This module is used to change some of the most commonly needed options for the KDE desktop.
This module has two tabs, labeled: Desktop and Appearance.
The Desktop tab is divided into 3 sections: Desktop Icons/Menus, Mouse Buttons, and Pathnames.
The top section has three options:
If this option is enabled, KDE will place all of the icons in columns along the left side of the screen whenever you select "Arrange Icons" from the Desktop Menu. If this option is disabled, then KDE will place all icons in a row along the top of the screen.
If this option is enabled, then all hidden files will appear on the desktop. Generally this only clutters your desktop area, but if you are often working with hidden files or directories, this can be useful.
![]() | Be very careful when deleting or modifying hidden files. Many of these files are configuration files and are essential for the correct operation of your computer. |
This option determines whether there is a menu across the top of the KDE Desktop.
The mouse button section allows you to determine what happens when you click one of the three mouse buttons on the Desktop (where there is no window).
![]() | Not all mice have three buttons. Two button mice can usually activate the "Middle button" by pressing both the Left and Right mouse buttons at the same time. |
For each of the three mouse buttons, you can select:
When you use this mouse button, nothing happens.
This brings up a submenu with all the virtual desktops. Under each virtual desktop, you can select any window currently located on that desktop. Once selected, KDE will switch to that desktop, and place the focus on that window.
This brings up a submenu with commands specific to KDE. You can create icons, edit bookmarks, cut and paste, get help, run commands, configure KDE, arrange icons, lock the screen and log out of KDE. The exact content of the menu varies depending on the current status of KDE.
This brings up the Application Menus (also know as the "K Menus"), so you can start a new application.
You can use this section to configure where Desktop files, Trash files, and Autostart files are stored on your computer. By changing the values in these paths, you will automatically move the files from their previous to their new location.
![]() | If you are reading this, you probably shouldn't be changing the Pathnames. You can render your system unusable if incorrect values are entered here. |
The appearance tab has 6 options.
You can change the relative size of the text on the Desktop. Choices are: Small, Medium and Large.
This option can be used to change the typeface used on the desktop. Simply select your typeface from the dropdown box.
This option lets you select the color of normal (or unhighlighted) text.
This option lets you select the background color of normal text. If left unchecked, the text has a transparent background.
Determines if file names are underlined on the Desktop.
This section written by Mike McBride <mpmcbride7@yahoo.com>.