Add KDE Plasma installation guide and revert documentation

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nearxos
2026-01-09 09:57:35 +02:00
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# KDE Plasma Installation and Revert Guide for reTerminal DM4
## Device Information
- **Model**: Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4)
- **CPU**: Cortex-A72 (4 cores)
- **RAM**: 8GB
- **Current Desktop**: LXDE with Openbox
- **Display**: 10-inch, 1280x800
## Pre-Installation State
### Current Desktop Packages
- libobrender32v5
- libobt2v5:arm64
- lxsession
- lxsession-data
- lxsession-logout
- openbox
- pcmanfm
### Current Session Manager
- Default: `/usr/bin/startx-rpd` (priority 90)
- Available: `/usr/bin/lxsession` (priority 49)
- Available: `/usr/bin/openbox-session` (priority 40)
- Current mode: auto (points to startx-rpd)
### Available Desktop Sessions
- lightdm-xsession.desktop
- openbox.desktop
- rpd-x.desktop
### Installation Date
- Date: 2026-01-09
---
## Installation Steps
### Step 1: Update System
```bash
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade -y
```
### Step 2: Install KDE Plasma
```bash
# Install KDE Plasma desktop (lightweight version)
sudo apt-get install -y kde-plasma-desktop
# Install on-screen keyboard for touchscreen
sudo apt-get install -y maliit-keyboard
# Install additional KDE utilities
sudo apt-get install -y kde-standard
```
### Step 3: Configure Default Desktop
**Option A: Switch at Login (Recommended - Safest)**
1. Log out of current session
2. At login screen, click on the session/desktop selector (usually in top-right corner)
3. Select "Plasma (X11)" or "plasmax11"
4. Log in
**Option B: Set as Default**
```bash
# Set KDE as default desktop session
sudo update-alternatives --config x-session-manager
# Select: /usr/bin/startplasma-x11 (priority 40)
```
**Note**: KDE Plasma X11 session is available at `/usr/share/xsessions/plasmax11.desktop`
### Step 4: Configure Touchscreen Settings
After logging into KDE:
1. **Enable On-Screen Keyboard:**
- System Settings > Input Devices > Virtual Keyboard
- Enable "Show on-screen keyboard when needed"
2. **Adjust Touch Settings:**
- System Settings > Input Devices > Touchpad/Touchscreen
- Adjust touch sensitivity
- Enable tap-to-click
3. **UI Scaling for Touch:**
- System Settings > Display and Monitor
- Set scale to 125% or 150% for better touch targets
4. **Disable Heavy Effects (for better performance):**
- System Settings > Workspace Behavior > Desktop Effects
- Disable resource-intensive effects
- Keep basic animations enabled
### Step 5: Reboot
```bash
sudo reboot
```
---
## Post-Installation Verification
After reboot, verify KDE is working:
```bash
echo $XDG_CURRENT_DESKTOP
# Should show: KDE or plasma
ps aux | grep -i plasma
# Should show KDE processes running
```
---
## Reverting to LXDE
### Method 1: Switch at Login Screen (Easiest)
1. Log out of current session
2. At the login screen, click on the session/desktop selector (usually top-right)
3. Select "Openbox" or "RPD-X" session
4. Log in
### Method 1b: Use Revert Script
A revert script is provided: `revert-to-lxde.sh`
```bash
# Copy script to device and run
./revert-to-lxde.sh
```
### Method 2: Change Default Session
```bash
# Set LXDE as default
sudo update-alternatives --config x-session-manager
# Select LXDE option (usually /usr/bin/startlxde or similar)
```
### Method 3: Remove KDE (Complete Revert)
If you want to completely remove KDE:
```bash
# Remove KDE packages
sudo apt-get remove --purge kde-plasma-desktop kde-standard
sudo apt-get autoremove -y
sudo apt-get autoclean
# Restore LXDE as default
sudo update-alternatives --config x-session-manager
# Select LXDE
# Reboot
sudo reboot
```
### Method 4: Reinstall LXDE (if removed)
If LXDE was accidentally removed:
```bash
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install --reinstall lxde
sudo update-alternatives --config x-session-manager
```
---
## Troubleshooting
### KDE Won't Start
```bash
# Check if KDE is installed
dpkg -l | grep kde-plasma
# Check available sessions
ls /usr/share/xsessions/
# Try starting KDE manually
startplasma-wayland
# or
startplasma-x11
```
### Performance Issues
- Disable desktop effects in System Settings
- Reduce animation duration
- Use X11 instead of Wayland (if Wayland is causing issues)
### Touchscreen Not Working
```bash
# Check touchscreen device
xinput list
# Calibrate touchscreen
sudo apt-get install xinput-calibrator
xinput_calibrator
```
### Chromium Autostart Issues
Your existing Chromium autostart configuration should work with KDE.
