Changine OpenSuSE 11.2 Login Theme

I just completed installing OpenSuSE 11.2 64 bit last night. And for the first time, would like to customize it a bit more than I have in the past by changing the desktop. I am running KDE4.

Searching the web has shown a possibility that changing the login theme may be broken.

Any confirmed notions on this?

Does hardware make a diffence on the ability to change the login theme? I have found a document to change the GRUB boot loader theme that I havent tried yet. I as just starting on the login theme first.

Thanks in advance,
John

I couldn’t get login themes to install from the web but downloading the login theme then install new theme from file worked fine.

Is there a good source to locate themes?

Thanks,
John

Also, I am trying to change the theme via login manager with no luck. Is there any good reason for this?

Thanks,
John

For the login screen in kde4 it is in /usr/share/kde4/apps/kdm/themes. When you get there look for the theme that you want and type it in yast2-system-/etc/sysconfig editor-desktop-display manager-DISPLAYMANAGER_KDM-THEME. That is if you are using kdm.

In kde systemsettings (Personal settings) you have to set your login manager-theme also.

Joerione,
Ok, I see the themes in the folder. Do you know where the downloaded themes are saved? When you goto login manager, you can click “Get Themes”, and after you click install, it shows installed. Unaware where the theme is hiding.

Thanks,
John

Not sure about that. I have not installed a new theme in kde 4.
How did you install it? My guess is your newly installed theme went to /usr/share/themes. Try looking there if it is, you might be able to use it by linking to /usr/share/kde4/apps/kdm/themes

Is there a readme on the theme package that you install. You might find an instruction on where it will be installed.

The login manager was installed by default.
I am not seeing the themes I downloaded in the suggested location.

I will keep looking,
Thanks,
John

Opps sorry, Are you asking about the login manager or the login theme?
Did you use yast to install it.

That sounds correct. I am dealing with the screen that shows up after booting when the system is waiting for user to login. I am using KDE, and assume KDM is the login/window manager thats running at this time.

Thanks,
John

You downloded the theme using the get themes in the login manager in systemsettings. I just tried it and look like it is a failure.
It does not go through. Have you tried downloading a theme manually and use the login manager to install from file? Sorry I don’t think I can help you more. I have not use this feature. I got scared installing themes by reading the thread in the chit chat section. http://forums.opensuse.org/general-chit-chat/428281-you-there-malicious-script-installed-deb-please-read.html#post2085656

You have confirmed what I thought. I am not sure where to find the themes. I guess I will leave this alone till OpenSuSE can get the resolved.

Thanks for taking the time.

Thanks,
John

You can download the login themes here

Eyecandy for your KDE-Desktop - KDE-Look.org

save them anywhere in your home folder

to install a new login theme go to Configure Desktop from the menu then Appearance then Splash Screen then Install Theme file and browse to your downloaded Splash theme file

I believe this is what you are looking for?

Ski-2k,
Thanks for responding. I had no luck. I will wait till KDE group fixes the tools.

Thanks again,
John

John,

I changed my KDM 4 theme using this way:

  1. Choose a new theme: in /usr/share/kde4/apps/kdm/themes there are 4 themes by default or you can go in kde-look.org and download a new theme.
  2. If you downloaded the theme you have to extract it and put it in the /usr/share/kde4/apps/kdm/themes and change the own (root.root) and permission of the new folder to 755.
  3. Go to the YAST -> System -> /etc/sysconfig Editor and change the value in Desktop -> Display Manager -> DISPLAYMANAGER_KDM_THEME to the name of a new folder theme.
  4. Save the changes, and restart the computer.

For all these steps you need to be root.

Good luck!