Switch Between Gnome And KDE Desktops In Ubuntu Or Kubuntu
One of Linux strong points over Windows is the capability to switch desktops. Several exist, but the two most popular are Gnome and KDE. For Windows users, KDE will have a familar Windows XP feel, while Gnome may seem dull.
If you have been using Ubuntu, which uses Gnome as the default desktop, or Kubuntu which uses KDE as the desktop, and have been wondering what the other desktop looks like, you can easily install KDE or Gnome and switch back and forth before logging on to Ubuntu.
If you are running Ubuntu, you can install KDE by opening a terminal window and type:
sudo apt-get install kubuntu-desktop
When prompted, enter your password, and then answer yes (Y) when asked if you want to install. The install may take some time to complete, so be patient.
To install Gnome in Kubuntu, open a Terminal window and type:
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop
When prompted, enter your password and continue with the install until it has been completed.
Now reboot either Ubuntu or Kubuntu. Then at the logon screen you can either press F10 or click on the Options logo at the bottom (left side) of the login screen. Then click on Select Session…
Here you can select Gnome (2) or KDE (3) by selecting the radio button.
During the next logon, you will see a prompt asking if you want to use the same desktop manager Just For This Session or Make Default (so you don't have to be bother with the prompt again).
To change back to either KDE or Gnome, press F10 and select the desktop manager of your choice.
If you changed from the previous desktop manager, you can make it the default at the next logon.
Filed under Ubuntu And Linux Tips by Watching The Net
Comments on Switch Between Gnome And KDE Desktops In Ubuntu Or Kubuntu »
Perfect information. Very well explained. Exactly what I was looking for quite some time. Thx a lot and thumbs up for BlogRush.
Thanks, now that I've determined that Gnome sucks, how do I get it off my system?
h"Now reboot either Ubuntu or Kubuntu."
I really don't understand what you mean, Why should you reboot? That's not nesessary, just logout and login again using different desktop. Actually it's not even nesessary to logout, you can start a new X-session, which can be full screen or nested in window. You can also run Gnome apps from KDE-desktop and KDE apps from Gnome-desktop. All you need to do is install both gnome and kde. Nothing of what I said is ubuntu related. This is how X works no matter which Linux-distro you use.
I really don't understand why there must be Ubuntu (Gnome), Kubuntu (KDE) and Xubuntu (XFCE). In Debian and in most of the other distros too you just install desktop you want and then you use it.
And by the way. Those screenshots are from GDM (gnome display manager). There is similar for KDE (kdm). Usually you don't need to worry about that but if you use mostly KDE you might want to replace gdm with kdm. Again this is how it works no matter what distro you use. So if you someday try another distro this tutorial mostly applies for it too. Only the command/package name which installs kde/gnome will be different.
@miksuh
You just described Linux. A bunch of ways to do the same task. There is no wrong way to do it!
When I did this, FYI, from Kubuntu, the installer actually asked me which manager I wanted to use by default during the install of the package.
This is helpful IF you have to login. I set up my system some time ago such that it doesn't require me to login since I am the only user. Now, I cannot figure out/remember how to force a login, thus I cannot change between desktops. Please help
@Jim
This should help you remember
http://www.watchingthenet.com/how-to-enable-automati-logon-in-ubuntu-or-kubuntu.html
hey, thanks heaps, i just started using ubuntu. one thing though, when you do it and enter that code (for newbies here) just go Applications, Accessories, Terminal. and also when it asks you to enter your password it's exactly the same except you cant see what your writing. just punch it in and press enter