https://userbase.kde.org/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Half-Left&feedformat=atomKDE UserBase Wiki - User contributions [en]2024-03-28T22:44:38ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.40.2https://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11326Plasma2010-02-16T11:23:33Z<p>Half-Left: /* The Panel */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have four tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
<br />
The third is the wrench or spanner which allows you to configure that particular widget's settings.<br />
<br />
Finally, the forth tool is used on some widgets like the Picture Frame. If you use the Picture Frame widget for example, it will open the image viewer.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== The Panel ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The panel can be configured by clicking on the toolbox on the right of the panel which puts the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows the alignment of the panel to be set in three pre-set positions.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until the mouse is placed near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows to go below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel giving space between the items in it. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' Allows widgets to be added to the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
<br />
'''Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings_resize.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The arrows on the edge, just below the main settings allow the panel's size to be adjusted. Dragging the arrow makes the panel smaller or larger. Dragging the arrow pointing down, moves the panel's position.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11325Plasma2010-02-16T11:16:15Z<p>Half-Left: /* The Panel */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have four tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
<br />
The third is the wrench or spanner which allows you to configure that particular widget's settings.<br />
<br />
Finally, the forth tool is used on some widgets like the Picture Frame. If you use the Picture Frame widget for example, it will open the image viewer.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== The Panel ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The panel can be configured by clicking on the toolbox on the right of the panel which puts the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows the alignment of the panel to be set in three pre-set positions.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until the mouse is placed near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows to go below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel giving space between the items in it. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' Allows widgets to be added to the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
<br />
'''Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings_resize.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The arrows on the edge, just below the main settings allow the panel's size to be adjusted. Dragging the arrow makes the panel smaller. Dragging the arrow pointing down, moves the panel's position.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11324Plasma2010-02-16T11:08:17Z<p>Half-Left: /* The Panel */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have four tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
<br />
The third is the wrench or spanner which allows you to configure that particular widget's settings.<br />
<br />
Finally, the forth tool is used on some widgets like the Picture Frame. If you use the Picture Frame widget for example, it will open the image viewer.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== The Panel ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The panel can be configured by clicking on the toolbox on the right of the panel which puts the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows you to set the alignment of the panel when not maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until the mouse is placed near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows to go below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel to separate panel items. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' Allows widgets to be added to the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
<br />
'''Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings_resize.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The arrows on the edge, just below the main settings allow the panel's size to be adjusted. Dragging the arrow makes the panel smaller. Dragging the arrow pointing down, moves the panel's position.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11323Plasma2010-02-16T11:06:15Z<p>Half-Left: /* The Panel */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have four tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
<br />
The third is the wrench or spanner which allows you to configure that particular widget's settings.<br />
<br />
Finally, the forth tool is used on some widgets like the Picture Frame. If you use the Picture Frame widget for example, it will open the image viewer.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== The Panel ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
By clicking on the toolbox on the right of the panel, you can put the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows you to set the alignment of the panel when not maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until the mouse is placed near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows to go below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel to separate panel items. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' Allows widgets to be added to the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
<br />
'''Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings_resize.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The arrows on the edge, just below the main settings allow the panel's size to be adjusted. Dragging the arrow makes the panel smaller. Dragging the arrow pointing down, moves the panel's position.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11296Plasma2010-02-16T00:32:02Z<p>Half-Left: /* Widgets everywhere */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have four tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
<br />
The third is the wrench or spanner which allows you to configure that particular widget's settings.<br />
<br />
Finally, the forth tool is used on some widgets like the Picture Frame. If you use the Picture Frame widget for example, it will open the image viewer.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== The Panel ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
