Lxpanel for Lucid Puppy 5.2.8-6

[vicmz]

This was actually mikeslr's idea, any feedback and/or improvements are much appreciated.

Lucid Puppy is being updated by Rerwin:

http://www.murga-linux.com/puppy/viewto ... 108#726108

Lucid already has Openbox, and the whole OpenboxPlus is not Lucid-compatible anyway. So I made this Lxpanel PET that disables FBpanel and installs Lxpanel, along with radky's PupShutdown and PupClockset, and SFR's Take a Shot! Download:

New version 2013-11-07

Install then restart X to apply. FBpanel is not removed but only deactivated (thanks to musher0). If you want to restore FBpanel you have to click Menu > Desktop > Restore FBpanel, then uninstall the Lxpanel PET and restart X. The steps must be done in that order.
http://yadi.sk/d/MXyGuaGRCUFs5
If FBpanel is not restored, type in terminal:

Code: Select all

[ "`which panelfb`" ] && mv /usr/bin/panelfb /usr/bin/fbpanel

Older version (in case new version doesn't work)
http://yadi.sk/d/ksfoaSThC5sGX

This Lxpanel package gives Lucid the same panel setup as in OpenboxPlus, but it doesn't change the default themes. It's recommended to test in a fresh RAM session first - if you're satisfied, you may save session and keep customizing, otherwise simply reboot and stay with FBpanel. You may install directly into your current save file if you are sure that you prefer Lxpanel over FBpanel.

This simple PET adds a selection of Openbox and GTK themes:

http://yadi.sk/d/3cnO3i8kBya69

For other Puppies that don't have either Openbox or LXDE, you may want to get OpenboxPlus:

http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?t=86206

[musher0]

Hello, vicmz.

As the devil's advocate , I'll suggest that people stay with fbpanel
as long as they can, especially since there is
1) a new icon set and a new way to configure fbpanel!
http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic. ... ost#733983
2) and that fbpanel supports at least two instances of itself.

Not to mention that fbpanel requires less memory and disk occupation
than lxpanel.

Of course you have to be a "patient craftsman" with the fbpanel
configuration file to get the results I got... That's a plus or a minus,
depending on the point of view: it can be fun -- or a chore.

You're doing a good job with your lxpanel, congratulations for that, but
it's not going to cancel out the worth of fbpanel. Don't jump on fbpanel's
back, it is still a good alternative.

Best regards. BFN.

musher0

[vicmz]

Hello, vicmz.

As the devil's advocate , I'll suggest that people stay with fbpanel
as long as they can, especially since there is
1) a new icon set and a new way to configure fbpanel!
http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic. ... ost#733983
2) and that fbpanel supports at least two instances of itself.

Not to mention that fbpanel requires less memory and disk occupation
than lxpanel.

Devil's advocate? You're overreacting. All I did is to provide a solution for those who like Lxpanel, which is in fact a derivative of FBpanel. I also made a different Openbox package with FBpanel only:

http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?t=86290

I like FBpanel, too. I may likely put it in the OpenboxPlus package for those who'd like to have it in mainstream Puppies as well. The FBpanel menu is more stylish than the Lxpanel one.

However, from Lxpanel, Tint2 and FBpanel, the easiest one to customize is Lxpanel, for it has GUI's for most of the job, so you only write scripts if you want something special like the top panel in my screenshots. Tint2 remains the most difficult (and the only one that doesn't have a menu).

[playdayz]

Just a random comment, but I liked LxpanelX from one version of Lxpup--I think because it had more or easier config--maybe more intuitive config by clicking on the panel? Sorry I can't remember, and I dont' know any other differences.

[vicmz]

Just a random comment, but I liked LxpanelX from one version of Lxpup--I think because it had more or easier config--maybe more intuitive config by clicking on the panel? Sorry I can't remember, and I dont' know any other differences.

LxpanelX looks just like Lxpanel and has the same functions but with slightly different configuration interfaces. I can have my custom Puppy menu and panels but I had a couple of issues, for example I installed right now and had to start the panel manually, when I restart X the panel is gone until I manually restart again. The only advantage I can see is that lxpanelxctl is better, lxpanelctl segfaults at times, yet it's not enough for me to consider switching to Lxpanelx.

[RSH]

Tint2 remains the most difficult (and the only one that doesn't have a menu).

Tint2 Panel AND Openbox Menu!

[peebee]

LxpanelX looks just like Lxpanel and has the same functions but with slightly different configuration interfaces.

The main reason for using LxPanelX in LxPup13.10 is the "Go below when not in use" feature which does not occur in LxPanel. Some tweaking is needed to convince OpenBox that LxPanelX is really LxPanel so they play nicely together.

Cheers
peebee

[vicmz]

Tint2 remains the most difficult (and the only one that doesn't have a menu).

Tint2 Panel AND Openbox Menu!

I mean Tint2 doesn't have its own xdg menu, yet it's a nice choice if you don't mind to write some config scripts manually.

Lxpanel menu wasn't that easy, I had to rewrite it so that includes all program 'Category' entries possible in .desktop files, this way all programs are shown in the menu and in the launchbar applet when you want to add them as direct access (PupShutdown and TAS are added like this to the left of the panel in my setups).

The main reason for using LxPanelX in LxPup13.10 is the "Go below when not in use" feature which does not occur in LxPanel.

