ascii characters (no umlauts allowed, in particular) or either ~/.ICEauthority or /tmp/.ICE-unix have wrong permissions. Check .xsession-errors for clues.
  
 +[[|Back To Top]]
 +
 +----
 ====== Usage ====== ====== Usage ======
 ===== Keyboard ===== ===== Keyboard =====
Line 116: Line 146:
  
 === Is it possible to focus the Verve plugin with a key? === === Is it possible to focus the Verve plugin with a key? ===
-Assign a key to the command ''verve-focus''+Assign a key to the command ''verve-focus''.
  
 === How do I get numlock to start on login? === === How do I get numlock to start on login? ===
Line 167: Line 197:
 Unfortunately, Xfce doesn't have this ability yet. Unfortunately, Xfce doesn't have this ability yet.
  
-=== How do I enable menu accelerators? === +=== How do I enable editable menu accelerators? === 
-Menu accelerators let you set a keyboard shortcut to a menu item or entry. To enable menu accelerators, go to Settings Manager -> Appearance -> Settings tab, and select the 'Enable editable accelerators' option.+Menu accelerators let you set a keyboard shortcut to a menu item or entry. To enable editable menu accelerators, go to Settings Manager -> Appearance -> Settings tab, and select the 'Enable editable accelerators' option. 
 +<note important>Editable menu accelerators were removed in GTK 3, so won't work in applications made in GTK 3 and above</note>
  
 +[[|Back To Top]]
 +
 +----
 ===== Kiosk ===== ===== Kiosk =====
  
-=== I want to use Xfce in a corporate environment and not let users modify their menu. ===+=== I want to use Xfce in a corporate environment, how can I stop users from modifying parts of the system? ===
 See [[howto:kiosk_mode|kiosk mode.]] See [[howto:kiosk_mode|kiosk mode.]]
 +
 +[[|Back To Top]]
 +
 +----
 ===== Menu ===== ===== Menu =====
  
Line 210: Line 248:
 ===What are the exact commands used when launching the 'Settings' applications?=== ===What are the exact commands used when launching the 'Settings' applications?===
 Please see [[mcs-manager_plugin_parameters|this Wiki entry.]] Please see [[mcs-manager_plugin_parameters|this Wiki entry.]]
 +
 +[[|Back To Top]]
 +
 +----
  
 ===== File Manager ===== ===== File Manager =====
Line 230: Line 272:
  
 === How can I get Thunar to display video thumbnails? === === How can I get Thunar to display video thumbnails? ===
-Install the package ''ffmpegthumbnailer''.+You can install the package ''ffmpegthumbnailer''. 
 + 
 +[[|Back To Top]]
  
 +----
 ===== Desktop Manager ===== ===== Desktop Manager =====
 === How can I remove the Trash, Home and Filesystem icons on my desktop? === === How can I remove the Trash, Home and Filesystem icons on my desktop? ===
-Go to Settings Manager -> Desktop -> Icons and untick the icons you want removed under "Default Icons"+Go to Settings Manager -> Desktop -> Icons and uncheck the icons you want to remove under "Default Icons"
  
 === Why can't I add items to my desktop? === === Why can't I add items to my desktop? ===
 You have the option to display icons turned off. Go to Settings Manager -> Desktop -> Icons and select File/launcher icons under "Icon type". You have the option to display icons turned off. Go to Settings Manager -> Desktop -> Icons and select File/launcher icons under "Icon type".
 +
 +[[|Back To Top]]
 +
 +----
 ===== Window Manager ===== ===== Window Manager =====
 === Why does Firefox jump between workspaces? === === Why does Firefox jump between workspaces? ===
Line 248: Line 297:
  
 === Is it possible to have windows remember their position? === === Is it possible to have windows remember their position? ===
-If the application supports it, it will appear at the location you last specified. If the application doesn't support it, you can use tools such as devilspie and wmctrl to control where a window is placed.+If the application supports it, it will appear at the location you last specified. If the application doesn't support it, you can use tools such as ''devilspie'' and ''wmctrl'' to control where a window is placed.
  
 === How can I programmatically switch workspaces, move windows, etc? === === How can I programmatically switch workspaces, move windows, etc? ===
-You can use a tool such as wmctrl to switch workspaces, move windows between workspaces, change window positions, maximize windows, and much more. libwnck is a library that also does similar things.+You can use a tool such as ''wmctrl'' to switch workspaces, move windows between workspaces, change window positions, maximize windows, and much more. ''libwnck'' is a library that also does similar things.
  
