[kde-linux] Non-functional KDE 4.6 in openSUSE 11.4

[Felix Miata]

On 2011/11/21 11:01 (GMT-0800) FrankK composed:

> You are correct that I can proceed with my 11.4 DVD
> to install kde 4.6 as a second desktop.

> I have already ordered a 12.1 DVD, but I would like
> to know how to make a kde 4.6 desktop work with 11.4.

> The 11.4 DVD I have as radio buttons for desktops,
> such that I can choose gnome, kde, or other. I chose
> the other to get lxde.

> So to get past this point, I would expect to run the
> 11.4 DVD as an upgrade and select kde.

You seem to be describing the wrong way to go about adding KDE to a running 
11.4/LXDE system. Once a system is installed, you don't "run" a DVD to add 
programs. What you do is log into LXDE, then open YaST2, then software 
management, add the KDE pattern, and let YaST2 do the KDE installation while 
you go about other business or watch TV or play games. After YaST2 is done, 
you log out, and when logging in next you tell the login manager which 
session type you wish.

However, that isn't very likely (maybe, just not likely) to solve your 
previously reported failure of KDE to actually work...

> Back in the old Red Hat days the desktop buttons were
> not radio buttons. If more than one desktop was
> selected, switch SW was installed that would present
> the desktop selection at bootup. Something similar
> must happen with 11.4.

That's the login manager's job. By the time the login manager appears, "boot" 
is done.

> Any tips on this kde addition would be appreciated.

If you don't have a connect time limit, you might consider adding the KDE7 
repo as mentioned (IIRC) upthread, then have YaST2 start installing/upgrading 
to it right before bed and hopefully have installation done when you awake in 
the AM. Or take your PC somewhere with a broadband connection and do it quickly.

> I haven't looked at the links you gave me yet, but I
> did take a look at /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d. Mine has no
> 70- files. It jumps from 11 to 50 to 90.

If you had spent the time following those instructions instead of posting 
back here as if they had never been provided you'd probably already be 
happily running KDE by now. Don't analyze them, just follow them, and don't 
skip around willy nilly. Just try that 70 file I provided in a KDE-installed 
system and see whether or not it makes the problem go away. If it doesn't, 
just delete it and go on to the next suggestion.

> This may be bacause there's no kde installed.

The content of /etc/X11/ is all for Xorg setup/configuration, and has nothing 
directly to do with KDE configuration. Whatever's there impacts the whole GUI 
regardless which DTE you log into, although as you've found there may be 
things Xorg might supposed to be able to do that a particular DTE may choose 
not to use.

> The best box to attempt the 11.4&  kde 4.6 install is
> this HP.

> root[503] lspci | grep VGA
> 00:02.0 VGA compatible controller: Intel Corporation
> 82845G/GL[Brookdale-G]/GE Chipset Integrated Graphics
> Device (rev 03)
> root[504] hwinfo --gfxcard
> 11: PCI 02.0: 0300 VGA compatible controller (VGA)
>    [Created at pci.318]
>    Unique ID: _Znp.5PsICiUoWvD
>    SysFS ID: /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:02.0
>    SysFS BusID: 0000:00:02.0
>    Hardware Class: graphics card
>    Model: "Intel i845"
>    Vendor: pci 0x8086 "Intel Corporation"
>    Device: pci 0x2562 "i845"

That info matches two of my systems. i845G systems have been problematic for 
several years, but usually with enough effort will work OK. Had you provided 
more information I could have already provided you with an xorg.conf file 
likely to make that system's KDE work OK for you whether using 11.4 or 12.1. 
I can't do that right without knowing also about your eyes and your display:

1-CRT? If so, what is your preferred resolution?
2-Flat panel? If so, what is its aspect ratio, size and native resolution. If 
you don't know, look them up.
3-If you were to buy a new and bigger display today, why?
A-make room for more windows?
B-make everything bigger?
C-a mixture of A & B?
D-none of the above?
4-Is most web page text too small when you first open pages in a browser?
-- 
"The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant
words are persuasive." Proverbs 16:21 (New Living Translation)

  Team OS/2 ** Reg. Linux User #211409 ** a11y rocks!

Felix Miata  ***  http://fm.no-ip.com/