By clicking on the toolbox on the right of the panel, you can put the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows you to set the alignment of the panel when not maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until the mouse is placed near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows got below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel to separate panel items. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' Allows widgets to be added to the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
<br />
'''Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings_resize.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The arrows on the edge, just below the main settings allow the panel's size to be adjusted. Dragging the arrow makes the panel smaller. Dragging the arrow pointing down, moves the panel's position.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11295Plasma2010-02-16T00:28:02Z<p>Half-Left: /* Widgets everywhere */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have four tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
The third tool is used on some widgets like the Picture Frame. If you use the Picture Frame widget for example, it will open the image viewer.<br />
<br />
Finally, the wrench or spanner allows you to configure that particular widget's settings.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== The Panel ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
By clicking on the toolbox on the right of the panel, you can put the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows you to set the alignment of the panel when not maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until the mouse is placed near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows got below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel to separate panel items. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' Allows widgets to be added to the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
<br />
'''Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings_resize.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The arrows on the edge, just below the main settings allow the panel's size to be adjusted. Dragging the arrow makes the panel smaller. Dragging the arrow pointing down, moves the panel's position.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11294Plasma2010-02-16T00:25:25Z<p>Half-Left: /* Widgets everywhere */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have four tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
The third tool is used on some widgets like the Picture Frame. If you use the Picture Frame widget for example, it will open the image viewer.<br />
<br />
Finally, the wrench or spanner gives access to the controls applicable to that particular plasmoid.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== The Panel ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
By clicking on the toolbox on the right of the panel, you can put the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows you to set the alignment of the panel when not maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until the mouse is placed near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows got below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel to separate panel items. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' Allows widgets to be added to the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
<br />
'''Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings_resize.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The arrows on the edge, just below the main settings allow the panel's size to be adjusted. Dragging the arrow makes the panel smaller. Dragging the arrow pointing down, moves the panel's position.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11293Plasma2010-02-16T00:23:06Z<p>Half-Left: /* Widgets everywhere */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have four tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
The third tool is used on some widgets like the Picture Frame, to open an application. If you use the Picture Frame widget for example, it will open the image viewer.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
Finally, the wrench or spanner gives access to the controls applicable to that particular plasmoid.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== The Panel ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
By clicking on the toolbox on the right of the panel, you can put the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows you to set the alignment of the panel when not maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until the mouse is placed near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows got below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel to separate panel items. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' Allows widgets to be added to the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
<br />
'''Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings_resize.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The arrows on the edge, just below the main settings allow the panel's size to be adjusted. Dragging the arrow makes the panel smaller. Dragging the arrow pointing down, moves the panel's position.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11292Plasma2010-02-16T00:13:39Z<p>Half-Left: /* The Panel */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have three tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
Finally, the wrench or spanner gives access to the controls applicable to that particular plasmoid.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== The Panel ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
By clicking on the toolbox on the right of the panel, you can put the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows you to set the alignment of the panel when not maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until the mouse is placed near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows got below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel to separate panel items. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' Allows widgets to be added to the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
<br />
'''Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings_resize.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The arrows on the edge, just below the main settings allow the panel's size to be adjusted. Dragging the arrow makes the panel smaller. Dragging the arrow pointing down, moves the panel's position.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11291Plasma2010-02-16T00:12:25Z<p>Half-Left: /* Configuring the Panel */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have three tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
Finally, the wrench or spanner gives access to the controls applicable to that particular plasmoid.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== The Panel ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
