How to have screen background for each virtual desktop?

[joneall]

In previous versions of Kubuntu, I could define a screen background image for each virtual desktop. But with Raring, I can not. I can only change default settings, which apply to all virtual desktops.

But having different images is the best way to know which virtual desktop you are in.

I think I must be missing something. But what?

[joneall]

I do not understand. If I do ctl-tab, it switches between the local and default image. What is going on?

[Snowhog]

I believe it's System Settings > Workspace Behavior > Virtual Desktops > Desktops and check Different widgets for each desktop

[joneall]

I believe it's System Settings > Workspace Behavior > Virtual Desktops > Desktops and check Different widgets for each desktop

I had already done that. In fact, the problem is stranger than I said.

One can use ctl-TAB to alternate between different windows on a virtual desktop. But since Raring, doing so on a virtual desktop with no windows on it changes to the background image for VD no. 1 and a box with a KDE "kidney" which says "Show desktop", the latter showing only while you hold alt-TAB depressed.

Is this something new with this release of KDE?

[Snowhog]

Well, making the setting here works; I have four different wallpapers on each of my four Virtual Desktops.

[joneall]

So do I. But if I click ctl-TAB on a VD sans window open, it does what I described before.

Is this a bug or a feature?

[kubicle]

Show you are seeing that when you use Task Switcher (cycling through windows)?

If so, it might be the "show desktop" functionality in the task switcher, to test try unticking 'show "show desktop" icon' in SystemSettings>WindowBehavior>TaskSwitcher (check both primary and alternative tabs).

[woodsmoke]

yes doing what snowhog posted does provide different backgrounds but then limits other windows, etc.

I would REALLY like to have different backgrounds but have opted for having different folders/widgets on them to distinguish and provide visual interest.

woodsmoke

[joneall]

yes doing what snowhog posted does provide different backgrounds but then limits other windows, etc.

woodsmoke

Hmmm. What else does it limit? Thanks.

[joneall]

Alt-tab weirdness

I never got a good answer to my simplest question.

I have different background pix for different virtual desktops and it works fiine. Unless I am stupid enough to do ctl-tab on one without applications open. I have checked "Different widgets for each desktop".

If I do alt-tab on a virtual desktop with applications open, it switches between them. Just what I want.

If I do alt-tab on a virtual desktop with no applications open, it changes the background picture. NOT what I want.

I cannot put back the background pic without closing all applications on the virtual desktop. Definitely NOT what I want.

I suspect this is due to a multiple definition of what the alt-tab key does, but cannot find it. I also suspect it is due to Acitivities or some other KDE jazz which I neither understand, nor need, nor want.

Help, please.

[life0riley]

...If I do alt-tab on a virtual desktop with applications open, it switches between them. Just what I want.

If I do alt-tab on a virtual desktop with no applications open, it changes the background picture. NOT what I want.

I cannot put back the background pic without closing all applications on the virtual desktop. Definitely NOT what I want. ...

I believe I have reproduced the behavior you describe.

Show you are seeing that when you use Task Switcher (cycling through windows)?

If so, it might be the "show desktop" functionality in the task switcher, to test try unticking 'show "show desktop" icon' in SystemSettings>WindowBehavior>TaskSwitcher (check both primary and alternative tabs).

I didn't find this exact setting in precise, but I did find this.
Here are my current settings in precise. If I change List windows to All Desktops I get the behavior you describe.


Can you show what you have in raring for SystemSettings>WindowBehavior>TaskSwitcher.
Here are my settings in my raring VirtualBox guest. Is it possible you have selected All Other Desktops under Filter Windows by?

[joneall]

Alt+tab other use

The answer to my question is right there on your last image. Task Switcher :> Shortcuts > All windows > Forward is alt+tab. Since I never advance through windows like that (Does "Windows" mean virtual desktops?), I just deleted that and now all works well.

Maybe I could unselect Activities under "Filter windows by". I really do not understand that and have never caught on to activities either. I really do wonder what it was doing, because it was NOT going from one VD to another. What are these "windows"?

In any case, the problem goes away be selecting "None" for forward through all windows. Thanks a million for your help, life0riley.

[joneall]

Aiiie, no! That was NOT what I wanted. Now I cannot tab through open applications in a VD. Apparently, that is what "Windows" means.

So after putting it back, I have exactly what you have in your 2nd example, from raring, which is what I use.

What does it mean, "Filter windows by activities"?

[life0riley]

Aiiie, no! That was NOT what I wanted. Now I cannot tab through open applications in a VD. Apparently, that is what "Windows" means.

So after putting it back, I have exactly what you have in your 2nd example, from raring, which is what I use.

What does it mean, "Filter windows by activities"?

I don't currently use activities and don't have a good grasp on the concept. Apparently with it you can associate applications to specific desktops. It's more granular than merely having an application open and switching to that virtual desktop. I have more reading to do on that.

Try unchecking Activities but leave Virtual desktops checked with the same settings under Filter windows by.

I'm at work now and have limited time. I can look at this in greater detail tonight after you reply.

[life0riley]

I set up a raring with OpenGL and desktop effects to test this out.

...Try unchecking Activities but leave Virtual desktops checked with the same settings under Filter windows by.

Nevermind...Unchecking Activities does not change the behavior at all from what I can see.

...If I do alt-tab on a virtual desktop with no applications open, it changes the background picture. NOT what I want...

I have to select All other desktops to get the behavior you describe.

If I Alt + Tab on a virtual desktop with no applications open I get this. The background picture does not change. This is with my current settings. Current desktop is selected.


Here are my current settings