If it doesn't, check:
```bash
cat ~/.config/autostart/chromium-kiosk.desktop
```
---
## Performance Notes
- **Expected RAM Usage**: 400-800MB for KDE Plasma
- **Expected CPU Usage**: Low to moderate (Cortex-A72 handles it well)
- **Boot Time**: Slightly longer than LXDE (~10-15 seconds more)
---
## Files Modified/Created
- `/usr/share/xsessions/` - Desktop session files
- `~/.config/plasma-org.kde.plasma.desktop-appletsrc` - KDE panel configuration
- `~/.config/kwinrc` - Window manager settings
- `~/.config/plasmarc` - Plasma settings
---
## Backup Before Installation
To create a backup of current desktop settings:
```bash
# Backup current desktop configuration
mkdir -p ~/desktop-backup
cp -r ~/.config/lx* ~/desktop-backup/ 2>/dev/null
cp -r ~/.config/openbox ~/desktop-backup/ 2>/dev/null
```
---
## Rollback Checklist
If you need to revert:
- [ ] Switch session at login screen (easiest)
- [ ] Change default session via update-alternatives
- [ ] Remove KDE packages if needed
- [ ] Verify LXDE is working
- [ ] Check Chromium autostart still works
- [ ] Verify touchscreen calibration
---
## Support
If you encounter issues:
1. Check system logs: `journalctl -xe`
2. Check X/Wayland logs: `~/.xsession-errors`
3. Verify packages: `dpkg -l | grep kde`
4. Check available sessions: `ls /usr/share/xsessions/`

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# KDE Plasma Installation Summary
## Installation Status: ✅ COMPLETE
**Date**: 2026-01-09
**Device**: Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (8GB RAM)
**Previous Desktop**: LXDE with Openbox
**New Desktop**: KDE Plasma (X11)
---
## What Was Installed
### Core Packages
-`kde-plasma-desktop` - KDE Plasma desktop environment
-`maliit-keyboard` - On-screen keyboard for touchscreen
- ✅ Additional KDE components and dependencies
### Available Sessions
-**Plasma (X11)** - `/usr/share/xsessions/plasmax11.desktop`
-**LXDE/Openbox** - Still available for revert
-**RPD-X** - Original Raspberry Pi desktop
---
## Current System State
### Session Manager Status
- **Current Default**: `/usr/bin/startx-rpd` (LXDE - unchanged)
- **KDE Available**: `/usr/bin/startplasma-x11` (priority 40)
- **LXDE Available**: `/usr/bin/lxsession` (priority 49)
### Backup Created
- ✅ Desktop configuration backed up to: `~/desktop-backup/`
- ✅ Session manager configuration saved
---
## How to Use KDE Plasma
### First Time Setup
1. **Log out of current session**
```bash
# Or simply reboot
sudo reboot
```
2. **At login screen:**
- Look for session/desktop selector (usually top-right corner)
- Click and select **"Plasma (X11)"** or **"plasmax11"**
- Enter credentials and log in
3. **First boot into KDE:**
- KDE will initialize (may take 30-60 seconds first time)
- You may see a welcome screen - you can skip it
- Desktop will appear with KDE panel
4. **Configure for Touchscreen:**
- System Settings > Input Devices > Virtual Keyboard
- Enable "Show on-screen keyboard when needed"
- System Settings > Display and Monitor
- Set scale to 125% or 150% for better touch targets
- System Settings > Workspace Behavior > Desktop Effects
- Disable heavy effects for better performance
---
## Chromium Autostart
Your existing Chromium autostart configuration will work with KDE:
- ✅ File: `~/.config/autostart/chromium-kiosk.desktop`
- ✅ Script: `~/start-chromium.sh`
Chromium will start automatically when KDE desktop loads.
