dcsimg

The System Tray Appears Over Orientation and Transparency Windows

SMART Software SMART Board software 9.5
Operating Systems Linux operating systems running the K Desktop Environment (KDE) version 3.3

Issue

The system tray appears over orientation and transparency windows.

Cause

In the K Desktop Environment version 3.3, the default window manager (Kwin) doesn’t completely support full-screen mode.

Solution

There are three possible solutions to this issue.

  • Replace the Kwin window manager with the Metacity window manager.

  • Change K Desktop Environment settings to allow applications to cover the task bar.

  • Use the GNOME desktop environment instead of the K Desktop Environment.

Choose the solution that best suits your needs.

To replace the Kwin window manager with the Metacity window manager

  1. Make sure that Metacity software is installed on your computer. In a terminal window, type

    metacity --version

    If the resulting text begins with Metacity version information, proceed to step 2. If Metacity software doesn’t exist on your computer, see the Metacity Web site for download and setup instructions.

  2. Press KMenu > Run.

    A Run Command window appears.

  3. Type kdesu kate.

  4. Press Run.

    A Run as root dialog appears.

  5. Type your computer’s root password, and then press OK.

    A Session Chooser window appears.

  6. Press New Session.

    A Kate window appears.

  7. Select File > Open.

    An Open File dialog appears.

  8. In the Location box, type /etc/profile.

  9. Press Open.

  10. Add the following line to the bottom of the file you’ve opened.

    export KDEWM=metacity

  11. Select File > Save, and then select File > Quit to close the editor.

  12. Log out and log back in.

    The Metacity window manager becomes the default, and both orientation and transparency windows cover the full screen.

To change K Desktop Environment settings to allow applications to cover the task bar

  1. Open the KDE Control Center.

  2. Select Desktop > Panels.

  3. Select the Hiding tab.

  4. Select Allow other windows to cover the panel.

    Important 

    When selected, this option allows any application to cover the task bar. When this happens, you must move the mouse cursor to the bottom edge of the screen to reveal the task bar.

To use the GNOME desktop environment instead of the K Desktop Environment

See your Linux distribution’s Help for information on how to change your desktop environment. The GNOME desktop environment doesn’t use the Kwin window manager and isn’t affected by this issue.

First Published September 4, 2006
Last Updated October 12, 2007

 

Get answers and information

Searching notebook docs - matte blue

Search our knowledge base – a library of over 1,500 technical documents.

Contact support

Illustration of man wearing headset

Do you have questions about your SMART products? Our support team can help you get the answers you need.

       
SMART Technologies is a leading provider of technology solutions that enable inspired collaboration in schools and workplaces around the world by turning group work into a highly interactive, engaging and productive experience. SMART delivers an integrated solution of hardware, software and services designed for superior performance and ease of use, and remains a world leader in interactive displays.
©2013 SMART Technologies All rights reserved | Legal
This site uses cookies to improve the experience of our visitors. By continuing to browse this site,
you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more.