Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

rasat · 2021-11-27 17:13:31

I have installed Fvwm3 (1.0.4-3) from AUR and myExt configs on Arch Linux. The VM works well. The Fvwm3 development has focused on the use of multi-monitors. And the myExt config collection on the virtual desk with a mouse scroll feature allows gliding from one page to another (2x4) on a single monitor/screen. Similar to having a large paper sheet of 8 screens (click on Virtual Desk image thumbnail}.

Everything is set up, just searching for the best way to create one iso for the live CD. Until then, here is the latest myExt 2.0. The main newness is the improved virtual desk config and the config file structure. Instead of a separate desk 2x2, it is now part of the main desk 2x4 with a button click (VM Desk). Also, the wallpaper and grid make it look a real move from one page to another (click on Virtual Desk image thumbnail}. This zip package is for Arch Linux including the wallpaper.

Download Fvwm Arch myExt 2.0:
https://rasatpc.net/download/arch/pkg/F … t-v2.0.zip

Virtual Desk 2x8

Note: Download link for live CD comming soon.

Last edited by rasat (2022-05-02 16:34:16)

saleem · 2021-11-29 09:01:19

Following , Interesting project indeed .

rasat · 2021-12-02 22:30:53

This Arch Linux FVWM3 myExt live and install iso is created with archiso. The aim is to test Fvwm3 with pre-made configs (myExt version 2.1). This collection of extensions makes the desk different from what you may have experienced before. Comments and feedback are welcome.

Login:
user: demo
pass: demo

Download: v0.8.7
https://sourceforge.net/projects/fvwm3- … nload-iso/

Grub splash:

More information (video + screentshots). Later Arch screenshots will be added.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/fvwm3- … tribution/

Last edited by rasat (2021-12-03 15:45:02)

rasat · 2021-12-03 15:50:42

New iso 0.8.7 is uploaded:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/fvwm3- … nload-iso/

myExt 2.1 includes key + mouse bindings:

VM Desk (alt-d)
Mouse scroll (alt-mouse left click)
Mouse lock scroll (ctrl-mouse left click)
Maximize (alt-m)
Minimize (thumbnail) (alt-t)
Close window (alt-x)

myExt "How to use the config features" help-image.

Last edited by rasat (2021-12-09 20:13:40)

rasat · 2021-12-08 18:49:13

Thank you for the input that I received.
Version 1.1 is now uploaded which includes LibreOffice and VLC (video player). Thunar file manager is replaced with PCmanFM, making it faster to explore the live CD.

One video is dedicated to the “Getting Things Done”-oriented FVWM config (February 2006) aimed for "stress-free productivity".
https://fvwmforums.org/t/getting-things … onfig/1135

Shows the new improvement of the Virtual Window Management in the FVWM3 myExt config collection ver. 2.2 (soft music after 2 min). Click thumbnail.

Last edited by rasat (2021-12-09 20:12:53)

rasat · 2021-12-12 19:34:07

For anyone who wants to install Arch Linux with this live CD, the installer or guide does NOT install the content. Advantages are there but done manually. For example, during the install besides creating root don't create another one. At the end of the install, login with chroot.

1) Either in terminal or file manager copy /etc/skel/ folder to <install partition>/etc/
2) useradd -m <name> (creates user's home directory and copies all files from /etc/skel/
3) Copy /mnt/ (includes /repo/Packages/custom repo with fvwm3) to <install partition> /mnt/
4) Copy /etc/pacman.conf to <install partition>/etc/
5) pacman -Syu fvwm3 + other packages listed in /home/demo/install.txt

Note: be careful with archinstall command..... for advanced users.

Last edited by rasat (2021-12-13 20:09:24)

Head_on_a_Stick · 2021-12-12 19:53:45

rasat wrote:

pacman -Sy fvwm3 + other packages listed in /home/demo/install.txt

https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/System … nsupported

qinohe · 2021-12-14 00:19:35

Hello rasat, I have my own ISO with FVWM3 on it. It runs on an older version 1.9 - 12-april of this year.
What I notice mostly is that my ISO is quick and programs start instantly.
Your ISO however, it is sluggish, programs do not respond immediately.
It could be the only reason for that is that you build the ISO with 'squashfs' and I build mine with 'erofs'.

What I would like to know is if I could have access to the profile and build the ISO with that files.
At least I would be able to try what it does if build with 'erofs', it would be bigger but there should be a difference.
Compression(LZMA) for erofs will be introduced with linux 5.16, far as I know, there may be a penalty for using it but I like erofs!

Well, the reason I ask for the files, I can hardly give any feedback beside ^^ what's already said, thanks!