By clicking on the toolbox at the right of the panel, you can put the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows you to set the alignment of the panel when not maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until the mouse is placed near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows got below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel to separate panel items. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' Allows widgets to be added to the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
<br />
'''Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings_resize.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The arrows on the edge, just below the main settings allow the panel's size to be adjusted. Dragging the arrow makes the panel smaller. Dragging the arrow pointing down, moves the panel's position.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11290Plasma2010-02-16T00:04:29Z<p>Half-Left: /* Configuring the Panel */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have three tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
Finally, the wrench or spanner gives access to the controls applicable to that particular plasmoid.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== Configuring the Panel ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
By clicking on the toolbox at the right of the panel, you can put the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows you to set the alignment of the panel when not maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until the mouse is placed near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows got below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel to separate panel items. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' Allows widgets to be added to the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
<br />
'''Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings_resize.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The arrows on the edge, just below the main settings allow the panel's size to be adjusted. Dragging the arrow makes the panel smaller. Dragging the arrow pointing down, moves the panel's position.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11289Plasma2010-02-15T23:56:12Z<p>Half-Left: /* Panels */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have three tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
Finally, the wrench or spanner gives access to the controls applicable to that particular plasmoid.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== Configuring the Panel ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
By clicking on the toolbox at the right of the panel, you can put the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows you to set the alignment of the panel when not maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until the mouse is placed near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows got below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel to separate panel items. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' This brings up an dialogue allowing you to add widgets into the panel or desktop.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
<br />
'''Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings_resize.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The arrows on the edge, just below the main settings allow the panel's size to be adjusted. Dragging the arrow makes the panel smaller. Dragging the arrow pointing down, moves the panel's position.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11288Plasma2010-02-15T23:54:12Z<p>Half-Left: /* Panels */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have three tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
Finally, the wrench or spanner gives access to the controls applicable to that particular plasmoid.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== Panels ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
By clicking on the toolbox at the right of the panel, you can put the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows you to set the alignment of the panel when not maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until the mouse is placed near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows got below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel to separate panel items. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' This brings up an dialogue allowing you to add widgets into the panel or desktop.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
<br />
'''Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings_resize.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The arrows on the edge, just below the main settings allow the panel's size to be adjusted. Dragging the arrow makes the panel smaller. Dragging the arrow pointing down, moves the panel's position.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11287Plasma2010-02-15T23:49:46Z<p>Half-Left: /* Panels */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have three tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
Finally, the wrench or spanner gives access to the controls applicable to that particular plasmoid.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== Panels ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
By clicking on the toolbox at the right of the panel, you can put the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows you to set the alignment of the panel when not maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until the mouse is placed near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows got below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel to separate panel items. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' This brings up an dialogue allowing you to add widgets into the panel or desktop.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
<br />
'''Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings_resize.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The arrows on each edge just below the main settings allows you to set the panel size. Dragging the arrow makes the panel smaller. Dragging the arrow pointing down, moves the panel's position.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=File:Panel_Settings_resize.png&diff=11286File:Panel Settings resize.png2010-02-15T23:46:38Z<p>Half-Left: An image of the panel, resized.</p>
<hr />
<div>An image of the panel, resized.</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11285Plasma2010-02-15T23:03:24Z<p>Half-Left: /* Panels */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have three tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
Finally, the wrench or spanner gives access to the controls applicable to that particular plasmoid.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== Panels ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