 === Why did my window suddenly become transparent? === === Why did my window suddenly become transparent? ===
Line 257: Line 306:
  
 === Why have my window borders suddenly disappeared? === === Why have my window borders suddenly disappeared? ===
-If your window borders have disappeared and you can't move windows around, xfwm4 has probably quit. If this happens, you can restart xfwm4 by entering the following command in a terminal:+If your window borders have disappeared and you can't move windows around, ''xfwm4'' has probably quit. If this happens, you can restart ''xfwm4'' by entering the following command in a terminal:
  
     xfwm4 --sm-client-id=${SESSION_MANAGER##*/} & disown     xfwm4 --sm-client-id=${SESSION_MANAGER##*/} & disown
 +
 +[[|Back To Top]]
 +
 +----
 ===== Session Manager ===== ===== Session Manager =====
  
Line 305: Line 358:
 You need to enable the "Prompt on logout" option in Settings Manager -> Session and Startup -> Logout Settings You need to enable the "Prompt on logout" option in Settings Manager -> Session and Startup -> Logout Settings
  
 +[[|Back To Top]]
  
 +----
 ====== Visual Appearance ====== ====== Visual Appearance ======
 ===== Applications ===== ===== Applications =====
-=== Help, my panel/taskbar/desktop/window borders has disappeared === +=== Why have my panels/workspaces/window borders disappeared? === 
-As Xfce is modular by design, all of those visual elements are actually separate processes. You can just start their process again to regain them. If you want to make sure that they are started again next time you login you should check the "Save session for future logins" in the logout dialog or check "Save session automatically on logout" in "Sessions and startup settings".+One of the processes responsible for it has quit. You can restart it by entering the following in a terminal, depending on what has disappeared:
  
-| Panel | ''xfce4-panel'' | +Panel: 
-| Taskbar | ''xftaskbar4'' (Xfce 4.2 only) | +    xfce4-panel 
-| Window Manager | ''xfwm4'' | +Window Manager: 
-| Desktop | ''xfdesktop'' (can depend on the dbus service, Xfce 4.4 only) |+    xfwm4 
 +Desktop / Workspace: 
 +    xfdesktop
  
-=== My desktop is so nice, I want to make a screenshot! How can I do that in Xfce? === +=== How can I take a screenshot in Xfce? === 
-There are at least 6 possibilities: +Install a screenshotting application such as [[http://goodies.xfce.org/projects/applications/xfce4-screenshooter|xfce4-screenshooter]], gnome-screenshot, or the command line only scrot.
-  - The [[http://goodies.xfce.org/projects/applications/xfce4-screenshooter|xfce4-screenshootern]]: +
-     * Add it to your panel and click to make a screenshot, or use the xfce4-screenshooter stand-alone application. +
-  - Salasaga - http://www.salasaga.org/ +
-     * Dedicated application for doing screenshots and application captures +
-     * Add a keyboard shortcut (i.e. Control-Printscreen) for the "salasaga_screencapture" command +
-  - The Gimp +
-     * In the Acquire menu: http://www.gimp.org/ +
-  - scrot: http://linuxbrit.co.uk/scrot/ +
-     * e.g. "scrot -s -t 150x150" (either select a window or select a rectangle with the mouse) +
-  - Import from ImageMagick +
-     * e.g. "import image.png" (select a window with the mouse) +
-  - Using good old xv with grab function +
-     * http://www.trilon.com/xv/downloads.html#src-distrib+
  
-=== The file chooser is very slow, what is it? ===+=== Why is the file chooser so slow? ===
  
-It is more likely that the icon theme you are using renders too many SVGs making it very hard to scroll.  Switch to another icon theme.+The icon theme you are using renders too many SVGs, making it resource intensive to scroll. To fix this, try switching to a different icon theme.
  
-=== Response to Terminal application is slow? ===+=== Why is my terminal application so slow? ===
  
 For NVidia users, add this to your settings: For NVidia users, add this to your settings:
Line 342: Line 386:
   nvidia-settings -a InitialPixmapPlacement=0 -a GlyphCache=1   nvidia-settings -a InitialPixmapPlacement=0 -a GlyphCache=1
  
-For all users, your driver may not support argb visuals very well.  You can disable it for Terminal by exporting the environment variable XLIB_SKIP_ARGB_VISUALS=1.  To disable it for Terminal only, put the next lines inside ~/bin/Terminal for example (given you have a personal bin directory, you can also put it inside /usr/local/bin):+Otherwise, your driver may not support argb visuals very well. You can disable it for the terminal by exporting the environment variable XLIB_SKIP_ARGB_VISUALS=1.  To disable it for only the terminal, create a file named "Terminal" in ''~/bin'', or ''/usr/local/bin'', and enter the following in it:
  