Last edited by qinohe (2021-12-14 00:42:10)

rasat · 2021-12-14 18:49:41

qinohe wrote:

Your ISO however, it is sluggish, programs do not respond immediately.
It could be the only reason for that is that you build the ISO with 'squashfs' and I build mine with 'erofs'.

Thanks for the confirmation. I was "disappointed" with the slow loading of apps compared to the same content of MX Linux Fvwm3-myExt iso. This is why I replaced Thunar (took 30 sec in the first load) with PCmanFM. Good to know its just an iso build issue.

All files and configs I was using in archoiso build (/usr/share/archiso/config/releng/) I compressed /releng into zip. This includes:

../airoofs/etc/skel/.fvwm/ (fvwm3-myExt 2.3 config files)
../airoofs/mnt/repo/Packages/ (fvwm3 pkg)
../airoofs/usr/share/background/ (lightdm login wallpaper)
../syslinux/ (edited files)
profiledef.sh
packages.x8_64 (package list)
pacman.conf (includes custom repo)

Download:
https://rasatpc.net/download/arch/archi … ec2021.zip

myExt ver. 2.3:
https://rasatpc.net/download/arch/archi … t-v2.3.zip

qinohe · 2021-12-15 00:52:37

Thank you for hosting the profile!
First of all, it is a nice ISO. There needs to be some editing done to make it run smooth and good.
Using erofs it does run better tahn with squashfs, that's a fact!
If you like to try it, add these lines and remove existing ones from profiledef:

airootfs_image_type="erofs"
airootfs_image_tool_options=('-zlz4hc,12')

First things first, I noticed there are traces of multiple users and dirs(nomacs, xfce4-screenshooter etc.) that don't exist.
Be sure the profile is clean and you don't use copied configs but edit a fresh one is the 'cleanest' method.
If you do use existing configs remove all! traces of paths, users etc. from the host/s configuration/s.

A very easy and useful method is to mount a virtual HD to your ISO, do your edits and save them on the virtual HD.
Now mount the virtual HD on the host and copy the edited configs to your profile, create ISO and voila all done.

Okay than lightdm, it is unnecessary overhead for only one 'WM". Same for the password it's an ISO, it's protecting what?
So I would say autologin user and autostart fvwm would ... help.

Now, I don't know what you will think about this, but, I shoot anyway.
Updating a fvwm-EXT profile is quite a lot of work to add all 'my' edits and patches to that updated profile.
I'm still thinking about a solution for that 'issue', I mean if most or everything is in one config file than diffing it is easy.
Or you making a change log would also be appreciated ;-)

I may find more going through the files, anyway, these are my first observations. You could think a little different about some things but you should definitely fix the issues.

rasat · 2021-12-15 17:57:10

Thanks, I will take a look at erofs.

qinohe wrote:

Updating a fvwm-EXT profile is quite a lot of work to add all 'my' edits and patches to that updated profile.
I'm still thinking about a solution for that 'issue', I mean if most or everything is in one config file than diffing it is easy.
Or you making a change log would also be appreciated ;-)

This is the reason I named it "myExtensions" not to make official configs to get "blamed" when overwritten by an update. Some users are starting to take an interest, so the solution is to do the same as with the default FVWM configs. Those configs are not edited but the settings and actions changed with new related configs. In other words, to make default myExt configs and a folder(s) were to change the settings. I think this will be the aim for version 3.x.

Last edited by rasat (2021-12-15 18:01:06)

qinohe · 2021-12-15 22:28:27

rasat wrote:

I think this will be the aim for version 3.x.

Version 3?, at the current rate of development I'll be old and grey...

Something I forgot to mention in my previous post, you can't put the customrepo in airootfs/mnt, well you can but you'd need to change the path in pacman.conf. I couldn't use your repo anyway because of a build exception, so I used my own.

You also have 'rtl8821ce-dkms-git' in that repo, drivers are very specific it's your choice OC but I would put specific software as minimal as possible on your end product.

rasat · 2021-12-15 23:16:00

qinohe wrote:

rasat wrote:
I think this will be the aim for version 3.x.
Version 3?, at the current rate of development I'll be old and grey...

The latest myExt is 2.3.1 which I am polishing, so next is ver. 3. For this, I will create another thread for discussion.
Did a test build and run with erofs. Works well though it creates a large iso 2.8 Gb compared to earlier 1.5 Gb.

Do you know how to bottom center Fvwmbuttons? For example, *PanelButtons: Geometry 900x36-500-0 (500px from right bottom screen corner). On-screen 1920x1080 looks fine but 1280x looks bad. How to center it... I have searched everywhere.

Last edited by rasat (2021-12-15 23:20:50)

qinohe · 2021-12-16 00:00:06

rasat wrote:

The latest myExt is 2.3.1 which I am polishing, so next is ver. 3. For this, I will create another thread for discussion.

:-) Oh, nice to know!