By clicking on the toolbox at the right of the panel, you can put the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows you to set the alignment of the panel when not maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until the mouse is placed near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows got below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel to separate panel items. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' This brings up an dialogue allowing you to add widgets into the panel or desktop.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
<br />
'''Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
The arrows on each edge just below the main settings allows you to set the panel size. Dragging the arrows makes the panel smaller. Dragging the centre arrow moves the panel's position.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11283Plasma2010-02-15T22:59:10Z<p>Half-Left: /* Panels */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have three tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
Finally, the wrench or spanner gives access to the controls applicable to that particular plasmoid.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== Panels ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
By clicking on the toolbox at the right of the panel, you can put the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows you to set the alignment of the panel when not maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until you place the mouse near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows got below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel to separate panel items. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' This brings up an dialogue allowing you to add widgets into the panel or desktop.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
<br />
'''Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
The arrows on each edge just below the main settings allows you to set the panel size. Dragging the arrows makes the panel smaller. Dragging the centre arrow moves the panel's position.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11282Plasma2010-02-15T22:52:11Z<p>Half-Left: /* Panels */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have three tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
Finally, the wrench or spanner gives access to the controls applicable to that particular plasmoid.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== Panels ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
By clicking on the toolbox at the right of the panel, you can put the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows you to set the alignment of the panel when not maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until you place the mouse near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows got below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel to separate panel items. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' This brings up an dialogue allowing you to add widgets into the panel or desktop.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
<br />
'''Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11281Plasma2010-02-15T22:50:02Z<p>Half-Left: /* Panels */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have three tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
Finally, the wrench or spanner gives access to the controls applicable to that particular plasmoid.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== Panels ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Panel_Settings.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
By clicking on the toolbox at the right of the panel, you can put the panel into configure mode. This lets you configure the panel to fit your needs.<br />
<br />
'''Panel Alignment:''' Allows you to set the alignment of the panel when not maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Always Visible:''' Keeps the panel visible at all times, even when windows are maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Auto Hide:''' Hides the panel off screen until you place the mouse near the screen edge.<br />
<br />
'''Windows can cover:''' This allows windows to cover the panel and if maximised, will cover the panel.<br />
<br />
'''Windows go below:''' This allows windows got below the panel, even when maximised.<br />
<br />
'''Maximise Panel:''' Makes the panel fit to the screen edges, if it has been resized.<br />
<br />
'''Remove this panel:''' Removes the current panel.<br />
<br />
'''Lock Widgets:''' Locks the panel and widgets in position.<br />
<br />
'''Add Spacer:''' Allows you to add a spacer into the panel to separate panel items. <br />
<br />
'''Add Widgets:''' This brings up an dialogue allowing you to add widgets into the panel or desktop.<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' Allows the panel height to be adjusted.<br />
'''<br />
Screen Edge:''' Allows you to drag the panel to any of the four edges of the screen.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=File:Panel_Settings.png&diff=11280File:Panel Settings.png2010-02-15T22:16:23Z<p>Half-Left: An image of the panel settings</p>
<hr />
<div>An image of the panel settings</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=File:KDE_Default_Desktop_new.png&diff=11279File:KDE Default Desktop new.png2010-02-15T21:58:40Z<p>Half-Left: An image of KDE SC 4.4 desktop</p>
<hr />
<div>An image of KDE SC 4.4 desktop</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma/Plasmoids&diff=11278Plasma/Plasmoids2010-02-15T21:31:41Z<p>Half-Left: /* Pastebin Plasmoid */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Plasmoids}}<br />
=Widgets and Plasmoids=<br />
<br />
Here are some of our favourites:<br />
<br />
==System Widgets==<br />
<br />
===Device Notifier===<br />
The Device Notifier is used for handling pluggable devices such as USB pendrives (also called flash drives or thumb drives), digital cameras, external USB hard drives etc. It also comes into play when a medium such as a CD or DVD is loaded into an optical drive.<br />
<br />
When the you plug in an external device, or load a new medium into a drive, the Notifier window popus up (you can also open it explicitly by clicking on its Panel icon.) It stays open while the cursor is over it, otherwise it hides itself after a few seconds.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Device_Notifier_Widget.png|295px|center]]<br />
<br />
The Notifier window shows a list of all the devices it currently knows about. Moving the mouse cursor over a device will highlight how many possible actions are associated with that device. If the device is mounted, there will also be a small icon to the right of it. Clicking on this causes the device to be unmounted and/or the medium to be ejected. Note that unmounting/ejecting might fail if the device still has open files on it, e.g. if a large file copy hasn't finished. In most cases you can just wait a while and try again.<br />
<br />
Clicking anywhere in the shaded box around the device name (but not on the eject/unmount icon if present) pops up a dialogue box with a list of possible actions that make sense for that device. Simply select one and click on OK or hit the Enter key. Double-clicking also works. The Cancel button dismisses the pop-up without taking any action.<br />
