Fedora 9 using xcfe - switchdesk doesn't work - can't get out of GNOME

[dann]

I've been at this for a while, and it's pretty frustrating. I wanted to try xcfe

yum groupinstall xcfe
swtichdesk XFCE

These all worked fine - but xcfe won't start. I keep getting back to GNOME.

I've added "exec xfce4-session" to the .xinitrc
the .Xclients-default has WM="startxfce4"


I've rebooted, restarted X, etc.

I don't know if gdm is overriding everything, but there's also no good way I can find to configure gdm. The gconf-editor (looks like regedit) doesn't help much configuring the greeter screen. I remember there used to be a "Sessions" option on gdm, but it's gone now in F9.

If I missed anything, please let me know.

Thanks

[dann]

I got it - the gdm login screen has the session option after you select the user. All is well - albeit a confusing way to get there.

[Hlingler]

Pshaw, that is nothing! If you want confusion, try reading: 'man xorg.conf'. It will drive you insane.

V

[RonPolley]

That one little option has slipped by many of us in F9. I don't think any of us are used to it being at the bottom and then only after selecting a user.

[vallimar]

Originally Posted by dann

I've added "exec xfce4-session" to the .xinitrc
the .Xclients-default has WM="startxfce4"

Those are only used by xinit which is normally invoked by running startx from runlevel 3. Switchdesk is completely useless if you only use runlevel 5, you can uninstall it.

[dann]

Thanks All. Hopefully, when the gdm configuration tool is rewritten, things will be a little easier. The differences between startx at run level 3 and run level 5 are very confusing. When you use an NFS mounted home directory with the various .xinitrc, .Xsession-clients, etc with different distros, it's quite a mess.

It's like a bid game of rock-paper-scissors with what DE you get

It's still not as bad a mess as XP and roaming profiles.

Thanks