Hello
Using leap 15.0 with kde and sddm I cannot switch to another user.
I will display always my user already logged in or a user on virtual konsole
but I cannot login to other linux user so I have on VT7 first user and on VT8 second user…
Any idea?
And how do you try to swirtch users? Can you elaborate a bit more on what you’re trying to achieve?
Hm, this one is about Gnome, but I see many similarities:
Here a little bit more information.
I try to switch to other user within a kde session of my user.
Kde Menu: Power/Session->Switch User
The “New Session” + is greyed out
Clicking of “Change User” appears locked screen with my user only to unlock or to “switch user”.
There it should come login manager to select other user.
If you click on “switch user” other screen apears with “Start New Session” click there again comes lock screen of my user.
No chance to select other user!
I changed from sddm to xdm and there it works right.
So it seems to be a problem of sddm…
I just tested that. Yes, “New Session +” is greyed out. But “Switch” worked for me. It got me an SDDM login screen to login as a different user.
After that login, I can check that the first user is still there (CTRL-ALT-F7) and the second user is there (CTRL-ALT-F8).
However, when I logout as the second user, then both users are logged out or otherwise ended. So it isn’t very satisfactory.
It seems that this is behaving differently for different people.
I never actually use this facility, so I’m not greatly bothered. But it does seem buggy.
The behaviour is the same for me (running openSUSE Leap as a VM guest).
However, when I logout as the second user, then both users are logged out or otherwise ended. So it isn’t very satisfactory.
It seems that this is behaving differently for different people.
It seems that way. For me, it is working on the system I tested it on. I have a dual boot system that I can test it on as well.
I never actually use this facility, so I’m not greatly bothered. But it does seem buggy.
Same here in general.
I did some further testing of this.
Also I should have mentioned that I was testing in a KVM virtual machine.
Here’s what seems to work:
DO NOT use “switch user” from the menu. Instead, use “lock screen”. Then on the lock screen, you can click “New session” and login to a new user. To switch back, again use “lock screen”.
I’m glad that I never actually use this facility. It seems counter-intuitive.
I haven’t found the need to do that. Strange. When I get some time I’ll check out the behaviour on my other laptop.
Just tried with lock screen. Same behavior. Even uid of user > 1000…
I need this feature because I use a “save” user for example to banking stuff, orders etc. and a “normal” one to work…
So switching is the rapid solution…
Just a thought - Have you considered using KDE virtual desktops or activities instead?
https://privustech.com/index.php/2017/08/15/make-linux-kde-plasma-activities-work-for-you/
https://www.reddit.com/r/kde/comments/4wkq5v/activities_what_am_i_missing_by_not_using_them/
https://forum.kde.org/viewtopic.php?t=139142
That does not change the user which is needed for things like banking etc per the OP. But then not sure what a person gains by that? Seems like a VM would be more secure or better yet an OS on a USB. If it is just a division of work areas then yes activities would be the way to go. if you drop an activity widget on the desktop or taskbar the switching is very fast. Not sure that virtual desktops are as useful in KDE5 versus KDE4 though since you can’t have unique wall papers and widgets any more :’(
Yes, agreed that it all depends on the exact preferences or requirements that the OP may have.
For me, they are just as useful. Their main use is to allow me to spread out my work and not have it all crammed into one small desktop.
I am using KDE/SDDM with three graphical sessions and use CTRL-ALT-F7 … F9 as well as Application Menu > Power / Session > Switch User frequently without ever experiencing buggy behavior. Thus the above may be an installation or configuration problem.
Virtual desktop offers definitely not the same. A different User protects you with the basic protection based on file ownership and permissions. Virtual desktops doesn’t. And Virtual desktops is severely broken now in KDE because you can not see in which one you are, thus increasing the possibility that you do something stupid in the wrong environment.
I do not know about activities (never feeled the urge to study it), but as it is all used by the same users (in the same session), it basicaly can not offer the same protection as a different user can.
I always advice to use a different user, even by the same human person, for e.g. a personal vs. bussines vs. being cashier of the local football club, etc. It is one of the main advantages a multi user, multi session operating system like Unix/Linux offers.
deano_ferrari;2871331]Just a thought - Have you considered using KDE virtual desktops or activities instead?
No I have not. Will have a look. Thanks!
I don’t think anyone suggested that it was the same 
It all depends on the isolation/security required - it was just a suggestion that may (or may not) suit an individuals needs or preferences.
I do not know about activities (never feeled the urge to study it)…,
Me neither, beyond a quick play with creating one or two additional activity desktops on the fly.
but as it is all used by the same users (in the same session), it basicaly can not offer the same protection as a different user can.
Yes, but it can be combined with Plasma Vault (Encrypted folders) and the visibility of given vaults limited to particular activities if desired. That might meet the requirements of some users.
https://www.fossadventures.com/testing-kde-plasma-vault-on-opensuse-leap-15/