KDE Plasma Desktop

   Warning

User:Tassietux This page is work-in-progress!

Introduction...

(see 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)

   Warning

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

The following instructions are 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 Graphics

VIDEO_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 on 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.

   Warning

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

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

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 xdm 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 xdm 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)