Did a test build and run with erofs. Works well though it creates a large iso 2.8 Gb compared to earlier 1.5 Gb.

Yes, as I mentioned in #8, LZMA compression will be operational 5.16 or 5.16.1 as I've read somewhere.
I don't know if there will be a (noticeable) penalty for using it, I bet on 'yes'.
BTW. the ISO doesn't only run better with erofs, but have you noticed you can't heat your coffee on the CPU anymore, erofs isn't beating the hardware that bad , like squashf

Do you know how to bottom center Fvwmbuttons? For example, *PanelButtons: Geometry 900x36-500-0 (500px from right bottom screen corner). On-screen 1920x1080 looks fine but 1280x looks bad. How to center it... I have searched everywhere.

I don't right away, maybe it's not possible and you would have to script it, I'll have a look at it tomorrow.

edit:
Some simple script like this can do the job

#!/bin/sh
# needs xdpyinfo installed

res=$(xdpyinfo | awk '/dimensions:/{print $2}')

if [ "${res}" = '1920x1080' ]; then
   sed -i 's/900x36-250-0/900x36-500-0/' panel-file
elif [ "${res}" = '1280x720' ]; then
   sed -i 's/900x36-500-0/900x36-250-0/' panel-file
#etc.
fi

Last edited by qinohe (2021-12-16 01:02:38)

rasat · 2021-12-16 15:10:15

qinohe wrote:

Some simple script like this can do the job

Your sample does a great job by editing it for a fixed size FvwmButtons. If a user changes the button size, then it needs a different geometry formula. I added this script for the Fluxbox-looking taskbar (the mid-90s).

#!/bin/sh

res=$(xdpyinfo | awk '/dimensions:/{print $2}')

if [ "${res}" = '1920x1080' ]; then
   sed -i '/870x36/c\*FluxPanelButtons: Geometry 870x36-540-15' /home/$USER/.fvwm/7Modules/taskButtonsFlux.sys
elif [ "${res}" = '1280x720' ]; then
   sed -i '/870x36/c\*FluxPanelButtons: Geometry 870x36-205-15' /home/$USER/.fvwm/7Modules/taskButtonsFlux.sys
elif [ "${res}" = '1360x768' ]; then
   sed -i '/870x36/c\*FluxPanelButtons: Geometry 870x36-245-15' /home/$USER/.fvwm/7Modules/taskButtonsFlux.sys
elif [ "${res}" = '2560x1440' ]; then
   sed -i '/870x36/c\*FluxPanelButtons: Geometry 870x36-845-15' /home/$USER/.fvwm/7Modules/taskButtonsFlux.sys
elif [ "${res}" = '3840x2160' ]; then
   sed -i '/870x36/c\*FluxPanelButtons: Geometry 870x36-1485-15' /home/$USER/.fvwm/7Modules/taskButtonsFlux.sys
fi

This completes version 2.x.

Last edited by rasat (2021-12-16 18:25:49)

qinohe · 2021-12-16 16:39:41

rasat wrote:

...by editing it for a fixed size FvwmButtons. If a user changes the button size, then it needs a different geometry formula.

Yes, I know you would say this, however, it will be a lot more difficult to anticipate on 'user' changes. What if the resolution is not exact 1920x1080(qemu-system-x86_64)?

(the mid-90s).

Here is a variant of the above script, choices...., personally I find this one better, at least better readable;-)

res=$(xdpyinfo | awk '/dimensions:/{print $2}')
screenres=('1920x1080 870x36-540-15'
           '1280x720 870x36-205-15'
           '1360x768 870x36-245-15'
           '2560x1440 870x36-845-15'
           '3840x2160 870x36-1485-15')

for screen in "${screenres[@]}"; do
    scr=$(echo "${screen}" | awk -F" " '{print $1}' )
    loc=$(echo "${screen}" | awk -F" " '{print $2}' )

    if [[ "${scr}" == "${res}" ]]; then
        sed -i "/870x36/c\*FluxPanelButtons: Geometry ${loc}/" /home/"$USER"/.fvwm/7Modules/taskButtonsFlux.sys && exit
    fi
done

rasat · 2021-12-17 16:38:16

Having this script makes a big difference. Until now there was "strange" behavior with several configs expected to be in proper places such as the Restart-Shutdown box, menu for a taskbar, and many others. There is now a "professional" upgrade. Not only this but also managed to improve the appearance. The look has still been a drawback for many test users.

Take a look at this test screenshot on a small 1280x1024 monitor. Pay attention to the taskbar, wood panel left-top corner, and right-bottom corner.

Last edited by rasat (2021-12-17 16:45:06)

qinohe · 2021-12-17 18:37:47

Looks good, I do notice the even brown squares top left & bottom right, was the bar at it' end :-) or is it a problem area?
It's clear the looks will be similar on a big or small resolution now, that's nice.
Kudos for the layout it looks quite 'arty'.