---
## Reverting to LXDE
### Quick Method (Recommended)
1. Log out
2. At login screen, select "Openbox" or "RPD-X" session
3. Log in
### Using Revert Script
```bash
# Copy revert-to-lxde.sh to device
scp revert-to-lxde.sh pi@10.130.60.253:~/
ssh pi@10.130.60.253 "chmod +x ~/revert-to-lxde.sh && ~/revert-to-lxde.sh"
```
### Manual Revert
```bash
sudo update-alternatives --config x-session-manager
# Select: /usr/bin/startx-rpd or /usr/bin/lxsession
```
---
## Performance Expectations
### RAM Usage
- **LXDE**: ~200-300MB
- **KDE Plasma**: ~400-800MB
- **Available**: ~6.7GB (plenty of headroom)
### CPU Usage
- **Idle**: Low (< 5%)
- **Active**: Moderate (10-30%)
- **Heavy tasks**: May see some lag on Cortex-A72
### Boot Time
- **LXDE**: ~20-30 seconds
- **KDE Plasma**: ~30-45 seconds (first boot may be longer)
---
## Troubleshooting
### KDE Won't Start
```bash
# Check if installed
dpkg -l | grep kde-plasma
# Check available sessions
ls /usr/share/xsessions/
# Try manual start (if logged in via SSH)
DISPLAY=:0 startplasma-x11
```
### Performance Issues
- Disable desktop effects: System Settings > Workspace Behavior > Desktop Effects
- Reduce animations: System Settings > Workspace Behavior > General Behavior
- Use X11 (already configured) instead of Wayland
### Touchscreen Issues
```bash
# Check touchscreen device
xinput list
# Calibrate if needed
sudo apt-get install xinput-calibrator
xinput_calibrator
```
### Chromium Not Starting
- Check autostart file: `cat ~/.config/autostart/chromium-kiosk.desktop`
- Check script: `cat ~/start-chromium.sh`
- Manual test: `DISPLAY=:0 ~/start-chromium.sh`
---
## Files and Locations
### Configuration Files
- KDE config: `~/.config/plasma*`
- KDE panel: `~/.config/plasma-org.kde.plasma.desktop-appletsrc`
- Window manager: `~/.config/kwinrc`
- Session: `/usr/share/xsessions/plasmax11.desktop`
### Backup Location
- `~/desktop-backup/` - Original LXDE configuration
### Documentation
- `KDE-INSTALLATION-GUIDE.md` - Full installation and revert guide
- `revert-to-lxde.sh` - Automated revert script
- `TOUCHSCREEN-DESKTOP-OPTIONS.md` - Desktop environment comparison
---
## Next Steps
1. ✅ **Reboot the device**
```bash
ssh pi@10.130.60.253 "sudo reboot"
```
2. ✅ **Select KDE at login**
- Choose "Plasma (X11)" from session selector
3. ✅ **Configure touchscreen settings**
- Enable on-screen keyboard
- Adjust UI scaling
- Disable heavy effects
4. ✅ **Test Chromium autostart**
- Verify Chromium starts in fullscreen
- Check if it properly fills the screen
---
## Support
If you encounter issues:
1. Check logs: `journalctl -xe`
2. Check X session: `~/.xsession-errors`
3. Verify packages: `dpkg -l | grep kde`
4. Review documentation: `KDE-INSTALLATION-GUIDE.md`
---
## Notes
- KDE Plasma is installed but **not set as default** - you choose at login
- LXDE is still available and can be selected at any time
- All original configurations are backed up
- Chromium autostart will work with both desktops
- Performance should be acceptable on Pi 4 with 8GB RAM

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# Touchscreen-Friendly Desktop Environments for reTerminal DM4
## Current Setup
- **Screen**: 10-inch, 1280x800 resolution
- **Current DE**: LXDE with Openbox
- **Display Server**: Wayland (with Xwayland)
## Recommended Desktop Environments
### 1. KDE Plasma (Best for Touchscreen) ⭐ RECOMMENDED
**Pros:**
- Excellent touch support with large touch targets
