downloaded and installed window maker. But how do I run it? When I startx, kde loads by default.

Thanks!

Edit your ~/.xinitrc, and add the line:

exec wmaker

comment kde

save/exit

logout/login

Ok, but I don't have a .xinitrc file. If I create one, will it be read by startx by default? Or do I need to edit any other script, telling startx to look for a .xinitrc?
Also, how do I edit the system so as to choose whether I want kde or window maker from a graph. env., instead of setting a default one?

I'm having the same problem. Gnome loads instead of kde and I don't have the .xinitrc file in my home directory. How else can this be changed?

Thanks

One way to choose the default window manager is to run (as root) "update-alternatives --config x-window-manager".

You can use some GUI login, in case of KDE the obvious choice would be KDM.

The update-alternatives --config x-session-manager worked. That gives everyone the same x-session correct? If other users want different ones like gnome or fluxbox then they would need to make the .xinitrc file and specify it in there and that would override it for them?

Thanks

Hi,

"You can use some GUI login, in case of KDE the obvious choice would be KDM..."

Dead Parrot,
Can you give us more detail on how to do this?

Can I load X without a DM, and only then, choose windowmaker or kde?

I think that is what .xinitrc will do, let you choose different x-sessions without changing everyones by using the update-alternatives --config x-session-manager command and without using a display manager. My system boots to a command prompt and I want kde but other users want gnome or fluxbox. I think .xinitrc will do that for them. What's the systax for the .xinitrc file to chose the different ones? I think thats what we are both looking for.

I'd like to be able to choose on a per-session basis, instead of having either kde or wmaker loading by default. Is that what you're looking for?

Currently, my Debian install boots to runlevel 2 by default. I have to log in and startx. If I edit it so as to make it go to runlevel 5 directly, is it going to load a graph. login menu?

What you are still looking for is your xinitrc file. Edit the global file (As Root) that is located in /etc/X11/xinit/ . You will then be able to change the Window Manager by commenting out the last line of this file, (That initiates the current window manager), and inserting a line for the desired window manager i.e. wmaker. Then run startx to initiate xwindows and your new window manager.

P.S. - there may be other scripts that can be used to replace your current xinitrc file such as xinitrc.fluxbox or xinitrc.kde. At least that is the way it is in slackware.

Originally written by muxman: Yes, that is my understanding, too.

Originally written by bruno buys: If you want to login from command prompt (CLI), then I think you can start KDE straight from the command line (after you've logged in, of course) using "startkde" command. If you want to start Window Maker instead, the command to use is "wmaker".

Originally written by muxman: The last line of .xinitrc must execute some window manager /desktop environment. For Gnome, I think, this would be "exec gnome-session". For KDE it would be "exec startkde". For fluxbox "exec fluxbox". For Window Maker "exec wmaker". Before this last line you can execute other programs or commands -- for example if you've got xscreensaver installed, you can launch it from .xinitrc. An .xinitrc that first launches xscreensaver (without showing splash screen) and then starts Window Maker would look something like this:

"Ok, but I don't have a .xinitrc file. If I create one, will it be read by startx by default?"

yes

vim /home/your_name/.xinitrc

.xnitrc controls 'startx'
.xsession controls 'kdm' or any other graphical DM.

"Or do I need to edit any other script, telling startx to look for a .xinitrc?"

no

"Also, how do I edit the system so as to choose whether I want kde or window maker from a graph. env., instead of setting a default one?"

Like DP said, install a DM.

apt-get install kdm

hmmmm i dont seem to have an .xinitrc either in my home directory
i do have a xinitrc file (not hidden) in /etc/X11/xinit but all it says is at the end is

#invoke global X session script
. /etc/X11/Xsession

this Xsession file is kind of cryptic to me, dont really see anywhere in it that loads a de or wm

So far, so good. Installed kdm ok. It boots up to a screen where I log in and choose which one I want. thanks!

A bunch new questions appear, though: it lists desktop managers that I didn't know I have here. Sawfish, gnome, twm, icewm, etc. Is this menu default or kdm really checked that I have it?

bruno: try it, see what happens, let us know

jsmarshall85: read the thread "Debian Configuration Post-Install"