BTW. haven't tried the new version, yet. if I have some time I will install it, thanks,

rasat · 2021-12-17 20:26:16

qinohe wrote:

BTW. haven't tried the new version, yet. if I have some time I will install it, thanks,

Wait for the final 2.3.3... tomorrow (Saturday)

Last edited by rasat (2021-12-17 20:28:01)

rasat · 2021-12-18 17:49:38

myExt ver.2.3.3 is ready and live CD iso ver.1.2 (2.8Gb). myExt appearance looks good and the behavior is nice. Good base for ver. 3.x.

Download iso:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/fvwm3- … nload-iso/

myExt 2.3.3:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/fvwm3- … t-package/

Last edited by rasat (2021-12-18 18:07:06)

qinohe · 2021-12-18 19:51:19

Well, the ISO is okay, but, I do still have some points..
I don't want to be a whiner but, you didn't remove user traces, why?
Also, you shouldn't copy whole dirs like '.config/{xfce,libreoffice}' (etc.) onto the profile.
I see the ISO as first time booted freshly installed PC running Arch, don't make too many decisions about programs starting for the first time at least very very sparingly.
So, only add 'config' files and only if really necessary... Still, nice ISO & runs way better on ero :-)

rasat · 2021-12-18 23:21:15

What I have noticed when making a live CD, the default .config/ of apps loaded in /home/<user> looks often ugly. First, I do the settings on my /home/test-user/ and then copy to /etc/skel/. When a username is added everything from /etc/skel/ is copied. This is what the demo user does. Some clean-up is there which I forgot in my hurry. Next time.

Last edited by rasat (2021-12-19 10:49:57)

rasat · 2021-12-19 10:59:46

qinohe wrote:

Yes, as I mentioned in #8, LZMA compression will be operational 5.16 or 5.16.1 as I've read somewhere.

https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php … 8#p1963188

Last edited by rasat (2021-12-19 11:20:01)

qinohe · 2021-12-19 17:02:00

rasat wrote:

What I have noticed when making a live CD, the default .config/ of apps loaded in /home/<user> looks often ugly. First, I do the settings on my /home/test-user/ and then copy to /etc/skel/. When a username is added everything from /etc/skel/ is copied. This is what the demo user does. Some clean-up is there which I forgot in my hurry. Next time.

Yes, I do understand the 'why' but that's still no reason to copy the complete .mozilla or libreoffice dir. onto the profile.
Really, it's not the way, have a look at other distro's ISO's, you never see that kind of dirs. pre created!
Just try to use GTK or QT config files as much as possible when it's about 'ugly'

Well, about the cleaning, I see it when done, but, it's kinda strange to see a other users home mentioned '/home/amourart', it gives a strange effect ;-)

rasat wrote:

qinohe wrote:
Yes, as I mentioned in #8, LZMA compression will be operational 5.16 or 5.16.1 as I've read somewhere.
https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php … 8#p1963188

Nice try ;-), I have read this too back then and it may even be I started using erofs after reading this thread, but, it's not the article I meant, I have searched but can't find it anymore...

rasat · 2021-12-19 18:54:17

Thanks, I got the point. The .mozilla loads Firefox with www.fvwm.org and .libreoffice not to load LibreOffice writer, etc, as a full screen. About /home/amourart you have to ask the archiso developers. If it is /home/amurt then its my issue that has to be removed.

Last edited by rasat (2021-12-19 18:58:30)

Arch Linux

#1 2021-11-27 17:13:31

Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#2 2021-11-29 09:01:19

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#3 2021-12-02 22:30:53

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#4 2021-12-03 15:50:42

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#5 2021-12-08 18:49:13

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#6 2021-12-12 19:34:07

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#7 2021-12-12 19:53:45

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#8 2021-12-14 00:19:35

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#9 2021-12-14 18:49:41

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#10 2021-12-15 00:52:37

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#11 2021-12-15 17:57:10

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#12 2021-12-15 22:28:27

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#13 2021-12-15 23:16:00

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#14 2021-12-16 00:00:06

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#15 2021-12-16 15:10:15

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#16 2021-12-16 16:39:41

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#17 2021-12-17 16:38:16

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#18 2021-12-17 18:37:47

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#19 2021-12-17 20:26:16

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#20 2021-12-18 17:49:38

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#21 2021-12-18 19:51:19

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#22 2021-12-18 23:21:15

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#23 2021-12-19 10:59:46

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#24 2021-12-19 17:02:00

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

#25 2021-12-19 18:54:17

Re: Arch Linux Fvwm myExt + Xfce-Fvwm-EXT (respin) CD

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