HOWTO: Terminal as the desktop background.

[jinacio]

The objective is to have a gnome terminal running as the desktop background, right above the actual background image, that won't be displayed by the statusbar or ticker.

It should look something like this:
Full transparency
or
Semi-transparent with shadows (using Xgl)

Ok, lets get started...

1) Download devilspie

sudo apt-get install devilspie

2) Create a configuration file

mkdir ~/.devilspie
nano ~/.devilspie/DesktopConsole.ds

3) Paste the following configuration (press Ctrl^X to save and exit):

(if
        (matches (window_name) "DesktopConsole")
        (begin
                (set_workspace 4)
                (below)
                (undecorate)
                (skip_pager)
                (skip_tasklist)
                (wintype "utility")
                (geometry "+50+50")
                (geometry "924x668")
        )
)

Notes:
- i use workspace 4 but you can use whatever you like.
- you should at least adjust the geometry lines to match your screen.
- Read the devilspie wiki, for other commands!!!

4) Create a new gnome-terminal profile named "DesktopConsole"
- in the "General" tab, untick "show menubar by default..."
- in the "Scrolling" tab, select "Scrollbar is" -> Disabled.
- in the "Effects" tab, set "Transparent background" and shade to "None" (or to whatever you prefer)

5) Add devilspie and gnome-terminal to the Startup Programs in your session:
in System->preferences->sessions, "Startup Programs" tab, add the 2 programs:

devilspie
gnome-terminal --window-with-profile=DesktopConsole

6) Logout, Login 8)

check to see that devilspie is running *before* the gnome-terminal command.


Thats it!

Edit:
added screenshot

[frodon]

You make my day man

I was looking for the good devilspie matcher for a long time now, so a BIG thank you. I will put that on the UDSF ASAP.

[jinacio]

glad to know that

cheers!

Edit: (forgot something that might be important)

i use (wintype "utility") because it's the most compatible setting: also tried as "desktop" but if the geometry is not maximize and you click anywhere outside the terminal, it will disapear.
the drawback os using "utility" is that the "show desktop" will hide/unhide the terminal.

So far i havent't found a better method, but i'll keep looking into it.

[frodon]

It's perfect in my opinion, the "show desktop bug" is not so annoying.

I never tought that the good macher would be the profile name used by the terminal.

BTW, here is the UDSF link : http://doc.gwos.org/index.php/Background_Terminal

[jastonas]

the drawback os using "utility" is that the "show desktop" will hide/unhide the terminal.

So far i havent't found a better method, but i'll keep looking into it.

Has there been any workaround for that?

[matmat07]

Look at page 14 I think. Uoi have to change the button to use a script.

[MonsterreactioN]

glad to know that

cheers!

Edit: (forgot something that might be important)

i use (wintype "utility") because it's the most compatible setting: also tried as "desktop" but if the geometry is not maximize and you click anywhere outside the terminal, it will disapear.
the drawback os using "utility" is that the "show desktop" will hide/unhide the terminal.

So far i havent't found a better method, but i'll keep looking into it.

Check out:
wmctrl
To solve the show Desktop problem

[Habitual]

I used ( wintype "dock" ) and the show desktop issue went away.

[Andras B.]

Just wanted to show my working setup, based on the tutorial and the tremendous amount of comments in this thread.

The first post definitely lacks important info...

... like how to position and size the terminal window (the geometry values in the .ds file are ignored, use the --window-geometry 80x24+200+100 switch when starting gnome-terminal)
... like how to make devilspie recognize the window (you have to change title in the Profile settings to DesktopConsole, or anything that you regmatch for in the .ds file)

ubuntu-maverick-desktop-2010-12-17.jpg

[I'mGeorge]

cool tutorial, for gnome desktops