KDE Plasma Desktop
KDE
User:Tassietux This page is work-in-progress!
(Introduction about KDE - cite kde.org, wikipedia, etc.)
Versions
KDE SC 4
The KDE Software Compilation 4...
(e.g. KDE Plasma 4, KDE Platform, Applications)
KDE Software Compilation 4 is the most stable version of the KDE desktop environment. Many 3rd-party packages support KDE SC 4. It is the recommended version to install.
KDE Plasma 5
KDE Plasma 5 desktop environment...
(e.g. Plasma 5 desktop, KDE Frameworks, KDE Applications)
While KDE Plasma 5 is maturing, several KDE applications are yet to be migrated to KDE Frameworks 5. Combining KDE Plasma 5 with KDE SC 4 packages may be problematic. 3rd-party packages that claim support for KDE may remain broken until updated to support Plasma/Frameworks 5. Proceed with caution.
Installation
Requirements
This guide is written for a new installation of Funtoo Linux performed using the Install guide.
root # epro flavor desktop
root # epro show
root # emerge -auvDN --with-bdeps=y @world
Video Drivers
See Video.
/etc/portage/make.conf - example for Intel HD GraphicsVIDEO_CARDS="intel i965"
Install the X Window System
root # emerge --ask ---verbose x11-base/xorg-x11
Optional: Localization
/etc/portage/make.conf - Example for English (United Kingdom)LINGUAS="en_GB"
Choose a KDE Installation
There are several variations to choose from.
KDE SC 4
This will provide the most 'complete' KDE desktop environment.
root # epro mix-in +kde
root # epro show
root # emerge --ask kde-base/kde-meta
KDE Plasma 5
This will result in a minimal desktop environment based using KDE Plasma 5. Additional packages will need to be installed manually in order to provide a 'complete' desktop environment.
root # epro mix-in -kde +(upcoming plasma mix-in)
root # epro show
root # emerge --ask kde-plasma/plasma-meta
Unlike the KDE SC 4 meta-package the kde-plasma/plasma-meta ebuild does not install additional core applications such as a file manager or terminal. The following applications updated to KDE Applications 5 are available in Funtoo Linux.
kde-apps/dolphin (File Manager for KDE Plasma desktops) kde-apps/kate (An advanced text editor for KDE) kde-apps/konsole (KDE's terminal emulator)
root # emerge --ask kde-apps/dolphin kde-apps/kate kde-apps/konsole
Optional KDE meta-package ebuilds that are mostly KDE Frameworks 5 and KDE Applications 5:
root # emerge --ask kde-apps/kdeadmin-meta kde-apps/kdemultimedia-meta kde-apps/kdetoys-meta
KDE Plasma 5 with KDE SC 4 packages
This combines the KDE Plasma 5 desktop with compatible KDE SC 4 packages.
Updating an existing KDE SC 4 installation to KDE Plasma 5 may be problematic. This method is not recommended. Please consider a clean installation. Proceed with caution.
root # epro mix-in -kde +(upcoming plasma mix-in)
root # epro show
root # emerge --ask kde-base/kde-meta kde-plasma/plasma-meta
KDE Plasma 5 using an Overlay
This method involves packages outside of Funtoo Linux. Support for problems encountered will be limited.
See KDE_Plasma_5
Configure and start KDE
OpenRC
root # rc-update add alsasound boot root # rc-update add cupsd default root # rc-update add consolekit default root # /etc/init.d/udev --nodeps restart root # rc
Create a User Account
root # useradd -m -G ld,ldadmin,plugdev,users,video,wheel larry
root # passwd larry
Starting KDE
With a Display (Login) Manager (Recommended)
KDE SC 4
Edit xdm configuration
/etc/conf.d/xdm DISPLAYMANAGER="kdm"
Add KDE to the default runlevel and start.
root # rc-update add xdm default root # rc
KDE Plasma 5
Using SDDM
Use SDDM to create a new config file.
root # sddm --example-config > /etc/sddm.conf
Edit the SDDM configuration to use the KDE Plasma 5 theme 'breeze'.
/etc/sddm.conf - Change the line Current=[Theme]
# Current theme name
Current=breeze
Edit xdm configuration
/etc/conf.d/xdm DISPLAYMANAGER="sddm"
Add KDE to the default runlevel and start.
root # rc-update add xdm default root # rc
Using LightDM
(details)
Without a Display (Login) Manager
(details)
Tips and Tricks
Desktop Effects
System Setting > Desktop Behavior > Desktop Effects
Enable the Application Dashboard in KDE Plasma 5
Unlock Widgets Right-click on Panel > Alternatives
Useful packages
app-cdr/k3b
net-firewall/ufw + kde-misc/kcm-ufw
kde-misc/yakuake
NetworkManager frontends
Troubleshooting
Package Blockers
(with kde-base/kde-meta + kde-plasma/plasma-meta)
Blank Screen with SDDM
root # gpasswd -a sddm video
KDE Plasma 5 desktop crashes over VNC
Requires a OpenGL-capable viewer.
Missing KCM in KDE Plasma 5
kde-misc/kcm-ufw has not been updated to work with KDE Plasma 5.
Combining KDE mix-ins with others
(Details)