New Laptop, Gnome Problems

[klackenfus]

I took the plunge and bought a nice new shiny HP Laptop (HP Pavilion dv2500t) it took the latest Ubuntu like a champ. Everything works and I love it! There is only one small problem, I configured it while at work so I didn't get to play much, so I took the default install and ended up with Gnome. I am not a Gnome fan but what the heck, I'm willing to play. Anyway, I have come across one maddening problem that I just can't figure out. When I have multiple windows open and I minimize them, I expect to see them in the bottom panel (KDE like.) However, they don't dock there and I end up alt-tabbing my way through what I have open. This is just my inexperience with Gnome. Yes, I know I could install another desktop manager but I am feeling lazy. Can anyone tell me how to dock my minimized apps? Details: Gnome 2.20.0. Box specs below:

* Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor T7250 (2.00 GHz, 2 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
* 14.1" WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
* 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* 64MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS
* HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Webcam + Microphone
* Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM)
* 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
* SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
* 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

[phlipant]

You seem to have lost your Window List. Right click the bottom panel and select Add to Panel... Scroll down and select Window List.

[ehawk]

yeah, that should work. If not, you can easily use the synaptic package manager to install kde-base. You'll then be able to switch your default window manager to kde at the login screen.

[klackenfus]

Cool, thanks. I'll try it tonight when I get home.

[saikee]

If you want KDE you should replace Ubuntu with Kubuntu. Afterall that is what the K is for.

To go with xfce desktop users choose Xubuntu. They all have the same Linux core and tried to release the new versions simultaneouly.

[klackenfus]

If you want KDE you should replace Ubuntu with Kubuntu. Afterall that is what the K is for.

Oh yes, I know. I just figured that if I truly want to be well rounded and keep my skills up, I better be able to support many things. You see, I run a mixed I.T. group with Solaris, Linux and Windows. Consequently, I have to keep multiple pools of knowledge.

[saikee]

klackenfus,

I know you are a very knowledge and very senior member here and I have learned a great deal from your posts.

I venture to post because you were suggesting you might install another desktop and I thought using the readily made distro may be easier if not simpler.

Kubuntu doesn't seem to run as smoothly as Ubuntu. Judging from the several distros from the same family I could not help suspecting installing multi desktop may be a lot more involved with Ubuntu than other distros that are shipped with multi desktops readily to be selected at boot time.

[klackenfus]

I know you are a very knowledge and very senior member here and I have learned a great deal from your posts.

Wow, thanks! I think of myself as just some bum that gets things right sometimes but thanks again anyways!

[klackenfus]

The Window List was missing and I got it back. Thanks!