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Ways to switch between DEs on Fedora? (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 3 weeks ago by pixeldaemon@sh.itjust.works to c/linux@lemmy.ml
15 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

I want to switch to another DE on Fedora, from KDE to COSMIC, is it possible to switch in some simple way, kind of with rpm-ostree or something? I've searched the web but only found info on doing this with Atomic desktops, but I'm not using one and not planning to yet

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[–] MrSoup@lemmy.zip 16 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (1 children)

Just install the package of DE and switch to it through the login page (display manager).

Fedora do provide a "group" of packages to install COSMIC Desktop. To install it:

sudo dnf install @cosmic-desktop

And now you should be able to select it on login.

Fedora KDE uses SDDM as login/display manager. I've never used it so I don't know where to click to switch DE, but maybe it should be the "Other" button.

Fedora Workstation uses GDM (Gnome Display Manager). To switch DE click the cogwheel in the bottom-right corner.

Edit:

By reading the official Fedora documentation I've found out that there are "special groups" named "environments".

To list all of them:

dnf environment list --available | grep -i desktop

So to install COSMIC:

sudo dnf install @cosmic-desktop-environment

I don't know what's the difference, but this is what the official documentation says.

Edit 2:

By doing:

dnf environment info cosmic-desktop-environment

It's clear that "environment"s are groups of groups of packages. So it could include stuff you don't need, like libreoffice group.

[–] pixeldaemon@sh.itjust.works 1 points 3 weeks ago (2 children)

Thanks, how about removing KDE safely afterwards?

[–] MrSoup@lemmy.zip 4 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

This is a bit more manual, so there isn't a safe way.

You can get groups installed by enviroment with this:

dnf environment info kde-desktop-environment

You can then check the difference between your new installed cosmic environment and removing the differences or just remove the desktop group (in this case "kde-desktop"):

sudo dnf remove @kde-desktop

I've never done this, so be aware and check every step.

This maybe could try to delete packages even required by your new cosmic environment or other packages useful in general. Try to run the command and see what it lists to remove (do not confirm if not sure). This is a safer version which automatically says "no", so you can just list changes:

sudo dnf remove --assumeno @kde-desktop

To remove only some packages in the group, list packages inside it:

dnf group info kde-desktop

And then manually write a dnf command to remove what you want:

sudo dnf remove kwin plasma-* kscreenlocker kdialog kdesplasma-addons [...]

Lemmy know how this process goes because I want to switch to COSMIC too in the near future.

Edit:

If you delete the old display manager (ie SDDM), remember to switch to the new one. I'm not sure if the system does it automatically. To switch do:

sudo systemctl enable cosmic-greeter.service

Cosmic greeter is the cosmic desktop display manager, if not installed install and enable it:

sudo dnf install cosmic-greater
[–] nfms@lemmy.ml 3 points 3 weeks ago

Don't uninstall it before you've tested cosmic. Just select the Desktop you want to login with, make it default. When you're comfortable with it, you can think about removing Plasma.

[–] IsoKiero@sopuli.xyz 5 points 3 weeks ago

I don't have Fedora around, but in general just install all the desktop environments you wish from package manager. Most (if not all) login managers support changing the environment on every login. I don't remember exactly how that works on plasma login manager, but there should be a pretty obvious menu item to pick from before inputting your password.

You obviously need to have autologin disabled in order to see the selection screen.

[–] MalReynolds@slrpnk.net 3 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

Word of advice, it's best to make a new user for a new DE, lets you go back easily and avoids conflicts, basically necessary with KDE -> Gnome.

If you're actually already on an atomic fedora (as evidenced by rpm-ostree) you can have a look over here. There are also a few other images around but most seem old and unmaintained.

[–] jaypatelani@lemmy.ml 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

If you read the document there's this GUI tool for the same :

https://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/quick-docs/switching-desktop-environments/#_using_switchdesk

[–] BananaTrifleViolin@piefed.world 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Switchdesk is a GUI for changing the default desktop once they're installed, not for installing desktops.

The top of the page you link explains how to install alternative desktops which is using DNF. The GUI route to do this would be to use a DNF frontend like DNFDragora and search for the relevant desktop metapackage, and then install that.

[–] jaypatelani@lemmy.ml 1 points 3 weeks ago

Got it.

[–] daggermoon@piefed.world -1 points 3 weeks ago (2 children)

Are you aware COSMIC is still in beta? It's very buggy and not ready for regular use.

[–] MrSoup@lemmy.zip 5 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (1 children)

It's already at version 1.2.0, it's backed by a company who actually ships it as default and it got a solid roadmap.

I think it's still young but should not give any big issue.

[–] daggermoon@piefed.world 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

I remember users reporting memory leaks and display issues fairly recently. I'm not saying it's completely unusable but your milage may very.

[–] MrSoup@lemmy.zip 2 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

How were they able to make memory leaks in rust? Lol

[–] daggermoon@piefed.world 1 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

Good question, might have been in some non cosmic component. I saw it in a Chris Titus video.

[–] TrickDacy@lemmy.world 0 points 3 weeks ago

Are you aware you're spreading misinformation/FUD? Cosmic left beta over 6 months ago.