<br />
==Weather Widgets==<br />
Weather widgets are especially popular if you live in a country with very changeable weather, such as the U.K.<br />
<br />
===LCD Weather Plasmoid===<br />
The LCD weather plasmoid gets its information from one of three sources, the BBC weather from the UK Met. Office, NOAA's National Weather Service, or Environment Canada. If it can locate a weather station near you it will give you a range of details about the current weather.<br />
<br />
[[Image:LCD_Weather.png|150px|center]]<br />
<br />
It can also be installed to the Task-bar, in which case you get an icon-size display which simply shows the current outside temperature.<br />
<br />
===YAWP (Yet Another Weather Plasmoid)=== <br />
YAWP uses Accuweather as its source, and can be configured to show one to five days' forecast. The update period is configurable. {{Community-app}}<br />
<br />
{|align="center"<br />
|[[Image:Yawp5.png|200px|Five-day forecast]]||[[Image:YawpDetails.png|200px|Detailed display]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
In the 5-day forecast mode, today's information is at the top of the screen,with the next four days shown below. Click on the [[Image:yawpInfo.png]] and you will see a more detailed forecast.<br />
<br />
Use the small white arrows to navigate through the days visible. When you want to return to the main display, click on the [[Image:YawpInfo.png]] again.<br />
<br />
Clicking on [[Image:YawpGlobe.png]] brings up a satelite weather picture.<br />
<br />
===CWP (Configurable Weather Plasmoid)===<br />
<br />
CWP's strength is in the large number of configuration options. It can draw data from sources scattered across the globe, and has far more display options than either the LCD plasmoid or Yawp. It can also display a summary for up to 7 days ahead.<br />
<br />
{|align="center"<br />
|[[Image:Cwp1.png|200px|Today's forecast]]||[[Image:Cwp7.png|200px|7-day display]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
You can, however, only see the details for the current day. This is accessed by clicking on the current temperature, and closed the same way.<br />
<br />
[[Image: CwpDetails.png|200px|center]]<br />
<br />
==Productivity Widgets==<br />
===Pastebin Plasmoid===<br />
This useful tool can be made quite small, to save desktop space, but is invaluable when you need to show a configuration file or screenshot which is too big to be accepted by email. It's also perfect for use with an IRC query.<br />
<br />
{|align="center"<br />
|[[Image:Pastebin_New.png|150px]]||[[Image:Pastebin_hover.png|150px]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
To use it, simply drag the required file onto the plasmoid. The plasmoid will then show 'Drop!'. When you drop your file it will give the URL for accessing it from the server, and can copy it to the clipboard for you. It uses both Pastebin and Imagebin servers.<br />
<br />
===PowerDevil===<br />
A battery icon sits in your panel. According to your choice of configuration, it can display the remaining amount of charge, or display it when you hover over it. Click on the battery and you get the summary display, while clicking on the More button takes you to a full configuration screen (click to view enlargement of images).<br />
<br />
{|align="center"<br />
|[[Image:PowerDevil.png|200px|thumb|The summary display]]||[[Image:PowerDevilConfig.png|200px|thumb|The Config screen]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
A further screen allows you to define and manage a number of profiles, and the final screen gives a summary of your computer or laptop's power-saving capabilities.<br />
<br />
{|align="center"<br />
|[[Image:PowerDevilProfiles.png|200px|thumb|Edit profiles]]||[[Image:PowerDevilSummary.png|200px|thumb|Power-saving capabilities]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Finally, PowerDevil configurations can be set from krunner, as described in detail [http://userbase.kde.org/Tutorials/Krunner#Controlling_Power_Management_via_PowerDevil_addon '''here''']<br />
<br />
More information on configuration options can be found in '''[https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/SIGs/PowerManagement/UserDocumentation#KDE_Power_Management this Fedora page]'''<br />
<br />
Other plasmoids are available from a number of sources. If you need help installing them, '''[[Plasma/Installing_Plasmoids|this page will help you]]'''<br />
<br />
{{Community-app-footnote}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=File:Pastebin_hover.png&diff=11277File:Pastebin hover.png2010-02-15T21:30:59Z<p>Half-Left: An image of the pastbin widget on hover.</p>
<hr />
<div>An image of the pastbin widget on hover.</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=File:Pastebin_New.png&diff=11276File:Pastebin New.png2010-02-15T21:30:13Z<p>Half-Left: An image of the pastebin widget</p>
<hr />
<div>An image of the pastebin widget</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=File:Pastebin.png&diff=11275File:Pastebin.png2010-02-15T21:28:35Z<p>Half-Left: uploaded a new version of "File:Pastebin.png": An image of the pastebin widget</p>
<hr />
<div></div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma/Plasmoids&diff=11274Plasma/Plasmoids2010-02-15T21:27:36Z<p>Half-Left: /* LCD Weather Plasmoid */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Plasmoids}}<br />
=Widgets and Plasmoids=<br />
<br />
Here are some of our favourites:<br />
<br />
==System Widgets==<br />
<br />
===Device Notifier===<br />
The Device Notifier is used for handling pluggable devices such as USB pendrives (also called flash drives or thumb drives), digital cameras, external USB hard drives etc. It also comes into play when a medium such as a CD or DVD is loaded into an optical drive.<br />
<br />
When the you plug in an external device, or load a new medium into a drive, the Notifier window popus up (you can also open it explicitly by clicking on its Panel icon.) It stays open while the cursor is over it, otherwise it hides itself after a few seconds.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Device_Notifier_Widget.png|295px|center]]<br />
<br />
The Notifier window shows a list of all the devices it currently knows about. Moving the mouse cursor over a device will highlight how many possible actions are associated with that device. If the device is mounted, there will also be a small icon to the right of it. Clicking on this causes the device to be unmounted and/or the medium to be ejected. Note that unmounting/ejecting might fail if the device still has open files on it, e.g. if a large file copy hasn't finished. In most cases you can just wait a while and try again.<br />
<br />
Clicking anywhere in the shaded box around the device name (but not on the eject/unmount icon if present) pops up a dialogue box with a list of possible actions that make sense for that device. Simply select one and click on OK or hit the Enter key. Double-clicking also works. The Cancel button dismisses the pop-up without taking any action.<br />