- Built-in on-screen keyboard (Maliit)
- Gesture support
- Scalable UI elements
- Modern, polished interface
- Good performance on Raspberry Pi 5
**Installation:**
```bash
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install kde-plasma-desktop
# Or for full KDE experience:
sudo apt-get install kde-standard
```
**After installation:**
```bash
# Set KDE as default desktop
sudo update-alternatives --config x-session-manager
# Select KDE/Plasma option
# Enable touchscreen optimizations
# In System Settings > Workspace Behavior > Desktop Effects
# Enable touch gestures and adjust touch settings
```
**Size**: ~500-800 MB
---
### 2. GNOME (Good Touch Support)
**Pros:**
- Excellent touch and gesture support
- Large, finger-friendly interface
- Built-in on-screen keyboard (Caribou)
- Modern, tablet-like experience
- Good Wayland support
**Cons:**
- More resource-intensive than LXDE
- May be slower on older Pi models
**Installation:**
```bash
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install gnome-core
# Or full GNOME:
sudo apt-get install gnome
```
**After installation:**
```bash
# Set GNOME as default
sudo update-alternatives --config x-session-manager
# Select GNOME option
# Enable touch optimizations in GNOME Settings
# Settings > Universal Access > Enable on-screen keyboard
```
**Size**: ~1-1.5 GB
---
### 3. XFCE with Touch Optimizations
**Pros:**
- Lightweight but more touch-friendly than LXDE
- Customizable
- Good performance
- Can be configured for touch
**Installation:**
```bash
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install xfce4 xfce4-goodies
# Install on-screen keyboard
sudo apt-get install onboard
```
**Touch optimizations:**
```bash
# Increase icon sizes, touch targets
# Configure in Settings > Appearance > Icons (set to 48px or larger)
# Settings > Panel > Increase panel size
```
**Size**: ~200-300 MB
---
### 4. Phosh (Mobile-First Desktop)
**Pros:**
- Designed specifically for touch devices
- Very lightweight
- Mobile/tablet interface
- Built-in on-screen keyboard
**Cons:**
- Less mature on Raspberry Pi
- May require more configuration
**Installation:**
```bash
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install phosh phosh-tour
```
**Size**: ~100-200 MB
---
### 5. Lomiri (Ubuntu Touch Desktop)
**Pros:**
- Designed for touch from the ground up
- Mobile-first interface
- Gesture-based navigation
**Cons:**
- May not be in Debian repositories
- Requires more setup
**Installation:**
```bash
# May need to add Ubuntu Touch repositories
# Check availability in Debian repos first
```
---
## Comparison Table
| Desktop Environment | Touch Support | Performance | Size | Ease of Setup |
|---------------------|---------------|-------------|------|---------------|
| **KDE Plasma** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium | Easy |
| **GNOME** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Large | Easy |
| **XFCE** | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Small | Easy |
| **Phosh** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Small | Medium |
| **LXDE (Current)** | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Very Small | N/A |
---
## Recommended: KDE Plasma
For a 10-inch touchscreen, **KDE Plasma** offers the best balance of:
- Touch-friendliness
- Performance
- Features
- Ease of use
