Multiple DEs?

[linx4life]

I will be using Linux for the first time very soon (I hope!).

I plan on using Frugalware Linux. From what I can tell, the standard distro comes with more than one DE. I think maybe Gnome, KDE, and Xfce, but I'm not sure, I know KDE for sure.

Will I be able to boot into different DEs as I choose?

Can I have more than one running at the same time?

[bigtomrodney]

Your login manager lets you choose which DE you want to use. Although GDM is the Gnome display manager and KDM is the equivalent for KDE they all work with each other.

[ganeshlinux]

Hi,

You will be able to use all the DE if you have installed the respective binaries of all the individual DE's. But you will be able to use all the DE's at the same time.... for a particular user....

[linx4life]

OK, so as long as I have the necessary packages installed, then I will will be presented with the option at boot time to boot into the DE of my choice from among them?

I see that Linux can have multiple "user spaces" available per session. Is it possible to run multiple DEs at the same time and switch between them, or would I have to reboot into each one?

[bigtomrodney]

You don't need to reboot, just logout and change session. The workspaces are a feature of X and the various DEs/WMs. You can't run different desktops on different workspaces. However when you get the hang of things you can experiment by swapping out parts, running kwin in Gnome, runing nautilus-panel in KDE etc. It's not very useful other than as a novelty or to help understand the various components.

[Tsarevich]

If you mean to be running multiple environments on the same time, then here's the solution: Each session is assigned an F key, beginning with F7. Once you choose your login name and desktop environment, your session is assigned the F7 key. If you plan to start a new session in another DE, choose Start New Session from KMenu (KDE) or whichever DE you are using. Choose the login name and DE, the session is assigned the F8 key. to switch between sessions, just press the CTRL + ALT + <F Key>.

[linx4life]

Yes, my purpose in wanting to do this is for experimentation and learning. No big deal if I simply need to log out and begin a new session.

So it is possible to have quick access to different sessions, that's awesome! I can assign one to the different F keys. The more I learn about Linux, the more I like it!

Thank you all for the information, I really hope I can begin using Linux soon, the anticipation an excitement is really getting too be too much!

[bigtomrodney]

On that same note the latest Gnome has fast user switching from the panel, you can swap users quickly so maybe set up a few test users with each defaulting to different environments. Think of Linux like Lego. You might buy the Fire Station but if you want to make it into an airport that's cool too