<br />
==Weather Widgets==<br />
Weather widgets are especially popular if you live in a country with very changeable weather, such as the U.K.<br />
<br />
===LCD Weather Plasmoid===<br />
The LCD weather plasmoid gets its information from one of three sources, the BBC weather from the UK Met. Office, NOAA's National Weather Service, or Environment Canada. If it can locate a weather station near you it will give you a range of details about the current weather.<br />
<br />
[[Image:LCD_Weather.png|150px|center]]<br />
<br />
It can also be installed to the Task-bar, in which case you get an icon-size display which simply shows the current outside temperature.<br />
<br />
===YAWP (Yet Another Weather Plasmoid)=== <br />
YAWP uses Accuweather as its source, and can be configured to show one to five days' forecast. The update period is configurable. {{Community-app}}<br />
<br />
{|align="center"<br />
|[[Image:Yawp5.png|200px|Five-day forecast]]||[[Image:YawpDetails.png|200px|Detailed display]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
In the 5-day forecast mode, today's information is at the top of the screen,with the next four days shown below. Click on the [[Image:yawpInfo.png]] and you will see a more detailed forecast.<br />
<br />
Use the small white arrows to navigate through the days visible. When you want to return to the main display, click on the [[Image:YawpInfo.png]] again.<br />
<br />
Clicking on [[Image:YawpGlobe.png]] brings up a satelite weather picture.<br />
<br />
===CWP (Configurable Weather Plasmoid)===<br />
<br />
CWP's strength is in the large number of configuration options. It can draw data from sources scattered across the globe, and has far more display options than either the LCD plasmoid or Yawp. It can also display a summary for up to 7 days ahead.<br />
<br />
{|align="center"<br />
|[[Image:Cwp1.png|200px|Today's forecast]]||[[Image:Cwp7.png|200px|7-day display]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
You can, however, only see the details for the current day. This is accessed by clicking on the current temperature, and closed the same way.<br />
<br />
[[Image: CwpDetails.png|200px|center]]<br />
<br />
==Productivity Widgets==<br />
===Pastebin Plasmoid===<br />
This useful tool can be made quite small, to save desktop space, but is invaluable when you need to show a configuration file or screenshot which is too big to be accepted by email. It's also perfect for use with an IRC query.<br />
<br />
{|align="center"<br />
|[[Image:Pastebin.png|150px]]||[[Image:PastebinDrop.png|150px]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
To use it, simply drag the required file onto the plasmoid. The plasmoid will then show 'Drop!'. When you drop your file it will give the URL for accessing it from the server, and can copy it to the clipboard for you. It uses both Pastebin and Imagebin servers.<br />
<br />
===PowerDevil===<br />
A battery icon sits in your panel. According to your choice of configuration, it can display the remaining amount of charge, or display it when you hover over it. Click on the battery and you get the summary display, while clicking on the More button takes you to a full configuration screen (click to view enlargement of images).<br />
<br />
{|align="center"<br />
|[[Image:PowerDevil.png|200px|thumb|The summary display]]||[[Image:PowerDevilConfig.png|200px|thumb|The Config screen]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
A further screen allows you to define and manage a number of profiles, and the final screen gives a summary of your computer or laptop's power-saving capabilities.<br />
<br />
{|align="center"<br />
|[[Image:PowerDevilProfiles.png|200px|thumb|Edit profiles]]||[[Image:PowerDevilSummary.png|200px|thumb|Power-saving capabilities]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Finally, PowerDevil configurations can be set from krunner, as described in detail [http://userbase.kde.org/Tutorials/Krunner#Controlling_Power_Management_via_PowerDevil_addon '''here''']<br />
<br />
More information on configuration options can be found in '''[https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/SIGs/PowerManagement/UserDocumentation#KDE_Power_Management this Fedora page]'''<br />
<br />
Other plasmoids are available from a number of sources. If you need help installing them, '''[[Plasma/Installing_Plasmoids|this page will help you]]'''<br />
<br />
{{Community-app-footnote}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=File:LCD_Weather.png&diff=11273File:LCD Weather.png2010-02-15T21:27:08Z<p>Half-Left: An image of the LCD Weather widget</p>
<hr />
<div>An image of the LCD Weather widget</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma/Plasmoids&diff=11272Plasma/Plasmoids2010-02-15T21:20:43Z<p>Half-Left: /* Device Notifier */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Plasmoids}}<br />
=Widgets and Plasmoids=<br />
<br />
Here are some of our favourites:<br />
<br />
==System Widgets==<br />
<br />
===Device Notifier===<br />
The Device Notifier is used for handling pluggable devices such as USB pendrives (also called flash drives or thumb drives), digital cameras, external USB hard drives etc. It also comes into play when a medium such as a CD or DVD is loaded into an optical drive.<br />
<br />
When the you plug in an external device, or load a new medium into a drive, the Notifier window popus up (you can also open it explicitly by clicking on its Panel icon.) It stays open while the cursor is over it, otherwise it hides itself after a few seconds.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Device_Notifier_Widget.png|295px|center]]<br />
<br />
The Notifier window shows a list of all the devices it currently knows about. Moving the mouse cursor over a device will highlight how many possible actions are associated with that device. If the device is mounted, there will also be a small icon to the right of it. Clicking on this causes the device to be unmounted and/or the medium to be ejected. Note that unmounting/ejecting might fail if the device still has open files on it, e.g. if a large file copy hasn't finished. In most cases you can just wait a while and try again.<br />
<br />
Clicking anywhere in the shaded box around the device name (but not on the eject/unmount icon if present) pops up a dialogue box with a list of possible actions that make sense for that device. Simply select one and click on OK or hit the Enter key. Double-clicking also works. The Cancel button dismisses the pop-up without taking any action.<br />
<br />
==Weather Widgets==<br />
Weather widgets are especially popular if you live in a country with very changeable weather, such as the U.K.<br />
<br />
===LCD Weather Plasmoid===<br />
The LCD weather plasmoid gets its information from one of three sources, the BBC weather from the UK Met. Office, NOAA's National Weather Service, or Environment Canada. If it can locate a weather station near you it will give you a range of details about the current weather.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Lcd-weather.png|150px|center]]<br />