## Installation Steps for KDE Plasma
1. **Install KDE Plasma:**
```bash
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install kde-plasma-desktop
```
2. **Install on-screen keyboard:**
```bash
sudo apt-get install maliit-keyboard
```
3. **Set as default desktop:**
```bash
sudo update-alternatives --config x-session-manager
# Select: /usr/bin/startplasma-wayland or /usr/bin/startplasma-x11
```
4. **Configure touch settings:**
- System Settings > Input Devices > Touchpad/Touchscreen
- Adjust touch sensitivity and gestures
- Enable tap-to-click
5. **Enable on-screen keyboard:**
- System Settings > Input Devices > Virtual Keyboard
- Enable "Show on-screen keyboard when needed"
6. **Adjust UI scaling:**
- System Settings > Display and Monitor
- Set scale to 125% or 150% for better touch targets
7. **Reboot:**
```bash
sudo reboot
```
## Switching Back to LXDE
If you want to switch back:
```bash
sudo update-alternatives --config x-session-manager
# Select LXDE option
```
## Touchscreen Calibration (if needed)
```bash
# Install calibration tool
sudo apt-get install xinput-calibrator
# Run calibration
xinput_calibrator
# Follow on-screen instructions to calibrate touch points
```
## Additional Touch Optimizations
### Increase Touch Targets
Edit `~/.gtkrc-2.0` and `~/.config/gtk-3.0/gtk.css`:
```css
* {
min-width: 44px;
min-height: 44px;
}
```
### Enable Touch Gestures
- Install `libinput-gestures`:
```bash
sudo apt-get install libinput-gestures
```
### Font Scaling
- Increase system font size in desktop settings
- Recommended: 12-14pt for 10-inch screens
## Notes
- **Wayland vs X11**: KDE Plasma and GNOME work well with Wayland, which has better touch support
- **Performance**: KDE Plasma is well-optimized for Raspberry Pi 5
- **Chromium**: Your existing Chromium setup will work with any desktop environment
- **Autostart**: Your autostart configuration will work with any DE
## Resources
- KDE Plasma: https://kde.org/plasma-desktop/
- GNOME: https://www.gnome.org/
- Phosh: https://source.puri.sm/Librem5/phosh

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#!/bin/bash
# Revert to LXDE Desktop Environment
# This script helps revert from KDE Plasma back to LXDE
echo "=== Reverting to LXDE Desktop Environment ==="
echo ""
# Check if running as root for some operations
if [ "$EUID" -ne 0 ]; then
echo "Some operations require sudo. You may be prompted for your password."
echo ""
fi
# Method 1: Change default session
echo "Step 1: Setting LXDE as default session..."
echo "You will be prompted to select the session manager."
echo ""
sudo update-alternatives --config x-session-manager
# Method 2: Verify LXDE packages are still installed
echo ""
echo "Step 2: Verifying LXDE packages..."
if dpkg -l | grep -q "lxsession"; then
echo "✓ LXDE packages are installed"
else
echo "⚠ LXDE packages not found. Reinstalling..."
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install --reinstall lxde
fi
# Method 3: Check available sessions
echo ""
echo "Step 3: Available desktop sessions:"
ls -1 /usr/share/xsessions/ | grep -E "openbox|rpd|lxde" || echo "No LXDE sessions found"
echo ""
echo "=== Revert Complete ==="
echo ""
echo "To use LXDE:"
echo "1. Log out of current session"
echo "2. At login screen, click on session/desktop selector"
echo "3. Select 'Openbox' or 'RPD-X' session"
echo "4. Log in"
echo ""
echo "Or reboot and select LXDE at login:"
echo " sudo reboot"