Ximian GNOME 1.4 Frequently Asked Questions

What is GNOME?
GNOME is a free desktop environment which will run on UNIX and UNIX-like operating systems and which provides a consistent and friendly environment for work.

What is Ximian GNOME?
Ximian GNOME is a polished distribution of the GNOME desktop. It includes stable, up-to-date versions of powerful software with an integrated, attractive interface.

Why is Ximian GNOME better than other desktops? Why do I need both Ximian and a Linux or UNIX distribution?
Because Ximian focuses on just the user-visible, desktop portions of the system, we're able to do the best job. Ximian GNOME offers enhanced graphics, easier updates, and faster bug-fixes, compared to other Linux desktops. We offer services that help you save time and effort, like Ximian Red Carpet, and both free and premium support options. Plus, with Ximian GNOME, you can install the same friendly software on multiple platforms, from Red Hat to Solaris.

Can I use Ximian software like Ximian Evolution and Ximian Red Carpet with my KDE desktop?
Yes. If you prefer a different desktop, you can continue to use that, and install only some of our software. Alternately, you can use our desktop and your favorite KDE applications together as well. While KDE and GNOME differ in their application and development internals, you can use their applications together as much as you like.

Is Ximian GNOME a fork of GNOME?
No. Ximian GNOME is an easy to install, ready-to-run distribution of the GNOME software.

I have used Ximian GNOME before. What's new?
Glad you asked! In Ximian GNOME Desktop 1.4, many things are new. Here's a brief run-down of the new features:
  • The Sun® StarOffice® office suite.
  • Several Ximian Setup Tools have arrived, with more on the way.
  • A new version of the Red Carpet package management tool.
  • An updated client for the MonkeyTalk support community.
  • A doorman setup program which will help new users make use of all the new features.
  • New artwork and themes, and other user interface enhancements.
  • Many more updates since the Ximian GNOME 1.4 release!

How do I change between Nautilus and GMC?
If you use gdm as a login manager, you should be able to switch between "GNOME" and "Classic GNOME" at login. "GNOME" will run Nautilus, and "Classic GNOME" will run gmc. Alternately, this can be adjusted in the Control Center under the Session and Startup Applications section.

How do I get back to the setup wizard that run when I first logged in (the Doorman)?
Open a terminal window and type the command doorman-reset. When you log back in the next time, the doorman will run.

Where did the little pictures of the desktop go from the desk guide applet in my panel?
They are turned off by default because they can be a burden on slower systems. You can put them back by right-clicking on the arrow on the desk guide to get the Desk Guide Settings dialog box. You will find the option "Fill windows with screen contents" on the first page. Select that.

How do I add menus to my panel?
You can drag them from any other menu, or select "Add... Menu" from the Panel menu.

My panel menu is all different now. How do I change it back?
You can set your panel menu preferences in the control center. Look in the Menus tab of the Panel preferences. You can reach this by selecting "Global Preferences" from the panel menu.

How do I change my wallpaper?
Right click on your desktop and select "Background Image." Alternately, start the Control Center by choosing System-->Settings from the menu panel at the top of your screen, and click the "Desktop" section there to choose your background image.

Who is Ximian, Inc.?
Ximian, formerly known as Helix Code, is the leading open source desktop company. Our goal is to create the world's best desktop environment, bringing ease of use to Linux and UNIX systems everywhere.

Is Ximian GNOME free software?

Yes. The source code for Ximian GNOME applications is freely available under free software licenses approved by the Free Software Foundation. You can get the source code online at ftp.ximian.com.

Please note that some software you may download with Ximian Red Carpet, notably Sun® StarOffice® is not be Free Software. Please read the license for any software before you use, and especially before you alter or redistribute, it.

Can I buy Ximian GNOME 1.4 Desktop on a CD? How about other Ximian goodies?
Yes! Visit our store for CD's and other Ximian goods.

Can I use the dancing monkey artwork?
The dancing monkey artwork is one of several trademarks of Ximian, Inc. You need to contact hello@ximian.com about use of a trademark.

I got the message: "Warning! You are not running a GNOME-compliant window manager!" What should I do?
This error most often comes up when your window manager failed to start at login for some reason. You may be able to start it from a terminal window. If not, it may at least send useful debugging information to the terminal window. You may also want to check ~/.gnome-errors (if it exists) for related error messages.

I got the message: "The program 'some program' didn't respond to the SaveYourself command." What should I do?
This sounds terrible, but it's a minor error. It mostly comes up when GNOME is trying to save the current state for a program that isn't designed to do so. Click "Remove Application" to stop GNOME from trying to save the state of the program. This does not actually remove the program; it only tells GNOME that it doesn't need to save session information for it.

I got the message: "The panel applet has died..." What should I do?
This comes up when some panel applets crash. You can try re-adding the applet. The reasons for crashing vary from one applet to another.

I'm on a new laptop, and I'm having troubles getting my windows to behave.
In order to conserve power, some laptops will vary your CPU speed depending on what your computer is doing. Because of a bug in the Linux kernel, this can cause your window manager to get inconsistent timing messages, which confuse it. You should try booting your laptop with the power plugged in to prevent your CPU speed from varying.

How do I report a bug?
You can either run the GNOME bug report tool, known as bug-buddy at the command line, or visit the Ximian bug tracker.

How can I help out?
You can help out in a number of ways. You can report bugs to bugzilla, or join mailing lists to talk about development and use of the software, or download the source and start programming. Also, check the GNOME projects page for groups working on GNOME as a whole.

I have a different question. Where can I get more information or other help?
Check our support center at support.ximian.com, and read the FAQ's at the gnome.org web site. You might also try mailing lists there.