<br />
It can also be installed to the Task-bar, in which case you get an icon-size display which simply shows the current outside temperature.<br />
<br />
===YAWP (Yet Another Weather Plasmoid)=== <br />
YAWP uses Accuweather as its source, and can be configured to show one to five days' forecast. The update period is configurable. {{Community-app}}<br />
<br />
{|align="center"<br />
|[[Image:Yawp5.png|200px|Five-day forecast]]||[[Image:YawpDetails.png|200px|Detailed display]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
In the 5-day forecast mode, today's information is at the top of the screen,with the next four days shown below. Click on the [[Image:yawpInfo.png]] and you will see a more detailed forecast.<br />
<br />
Use the small white arrows to navigate through the days visible. When you want to return to the main display, click on the [[Image:YawpInfo.png]] again.<br />
<br />
Clicking on [[Image:YawpGlobe.png]] brings up a satelite weather picture.<br />
<br />
===CWP (Configurable Weather Plasmoid)===<br />
<br />
CWP's strength is in the large number of configuration options. It can draw data from sources scattered across the globe, and has far more display options than either the LCD plasmoid or Yawp. It can also display a summary for up to 7 days ahead.<br />
<br />
{|align="center"<br />
|[[Image:Cwp1.png|200px|Today's forecast]]||[[Image:Cwp7.png|200px|7-day display]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
You can, however, only see the details for the current day. This is accessed by clicking on the current temperature, and closed the same way.<br />
<br />
[[Image: CwpDetails.png|200px|center]]<br />
<br />
==Productivity Widgets==<br />
===Pastebin Plasmoid===<br />
This useful tool can be made quite small, to save desktop space, but is invaluable when you need to show a configuration file or screenshot which is too big to be accepted by email. It's also perfect for use with an IRC query.<br />
<br />
{|align="center"<br />
|[[Image:Pastebin.png|150px]]||[[Image:PastebinDrop.png|150px]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
To use it, simply drag the required file onto the plasmoid. The plasmoid will then show 'Drop!'. When you drop your file it will give the URL for accessing it from the server, and can copy it to the clipboard for you. It uses both Pastebin and Imagebin servers.<br />
<br />
===PowerDevil===<br />
A battery icon sits in your panel. According to your choice of configuration, it can display the remaining amount of charge, or display it when you hover over it. Click on the battery and you get the summary display, while clicking on the More button takes you to a full configuration screen (click to view enlargement of images).<br />
<br />
{|align="center"<br />
|[[Image:PowerDevil.png|200px|thumb|The summary display]]||[[Image:PowerDevilConfig.png|200px|thumb|The Config screen]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
A further screen allows you to define and manage a number of profiles, and the final screen gives a summary of your computer or laptop's power-saving capabilities.<br />
<br />
{|align="center"<br />
|[[Image:PowerDevilProfiles.png|200px|thumb|Edit profiles]]||[[Image:PowerDevilSummary.png|200px|thumb|Power-saving capabilities]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Finally, PowerDevil configurations can be set from krunner, as described in detail [http://userbase.kde.org/Tutorials/Krunner#Controlling_Power_Management_via_PowerDevil_addon '''here''']<br />
<br />
More information on configuration options can be found in '''[https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/SIGs/PowerManagement/UserDocumentation#KDE_Power_Management this Fedora page]'''<br />
<br />
Other plasmoids are available from a number of sources. If you need help installing them, '''[[Plasma/Installing_Plasmoids|this page will help you]]'''<br />
<br />
{{Community-app-footnote}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=File:Device_Notifier_Widget.png&diff=11271File:Device Notifier Widget.png2010-02-15T21:19:53Z<p>Half-Left: An image of the Device Notifier widget</p>
<hr />
<div>An image of the Device Notifier widget</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11270Plasma2010-02-15T21:06:08Z<p>Half-Left: /* Widgets everywhere */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have three tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
Finally, the wrench or spanner gives access to the controls applicable to that particular plasmoid.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== Panels ===<br />
<br />
What to do with panels, how to manipulate them, etc.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=File:Handle_rotate.png&diff=11269File:Handle rotate.png2010-02-15T21:04:52Z<p>Half-Left: uploaded a new version of "File:Handle rotate.png": An image of a rotated widget</p>
<hr />
<div>An image of widget being rotated.</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11268Plasma2010-02-15T20:59:26Z<p>Half-Left: /* Widgets everywhere */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have three tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Handle_rotate.png|150px|center]]<br />
<br />
Finally, the wrench or spanner gives access to the controls applicable to that particular plasmoid.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== Panels ===<br />
<br />
What to do with panels, how to manipulate them, etc.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=File:Handle_rotate.png&diff=11267File:Handle rotate.png2010-02-15T20:58:10Z<p>Half-Left: An image of widget being rotated.</p>
<hr />
<div>An image of widget being rotated.</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=File:Handle.png&diff=11266File:Handle.png2010-02-15T20:56:41Z<p>Half-Left: An image of a widget handle</p>
<hr />
<div>An image of a widget handle</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=Plasma&diff=11265Plasma2010-02-15T20:51:32Z<p>Half-Left: /* Plasma at a glance */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:I18n/Language Navigation Bar|Plasma/Introduction_to_Plasma}}<br />
<br />
{{Info|If you are looking for the Plasma FAQ, the current version is available [[Plasma/FAQ | on this page]].}}<br />
<br />
== An introduction: what Plasma is, and what it does ==<br />
<br />
''Plasma'' is the desktop interface for KDE 4 SC, including the application launcher (start menu), the desktop and the desktop panel (often referred to simply as the task bar, although that is only one component of the panel).<br />
<br />
== Plasma at a glance ==<br />
<br />
A typical Plasma desktop looks like this:<br />
<br />
[[Image:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png|512px|center]]<br />
<br />
The three key components of a Plasma desktop are:<br />
<br />
* '''The panel''', better known as task bar, which provides room for the application launcher, the list of tasks (programs), clock and system tray;<br />
* '''The desktop''', the area where widgets and icons reside;<br />
