I just installed SuSe 10.1 and opted for the Gnome GUI Desktop.
I can't see anywhere to get multiple desktops happening like I had on SuSe and Mandriva, previously.

Am I missing something or has Gnome gone backwards?

Also I couldn't get out of Gnome to switch to KDE through Yast (or anywhere else for that matter). I had to re-install in the finish.
How should I have switched from Gnome to KDE?

GNOME definitely can have multiple desktops. There's usually a pager in the bottom right of the screen where you can switch desktops. Have a look at this screenshot to see what I mean. As for switching between KDE and GNOME, as long as you have both installed and are using KDM or GDM, you should see a button saying "session type" or similar, when you log out. Click that and you'll be able to choose which environment you want to use for the next session.

HTH.

To enable multiple desktops you need to right click on the Gnome panel and choose "Add to Panel". Scroll all the way down and you'll find "Workspace Switcher". Add this to your panel and then you can configure it (number of workspaces, position etc.).

Thanks for that.

I reinstalled and selected KDE desktop.

The thing that really impressed me in Linux was the multiple desktops. I do a lot of graphics and only in Linux, could I work on an illistration (or two) and swap back to the client's brief, so easily. Windows was hopelessly slow if I minimised one Application and worked on another. If I closed the apps not in use Windows would speed up, nice and fast. Conversely, in Fedora Core3, Mandriva, SuSe 10 and 10.1, applications on other desktops did not seem to drain the processor the same way as minimising in Windows did.

As you can imagine, my first impression of Gnome was disappointment that this feature was not available from first installation.

That's odd, as any time I've used GNOME, the pager has been there. However, I haven't used SUSE, so maybe it's some kind of SUSE thing :/.

Yes, SuSe does not install the Workspace control. Why, I have not idea as this feature I find as well very useful. Switching desktops can be easily done with the sessions choices, just choose Log Out | Log out and you are presented with the main login window.

Great Thread, Namaste,

Kevin Tough

Thanks Kevin

I was blaming it on something I did wrong at the installation. Nice to know I'm not the only one. I think I'll stick with KDE - seems a lot of mucking around to get something in Gnome, thats native to KDE.

Ka kite bro

@ Mimenta & Kevin Tough:

It is installed by default. There is no need to reinstall or blame somebody or switch to a different desktop environment. You merely need to choose to have it show on your panel.

It's 4 clicks:

You go to the main panel.

right click -> add to panel (that's click number 2)

choose workspace switcher (click number 3)

click add. That's click number 4 and you're done.

If that's a lot of mucking around or a reason to feel disappointed by Suse's take on Gnome then Linux is gonna kill you

SuSe does not set-up the taskbar with the multiple workspace control showing (active on the taskbar), that's what we meant. Every other distro I've tried does include the control already set-up.

Mimenta,
as I try distros (packaged distributions of Linux) and have switched between KDE and Gnome a few times I would recommend Fedora 5 using the Gnome desktop. The statement "It's stabile and works well." applies to both. If your "mucking around" getting stuff installed you will not find a better package manager to help installing things than with Fedora or Red Hat. Remember they created *.rpm.

Namaste,

Kevin Tough


Our governments would like us to build fences and live in TERROR. I suggest we tear down fences and learn to live with our neighbors. People are people and governments are corrupt!

OK I see your point

btw the package management problems in opensuse are apparently now fixed and there is a remastered opensuse 10.1 version available for download.
Remastered SUSE Linux 10.1 ISOs available

It also includes all the patches up to the release date 13th October 2006.