   #!/bin/sh   #!/bin/sh
   XLIB_SKIP_ARGB_VISUALS=1 /usr/bin/Terminal   XLIB_SKIP_ARGB_VISUALS=1 /usr/bin/Terminal
  
 +[[|Back To Top]]
 +
 +----
 ===== Themes ===== ===== Themes =====
-=== The gtk-xfce-engine themes do not appear in the "user interface" settings dialog === +=== How can I theme various parts of my Xfce desktop environment? === 
-The gtk-xfce-engine-2 package has to be installed using same prefix as Gtk2 itself. When installed from sources, the engine is, by default, installed in /usr/local, while Gtk2 is often installed in /usr. Just install gtk-xfce-engine-2 again using ''./configure --prefix=/usr'', and the themes will hopefully become available.+Please refer to the [[howto:install_new_themes|How to install new themes]] Wiki page. 
 + 
 +[[|Back To Top]]
  
-=== How can I customize my Xfce desktop environment === +----
-You can read everything about changing themes in the [[howto:install_new_themes|How to install new themes]] wiki page.+
  
 ===== Windows ===== ===== Windows =====
Line 374: Line 422:
 Enabling EXA will normally provide a speed increase for compositing and font rendering, but may cause a small reduction in OpenGL rendering speed. Enabling EXA will normally provide a speed increase for compositing and font rendering, but may cause a small reduction in OpenGL rendering speed.
  
-Once the Composite extension is activated, go to ''Settings -> Panel'' and ''Settings -> Window Manager Tweaks''.+Once the Composite extension is activated, go to Settings Manager -> Panel -> Appearance and Settings Manager -> Window Manager Tweaks -> Compositor.
  
-== ATI users (X.org radeon driver) ==+== ATI users (X.org Radeon driver) ==
  
 ATI R3xx/R4xx (9500 to X850, X1050) users may also need this in the ''device'' section for the card: ATI R3xx/R4xx (9500 to X850, X1050) users may also need this in the ''device'' section for the card:
Line 385: Line 433:
    Option "EnableDepthMoves" "true"    Option "EnableDepthMoves" "true"
  
-== nVidia users ==+== NVidia users ==
  
 NVidia users may also need this in the ''device'' section for the card: NVidia users may also need this in the ''device'' section for the card:
Line 392: Line 440:
    Option "AllowGLXWithComposite" "true"    Option "AllowGLXWithComposite" "true"
  
-Read ''/usr/share/doc/nvidia-glx/README.txt.gz'' (and search for "RenderAccel" and "AllowGLXWithComposite") to see if they are recommended at all for your system. At least for recent NVidia GLX drivers, "AllowGLXWithComposite" "true" is only for X servers older than X11R6.9.0, and "RenderAccel" "true" is the default setting, and therefore not required. If you are running a recent NVidia driver and a recent xorg-server, you do not need these settings (and should not use the "AllowGLXWithComposite" "true" setting).+Read ''/usr/share/doc/nvidia-glx/README.txt.gz'' (and search for "RenderAccel" and "AllowGLXWithComposite") to see if they are recommended for your system. At least for recent NVidia GLX drivers, "AllowGLXWithComposite" "true" is only for X servers older than X11R6.9.0, and "RenderAccel" "true" is the default setting, and therefore not required. If you are running a recent NVidia driver and a recent xorg-server, you do not need these settings (and should not use the "AllowGLXWithComposite" "true" setting). 
 + 
 +[[|Back To Top]] 
 + 
 +----
  
 ===== Panel ===== ===== Panel =====
  
-=== Is it possible to change the icon used by the icon box or task bar for a given application? === +=== How can I change the icon used by an application? === 
-It's not possible. This setting has to be managed by the application itself.+For an application launcher, right-click on the launcher and select "Properties", then under General select "Edit the currently selected item". Click on the icon to select a new one.
  
-=== I've installed a plug-in for the panel, but the indicators don't use different colors. What can I do? === +To change the application icon used in the Window Buttons, Workspace Switcher or elsewhere, change the icon theme used by the system in Settings Manager -> Appearance -> Icons.
-First, try another Gtk theme, since some themes override the color. If it doesn't solve the problem, you probably have an old ~/.gtkrc-2.0 : remove it and try again. +
  
-=== How do I set the panel layer in Xfce 4.2 and 4.4? === +=== How do I change the panel layer in Xfce 4.2+? === 
-In order to improve focus management this option was removed.+In order to improve focus management, this option was removed.
  
 === Is there a world clock applet? === === Is there a world clock applet? ===
-You need to add the Orage Clock to the panel. Then you can middle-click the clock to open the "Global Time" window, to which you can add any number of clocks.+Orage Clock provides this functionality. Add it to the panel, then middle-click the clock to open the Global Time window, where you can add any number of clocks.
  