* '''The Plasma toolbox''' This is located at the top right of the screen. There is also one on the right of the panel.<br />
<br />
=== Finding your way around Plasma ===<br />
<br />
You can use Plasma as you would use the desktop of any other operating system, by accessing the application menu (K Menu), viewing the currently active programs on the taskbar, accessing icons on the system tray, and so on.<br />
<br />
An important part of Plasma are the so-called widgets. Widgets are the individual units of the desktop and they include (although they are not limited to) the application menu, icons, the system tray, the clock... Widgets can exist on the desktop itself, or be inserted in the panel. Panels and desktops are actually special kinds of widgets, meant to contain other widgets (in Plasma terms, they are called "Containments"). <br />
<br />
How does that relate with desktop usage? Plasma has also some new features with respect to traditional desktop usage. We have already mentioned the "cashews": those are the way to start interacting and customizing Plasma. By clicking on them, a menu will pop up on the screen with a variety of choices: from there you can add widgets to your panel or desktop, resize, add or remove panels, and other operations.<br />
<br />
=== Desktop and icons ===<br />
<br />
As you may notice from the screenshot, there are no icons placed directly on the desktop. Instead, they are placed inside a container, better known as Folder View. Although there are a number of technical reasons for doing so, the Folder View can perfectly act as a desktop replacement (in fact, it shows the Desktop folder by default). You can drag icons over it, cut, copy, paste, rename files and also create new folders/files. <br />
<br />
The main differences from the usual Desktop folder are essentially two:<br />
<br />
* You can have more than one Folder View on the desktop itself;<br />
* You can set Folder View to show also different folders (both local and on the network).<br />
<br />
Aside from the Folder View, you can put on the desktop all kinds of widgets, such as weather reporting widgets, notes widgets, file watchers... There are no limits on what you can customize.<br />
<br />
=== Widgets everywhere ===<br />
<br />
In KDE SC 4.x Plasma supports not only widgets written specifically for Plasma (also known as Plasmoids) but also ones from other sources such as Google Gadgets and Dashboard Widgets from Mac OSX. Additional widgets can easily be found and installed through [[Glossary#Get Hot New Stuff|Get Hot New Stuff]].<br />
<br />
Widgets that are docked into the panel usually have an Options menu, while those on the desktop have the configuration options within the 'handle', the shaded area which pops up, sometimes right or sometimes left of the widget. Clicking and holding the mouse on the blank part of the handle will allow you to drag the widget to the desired position.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Plasmoid-tools.png|300px|center]]<br />
<br />
You have three tools on this handle. The top one is the re-sizer. Click and hold on the tool and you can drag the size.<br />
<br />
The second tool is a rotate tool. Again, click and hold the tool, while rotating to desired angle.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Rotate.png|150px|center]]<br />
<br />
Finally, the wrench or spanner gives access to the controls applicable to that particular plasmoid.<br />
<br />
Some of our favourite widgets are discussed on ''[[Plasma/Plasmoids|the Plasmoid page]]''<br />
<br />
=== The start menus ===<br />
<br />
Start menus etc.<br />
<br />
=== Panels ===<br />
<br />
What to do with panels, how to manipulate them, etc.<br />
<br />
== Advanced usage ==<br />
<br />
Special cases not covered here<br />
<br />
=== Activities and the Zooming User Interface (ZUI) ===<br />
<br />
KDE Plasma has brought a lot of new features to the modern linux desktop, however many people are only using a fraction of the desktop's full potential. One of the most useful and underused features is the plasma activities. The basic idea behind is that your desktop space is limited to how many widgets it can hold. A user will want to use a lot of widgets but doesn't want their desktop to be cluttered. The answer to this problem is activities; they allow you to specialize each desktop to whatever task you need to accomplish. To make a new activity you have to click on the cashew in the upper right hand corner, from there click zoom out. The desktop will zoom out then click add new activity under the small desktop. It will make a new desktop right next to it. Now go click the zoom in button under the new desktop. With this desktop you can add whatever widgets to this desktop and it will not affect the other desktop.<br />
<br />
==== Activities and Virtual Desktops ====<br />
<br />
Virtual desktops, the ability to have a separate sets of windows on separate desktops, can tie in with Activities. You can have a different activity on each virtual desktop. This can be configured by zooming out again and choosing "configure Plasma". Then select "use a different activity on each desktop" and zoom in again.<br />
<br />
From Plasma Desktop 4.4 onwards this configuration setting can be found in systemsettings under Configure Plasma.<br />
<br />
=== Use Cases ===<br />
<br />
A user likes web comics so they add their favorite web comics via the comics widget. The user now has a full desktop activity dedicated to their favorite web comics. Now the user is happy with the web comics, but the user now has to go to work, so the user creates a activity with the folder view widgets set to the folders of the projects the user is currently working on. After work the user goes home and works on a side project of writing romance novels. The user always gains inspiration by looking at pictures of the user's significant other. The user now creates a new Activity but now puts pictures frame widgets with pictures of the user's significant other. The user also has a folder view of the romance novel project folder. Now no matter what the user is doing the user has a custom tailored activity to match it.<br />
<br />
Go to [http://hanswchen.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/how-do-you-use-activities/ this blog] to read a few tips on using activities.<br />
<br />
== Further information ==<br />
<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ | The Plasma FAQ]]<br />
* [[Plasma/FAQ/HowTo | Plasma HowTo - short screencasts]]<br />
* [[Glossary | Glossary]]<br />
* [[Plasma/Plasmoids| Some of our favourite plamoids]] - why not add yours?<br />
* [[Plasma/Installing Plasmoids|Here's how to install more plasmoids]]<br />
<br />
{|style="text-align:right"<br />
|'''Back to [[An_introduction_to_KDE|the Introduction page''']]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Desktop]]</div>Half-Lefthttps://userbase.kde.org/index.php?title=File:KDESC_Default_Desktop.png&diff=11263File:KDESC Default Desktop.png2010-02-15T20:40:48Z<p>Half-Left: An image of KDE SC 4.4</p>
<hr />
<div>An image of KDE SC 4.4</div>Half-Left