Thread: HOWTO: Configuring LXDE for Ubuntu

if you're fed recent "innovation" , bloat in desktop environments (unity, gnome 3, kde, , xfce), lxde you.

1 option use lubuntu, of prefer work standard ubuntu install, , possibly add lxde alternate desktop, while still enjoying ubuntu features global menu, indicators , notification. unfortunately, default lxde configuration in ubuntu ... sad. guide create nice lxde desktop in standard ubuntu close standard ubuntu experience possible. take few minutes , nothing irreversible.

guide tested ubuntu 11.10. here's screenshot of result:



step 1: installation

first, let's install lxde. these packages give essentials without bloat:

code:

sudo apt-get install lxde-core lxappearance obmenu qt4-qtconfig xcompmgr

next, let's add ambiance , radiance themes lxde ravefinity:

code:

cd ~ wget "http://gnome-look.org/content/content-files/146674-ambiance&radiance-xfcelxde-11-10-2.tar.gz" sudo tar xzvf "146674-ambiance&radiance-xfcelxde-11-10-2.tar.gz" sudo mv ambiance-xfce-lxde /usr/share/themes/ sudo mv radiance-xfce-lxde /usr/share/themes/ rm "146674-ambiance&radiance-xfcelxde-11-10-2.tar.gz"

step 2: configuring appearance

logout, , login lxde session. yay! well, except fact it's ugly.

go "preferences" -> "openbox configuration manager". (openbox window manager. draws window decorations.)

1. in "theme", select "ambiance-xfce-lxde" (or radiance version). note window decorations not exactly in compiz or metacity, due limitations of openbox. it's not bad!
2. in "appearance", set button order of "window titles" "ciml".
3. change fonts "ubuntu" font, "regular" style.

go "preferences" -> "customize , feel". (this affects lxde components. note lxde uses gtk+2, , comptable gtk+2 theme.)

1. in "widget", choose "ambiance" (or radiance), , set default font "ubuntu" font, "regular" style.
2. in "icon theme", choose "ubuntu-mono-dark" (or "light" radiance).
3. in "font", want enable antialising, , hinting, too. (note: had fool around these settings bit them work properly. seems little buggy.)

go "preferences" -> "qt 4 settings" -> "appearance" , change "gui style" gtk+. make sure qt applications have same theme chose before.

we'll enable pretty compositing (transparencies, fades , shadows) using cairo:

code:

gksudo gedit /etc/xdg/lxsession/lxde/autostart

add line top:

code:

@xcompmgr -ff -i-.002 -o-.003 -d1 -cc -t-5 -l-6 -r5

save, logout , login see changes.

troubleshooting 1: compositing

if weird graphical glitches, it's best replace line above minimal compositing using instead:

code:

@xcompmgr -n

troubleshooting 2: font size issues

on machines, fonts may appear far big or far small. because x11 not configured right dpi (dots-per-inch). following help:

code:

gksudo gedit /etc/x11/xorg.conf

you should see block called 'section "monitor"'. make sure has following line:

code:

option "dpi" "96 x 96"

logout , login changes take effect. if doesn't solve things you, you'll need delve bit deeper x11 configurtion. luck!

troubleshooting 3: multiple monitor setups

lxde panel appear on primary monitor. however, if primary monitor not leftmost monitor, panel size incorrect. luckily, easy fix. right-click on panel , choose "panel settings". under "geometry" -> "margin" put sum width in pixels of monitors left of primary monitor. in case, had 1 monitor on left 1680 pixels wide, had put "1680".

troubleshooting 4: default browser has been changed chrome instead of firefox

easy change back:

code:

sudo update-alternatives --config x-www-browser

step 3: configuring keyboard

lxde not special handling of keybord, leaving windows manager x11.

configure keyboard layouts, we'll use x11. in exmple we'll enable alt+capslock switching between english/usa , hebrew/israel layouts, enable right-ctrl compose key:

code:

gedit ~/.config/lxsession/lxde/autostart

add these file (it may empty):

code:

@setxkbmap -option grp:alt_caps_toggle "us,il" @setxkbmap -option "compose:rctrl"

settings take effect next time login. can test commands running them in terminal (without "@" prefix).

variations, you'll need explore setxkbmap.

keyboard shortcuts handled openbox, our window manager. can edit them manually using this guide:

code:

gedit ~/.config/openbox/lxde-rc.xml

(there's program called obkey can help, it's not packaged ubuntu.)

suggested changes keyboard bindings:

1. replace references "lxterminal" "x-terminal-emulator". make sure run default terminal emulator.
2. replace reference "pcmanfm" "nautilus" if prefer (see below).
3. if want assign key web browser, use "x-www-browser", open whatever configured default.

enhancement 1: replace pcmanfm nautilus

might pcmanfm managing desktop, minimal tastes. (it bad job wallpapers on multiple monitor setups.) use nautilus instead:

code:

gksudo gedit /etc/xdg/lxsession/lxde/autostart

comment out pcmanfm line prefixing "#" it, , add line nautilus. in case looked this:

code:

#@pcmanfm --desktop --profile lxde @nautilus --no-default-window

you need logout , login changes take effect.

you'll want change keybinding pcmanfm lacunh nautilus instead (see above).

enhancement 2: add unity panel

users, panel may working you. if not, run:

code:

gnome-session-properties

click "add" , call new entry "unity 2d panel" command "unity-2d-panel". make sure entry enabled.

next time login, should see unity panel, providing global menu rest of unity indicators. might want remove applets lxde panel (clock, etc.) because have equivalents in unity panel.

known issues:

1. unity panel's "logout" option in power indicator not work. lxde's shutdown app works fine.
2. global menu) appear in primary workspace.

enhancement 3: synapse

synapse lean-and-mean keyboard launcher fits lxde's lightweight profile:

code:

sudo apt-get install synapse

attached images

• lxde.jpg (86.8 kb, 848 views)

brilliant guide, although todo nice too.

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