TIP KDE look like XFCE

From Gentoo Linux Wiki

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.