-====== Development ======+[[|Back To Top]]
  
 +----
 +====== Development ======
 === How can I report bugs? === === How can I report bugs? ===
-You can report bugs [[http://bugzilla.xfce.org/|here]] or ask on the [[http://www.xfce.org/community/lists|mailing lists]] or [[http://forum.xfce.org/|forums]] for help. If you want to report a bug please read the [[http://spuriousinterrupt.org/projects/xfce4-debug|Xfce debug guide]] and the [[http://developer.pidgin.im/wiki/GetABacktrace|Pidgin get a backtrace]] to ensure your bug report actually makes sense and is useful.+You can report bugs on the [[https://bugzilla.xfce.org/|Xfce Bugzilla site]], the [[https://mail.xfce.org/mailman/listinfo/xfce-bugs|Xfce-bugs mailing list]], or you ask on our IRC channel [[irc://irc.freenode.net/#xfce|#xfce on Freenode]] for help. Please do not use the forums to report bugs. Before submitting a bug, please try your best to check if it has already been reported. When writing your bug report, try to be as descriptive as possible, but avoid verbosity. Mozilla has a nice guide on [[https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Mozilla/QA/Bug_writing_guidelines|how to write a bug report]].
  
 === How often are new releases made? === === How often are new releases made? ===
-Whenever we feel like it is ready to be released. If you are unhappy with this you can always choose to hire the whole Xfce developer crew and pay us (we accept VISA/MasterCard, but not American Express)... Then we can even tailor it to your liking... +See [[https://wiki.xfce.org/faq#how_long_a_wait_is_it_between_each_official_release|previous answer]]. Xfce's development is split up into key phases, each of which can take months or even years to complete. Although this may seem like a long time - remember, Xfce is developed by a small group of hard-working volunteers! 
 + 
 +=== I have asked a question / reported a bug on the mailing list / Bugzilla, why isn't anyone answering? === 
 +  * Give it time. Maybe the responsible developer is on vacation, or hasn't checked the mailing list / Bugzilla yet. Keep in mind that the developers have their own lives outside of contributing to Xfce and may be quite busy. 
 +  * Try giving more detailed information. Perhaps no one can figure out what it is you are trying to say, and they just don't want to take the time to contact you or reply to your post to find out. Usually the more information you provide, the better. 
 +  * Consider if you've been been disrespectful when asking your question / reporting a bug. While you are allowed your own opinion on things, remember that the software you are talking about was made by volunteers and provided to you for free. You didn't pay for it, so you are asking for a favour. By asking your question in a polite, respectful way, you are increasing your chances that somebody will reply to you. 
 +  * The developers / volunteers in question simply may not want to reply to you. Perhaps they are having a bad day, or they think your report doesn't necessarily warrant a reply. Don't take it personally if you don't get a response. Try asking again after a good amount of time, as your question / report may not have been seen, taking caution not to come across as nagging. Taking time out of your day to report a bug is always greatly appreciated, and it may have been seen by a developer, just not replied to. 
 + 
 +[[|Back To Top]]
  
-=== I have asked a question / reported a bug on the mailing list / bugs.xfce.org and no one is answering === +----
-2 possibilities: +
-  * Give it time. Maybe the responsible developer is on vacation, maybe he didn't check the mailing list / bugzilla yet.  Keep in mind that someone may be having a bad day and may not care to respond at all.  Time can help. +
-  * Try giving more detailed information.  Perhaps no one can figure out what it is you are trying to say, and they just don't want to take the time to contact you or reply to your post to find out.  Usually, the more information, the better. +
-  * Maybe you have been disrespectful when asking your question / reporting a bug. While you are totally allowed to rate a product just as you please, you do have to realise that in the case of open source products you didn't pay for the product or the support on the product, and the developers may not value your feedback. So when you report something that affects you, you are actually asking a favor. When reporting such a problem you can improve your chances on goodwill of the developers by asking your question in a polite, respectfull way. Do realise that even if you do so the developer might not be interested in/lack time to implement the feature/fix the bug you reported. A patch that fixes the issue might still convince him to spend time on it. +
-  * When you are reporting a legitimate issue, it is understood that you are taking your valuable time to offer feedback to the developers.  That does not mean that they will appreciate it, so don't have any expectations for a particular type of response.  Sometimes you must just roll with the punches and meet them on their own terms.  Unreasonable expectations often lead to bad feelings, so you are better off just not having them in the first place.  Everyone thinks differently, and you should expect that your issue and/or approach may be misunderstood.+