xfce or KDE? Installing Slack (from Ubuntu). Newbie here.

Ubunoob001 · 03-01-2010, 12:16 PM

So I hope not to set off a firestorm of controversy! Finishing up my preparation for installation and I need some advice...

Me: Linux Newbie( Greenest of Green), but looking to learn about Linux. Hence the switch to Slackware.

Computer: Dell Insp. 1545, 160GB HD, 2.16Ghz, 3GB RAM.

Typical Usage: Browsing online (~10 tabs open),file browsing, transferring files from USB/External HD, might try SSH later (into my desktop),want to install SAGEMATH, Python/IDLE, Yahoo IM, email, listening to music, watching movies.

Q: My understanding is that with Slack, as opposed to Ubuntu, I will be editing config files, working on command line more. Which is fine. Does this stay the same regardless of if I choose KDE or xfce? Will I be missing some important config tools, wireless config difficulties, less ability to get online support/community knowledge if I choose xfce?

I seem to like the idea of xfce's speed/simplicity, but I dont want to go with this if it will make my transition to Slackware more difficult.

Any Advice?

Thanks in advance!

GrapefruiTgirl · 03-01-2010, 12:29 PM

Since Slack comes with both DE's, you can simply install them both (the default) and try out each one and see if it suits you better than the other.
As for getting "Slack-specific" help with stuff, it should not really be affected by whether you use KDE or XFCE -- I'd venture a guess than enough Slack users either HAVE, or DO, use(d) both DE's that there won't be a shortage of helpful/knowledgeable folks in the event that you run into troubles that are specific to one or the other DE.

Plus, if you install them both, you should have little or no trouble using most of your usual assortment of apps, in either DE -- KDE apps will work in XFCE, and vice versa.

In short, my suggestion is to install them both, try them both, and if you like one more than the other, go with that one. You will still be able to get Slack help just the same.

Sasha

vdemuth · 03-01-2010, 12:37 PM

I would go with the suggestion above, but would add that it is a good idea to install WICD from the extra folder on the DVD if you have it. Makes setting up wireless pretty pain free.

Ubunoob001 · 03-01-2010, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vdemuth

I would go with the suggestion above, but would add that it is a good idea to install WICD from the extra folder on the DVD if you have it. Makes setting up wireless pretty pain free.

Yeah I know that I had some trouble getting wireless to work with my Broadcom card on Ubuntu. Thanks for the suggestion. Is it pretty easy to switch back and forth from KDE to Xfce at startup or once booted?

manwichmakesameal · 03-01-2010, 12:56 PM

It's a lot easier if you change the default runlevel from 3 to 4. This way, you get a kdm login screen and can change just by logging out and back in. All you have to do is change:

/etc/inittab

Code:

# These are the default runlevels in Slackware:
#   0 = halt
#   1 = single user mode
#   2 = unused (but configured the same as runlevel 3)
#   3 = multiuser mode (default Slackware runlevel)
#   4 = X11 with KDM/GDM/XDM (session managers)
#   5 = unused (but configured the same as runlevel 3)
#   6 = reboot

# Default runlevel. (Do not set to 0 or 6)
id:3:initdefault:

to this:

Code:

# These are the default runlevels in Slackware:
#   0 = halt
#   1 = single user mode
#   2 = unused (but configured the same as runlevel 3)
#   3 = multiuser mode (default Slackware runlevel)
#   4 = X11 with KDM/GDM/XDM (session managers)
#   5 = unused (but configured the same as runlevel 3)
#   6 = reboot

# Default runlevel. (Do not set to 0 or 6)
id:4:initdefault:

hitest · 03-01-2010, 01:08 PM

To get a fully working system out-of-the-box I would do a full install. Once you have set inittab to run level 4 as mentioned above you can easily switch between Xfce and KDE. Your system has enough horse power to easily run KDE. Try both KDE and XFce and see which one you prefer.
Have fun!

mrclisdue · 03-01-2010, 01:23 PM

I'd run kde as user1 on one screen, and xfce as user2 on a second, and simply switch between the two (^F7,^F8) without the need to logout....

cheers,

Ubunoob001 · 03-01-2010, 01:26 PM

Thanks Manwichmakesameal! Thats seems easy enough. I'll look around in /extras for WICD on my DVD. Either way I will have access to a wired connection, so I can work something out

Gerard Lally · 03-01-2010, 01:48 PM

You'll be fine with XFCE. It's a great DE. In Slackware you'll do some editing of config files - nothing to be afraid of. I still think of myself as a newbie after many years playing around with GNU/Linux and the BSDs but I did finally make a permanent switch to Linux last August and haven't regretted it one bit. A thing you should always keep in mind with Slackware is that the developer assumes you are an intelligent, thinking human being, and expects you to use your brain. If you are prepared to do that and not to be hand held you will get along absolutely fine. Everybody has a brain that is billions of times more powerful than any computer on the planet - so don't be afraid to use it.

Here is one way to do things - I stand to be corrected by the more experienced people here. First add yourself to /etc/sudoers:

gerard ALL=(ALL) ALL

Then whenever you have to edit a system file just open the xfce terminal and cd to the directory and do this: sudo mousepad some-file

You will be able to edit the file as the superuser and save your changes.

As someone else has already mentioned, it is a good idea when starting off with Slackware to do a full install. That way you won't miss dependencies when you need to install other software not included on the DVD. Slackbuilds is a great site for finding pretty much everything else you'll ever need with Slackware - it's extremely easy to use. Have a look through some of the slackbuild scripts to see how things work while you're at it. One piece of advice I would give - use your time with Slackware to learn. I did my time with Debian and while it was enlightening Slackware demands more of you. At the same time Slackware has an elegant simplicity about it that other distros don't have. A paradox I know!

Finally, xwmconfig is another quick way of switching between KDE and XFCE. Very straightforward. I am one of those who prefers booting to runlevel 3.

cwizardone · 03-01-2010, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gezley

...Finally, xwmconfig is another quick way of switching between KDE and XFCE. Very straightforward. I am one of those who prefers booting to runlevel 3.

Agreed. Run level 3 and xwmconfig are the way to go until you are sure you any changes you make won't screw up your system.

dc_eros · 03-01-2010, 07:32 PM

I personally use KDE but of course XFCE is also installed. However, I installed more softwares via SlackBuilds.org whenever something is not included in the slackware installer.