problems with xfce

[Alvis]

<split thread into 2 and moved the Window Manager question (this one) to the WM/DT Managers forum - Hayl>

I was experimenting with XFce. I changed some preferences and now when I log into it, I get a blue background and nothing else. If I left click, gray bars appear that run across the screen, no writing in them. If I left click on the top bar, a console is launched. If I click on the other bars, they disappear. I was going to enjoy playing with XFce, but now I can't even use it. I've tried unintalling and then re-installing, but it does the same thing. What I would really like is a window manager that let's me have stuff like quick launch bars, but that also lets me have a high degree of choice in what applications I want to include in that window manager.

Thanks for any insights you might have.

[SuperNu]

The reason why you cannot change your prefs w/ xfce4 is because in your home directory, all of the prefs are stored under .xfce4. If you remove or rename that directory, xfce4 will go back to the default options. You can then begin customizing it the way you like.

--SN

[hop-frog]

XFce4 is still in the development stage. You might try using XFce3 until XFce4 is declared stable. The Web site says that version 3 is obsolete, but IMHO it still a great desktop.

What I would really like is a window manager that let's me have stuff like quick launch bars,There are quick launch bars that are independant from any window manager. See 'appbar,' 'tkgoodstuff,' 'gkrellmlaunch,' 'kgoodstuff,' 'acidlaunch,' and 'deskmenu' among others.

but that also lets me have a high degree of choice in what applications I want to include in that window manager.You can use 99.9% of all Linux programs with any window manager or desktop in Linux.

[The Mas]

Originally posted by hop-frog
XFce4 is still in the development stage. You might try using XFce3 until XFce4 is declared stable. The Web site says that version 3 is obsolete, but IMHO it still a great desktop.

There are quick launch bars that are independant from any window manager. See 'appbar,' 'tkgoodstuff,' 'gkrellmlaunch,' 'kgoodstuff,' 'acidlaunch,' and 'deskmenu' among others.

You can use 99.9% of all Linux programs with any window manager or desktop in Linux.

I agree with you. XFCE is a terrific desktop. functional, yet relatively lightweight. XFCE 4 is a complete redesign, and it shows great promise. Even so, development at the moment is a bit stuck at Release Candidate 2, due to problems that have arisen. If you like helping locate, report, and/or fix problems, then XFCE 4 is for you; it's very good, actually. But if you want something fast and stable, you might still be better off with XFCE 3, which is quite mature and solid, and extremely functional.