I use that feature all the time, ever since I started my Openbox remix. Look:

[musher0]

Hello, RSH and all,

For an alternative xdg menu, with Tint2 or whatever,
one could try aragon's simple puppy menu 3:
http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic. ... 16&t=84166

Regards.

musher0

[peebee]

The main reason for using LxPanelX in LxPup13.10 is the "Go below when not in use" feature which does not occur in LxPanel.

I use that feature all the time, ever since I started my Openbox remix. Look:

They are subtly but importantly different - in LxPanelX the panel only disappears when a window covers it - in LxPanel the panel disappears whenever it is not in focus even if there is nothing covering it - I personally prefer the LxPanelX behaviour.....

Cheers
peebee

[vicmz]

The main reason for using LxPanelX in LxPup13.10 is the "Go below when not in use" feature which does not occur in LxPanel.

I use that feature all the time, ever since I started my Openbox remix. Look:

They are subtly but importantly different - in LxPanelX the panel only disappears when a window covers it - in LxPanel the panel disappears whenever it is not in focus even if there is nothing covering it

Allright, I admit that's a good one. Para gustos, los colores (Each to his own taste).

[vicmz]

New version 2013-11-03 featuring a small update to the xdg menu, see first post.

[mikeslr]

Hi vicmz and all,

SOLVED. SEE POSTS FOLLOWING THIS.

Regretfully, I must report a major problem with Lxpanel for Lucid. I moved my Savefile with fbpanel into a protected folder and booted into LupuLibre-5.2.8.6 “pfix=ram

[vicmz]

This is a hard one.
I found something related:
http://my.opera.com/stu90/blog/2011/03/ ... int2-panel
Stu explained that the xinitrc file should be edited. Right now I can't use my computer so meanwhile anyone who is brave enough could test. FYI, I set the pinstall to remove all fbpanel files, it just doesn't seem enough.

[musher0]

This is a hard one.
I found something related:
http://my.opera.com/stu90/blog/2011/03/ ... int2-panel
Stu explained that the xinitrc file should be edited. Right now I can't use my computer so meanwhile anyone who is brave enough could test. FYI, I set the pinstall to remove all fbpanel files, it just doesn't seem enough.

Hi, vicmz and mikesir.

There is a double launch of fbpanel and lxpanel in the .xinitrc. Barry
probably thought the user could not have the two on the same Puppy, so
he activated both.

@vicmz
In any case, I would suggest that you do not touch .xinitrc. Simply
exterminate fbpanel more thoroughly! Add this little script to your
pinstall.sh to get the insect completely out of the way.

Code: Select all

#!/bin/sh
# /root/my-applications/bin/rename-fbpanel.sh
# To rename fbpanel
####
[ "`which fbpanel`" ] && mv /usr/bin/fbpanel /usr/bin/panelfb

And this one somewhere else to restore the insect.

Code: Select all

#!/bin/sh
# /root/my-applications/bin/restore-fbpanel.sh
# To restore fbpanel
####
[ "`which panelfb`" ] && mv /usr/bin/panelfb /usr/bin/fbpanel

Now there is left to find a way to tell the user that fbpanel has been
renamed, and how (s)he can restore fbpanel, if (s)he does not like
your lxpanel variation.

Bye for now.

musher0
~~~~~~~~~~~
P.S. Actually,

Code: Select all

[ "`which fbpanel`" ] && mv /usr/bin/fbpanel /usr/bin/panelfb

is the only code you need to put in your pinstall.sh.

If you rename fbpanel to panelfb, .xinitrc will not find fbpanel, and you
will not need to remove any fbpanel configurations, since they will be in
no danger of being called by a now non-existent fbpanel.

[musher0]

@vicmz

Also, in your pinstall.sh, you have

Code: Select all

rm -r -f /usr/sbin/pfbpanel

That's tough. What if the user does not like your lxpanel variation
and wants to restore fbpanel and its configuration utility? It's none of
my business, of course, but I think that

Code: Select all

mv /usr/sbin/pfbpanel /usr/bin/panelpfb

and

Code: Select all

mv /usr/sbin/panelpfb /usr/bin/pfbpanel

somewhere else, would be more respectful of the user.

Or do not do anything at all to pfbpanel, since it is not in the way,
at all, of lxpanel.

Only a thought.

Respectfully,

musher0

[mikeslr]

Hi vicmz & musher0 and All,

Musher0, yours suggestions are probably the better and safer way, but before you posted I had already followed vicmz link and performed the actions suggested by Stu. Big thanks to Stu for the instructions and vicmz for finding them.
After doing so fbpanel no longer appeared on install of pet, load of sfs, or reboot. And PupClocksetManager was able to change the clock format.

And while its a matter of personal choice, I like fbpanel, but use it only if lxpanel isn't available.

mikesLr

[vicmz]

I had already followed vicmz link and performed the actions suggested by Stu. Big thanks to Stu for the instructions and vicmz for finding them.
After doing so fbpanel no longer appeared on install of pet, load of sfs, or reboot. And PupClocksetManager was able to change the clock format.

Glad to learn that you could solve it. I'll work on an appropriate fix.

What if the user does not like your lxpanel variation
and wants to restore fbpanel and its configuration utility?

It's recommended to test in a fresh RAM session first - if you're satisfied, you may save session and keep customizing, otherwise simply reboot and stay with FBpanel. You may install directly into your current save file if you are sure that you prefer Lxpanel over FBpanel.

However I understand your point and appreciate your help. I didn't think it that way. Also, if there are unexpected issues with Lxpanel the user will want to restore Fbpanel. So, as I said, I'll work on an appropriate fix. Thank you all for reporting.

[vicmz]

A new version is available in the first post. It has musher0's fix.