XFCE is a lightweight and highly customizable desktop environment that offers a simple and intuitive user interface. One of the key aspects of any desktop environment is network configuration. In this article, we will explore how to configure a network in XFCE using two popular tools, Network Manager and Wicd.
To configure a network in XFCE, you can use either Network Manager or Wicd. Both tools are easy to install and use, and they offer a range of features to manage your network connections. Whether you prefer the dynamic control of Network Manager or the lightweight alternative of Wicd, you can easily set up and manage your wired and wireless connections in XFCE.
Network Manager
Network Manager is a dynamic network control and configuration system that aims to keep network devices and connections up and active when they’re available. It’s not always included by default in all XFCE installations, but it’s easy to install and use.
Installing Network Manager
To install Network Manager, open your terminal and type the following command:
sudo apt-get install network-manager-gnomeIn this command, sudo allows you to run the command as an administrator, apt-get is the package handling utility in Ubuntu, install is the command to install a new package, and network-manager-gnome is the package name for Network Manager.
Configuring Network Manager
Once installed, you can access Network Manager settings by clicking on the Network Manager icon in your system tray or panel. Here, you can manage your wired, wireless, VPN, and other network connections.
Wicd
Wicd (Wireless Interface Connection Daemon) is another network manager and is an excellent alternative to Network Manager. It’s a lightweight manager that’s compatible with XFCE and can manage both wired and wireless connections.
Installing Wicd
To install Wicd, run the following command in your terminal:
sudo apt-get install wicdIn this command, sudo allows you to run the command as an administrator, apt-get is the package handling utility in Ubuntu, install is the command to install a new package, and wicd is the package name for Wicd.
Configuring Wicd
After installation, you can access the Wicd settings by launching the Wicd client from the applications menu or by running the command wicd-client in the terminal. Here, you can manage your wired and wireless connections, set static IP addresses, and configure advanced settings.
Conclusion
In summary, to configure a network in XFCE, you can use either Network Manager or Wicd. Both tools are easy to install and use, and they offer a range of features to manage your network connections. Remember to choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.
While configuring a network might seem complex, with the right tools and guidance, it becomes a straightforward task. Whether you’re a seasoned system administrator or a beginner, understanding how to configure a network in XFCE is a valuable skill.
Yes, you can install both Network Manager and Wicd on XFCE. However, it is recommended to choose one network manager and use it exclusively to avoid conflicts.
You can access the Network Manager settings by clicking on the Network Manager icon in your system tray or panel.
You can access the Wicd settings by launching the Wicd client from the applications menu or by running the command wicd-client in the terminal.
Yes, Network Manager can manage both wired and wireless connections. It provides a user-friendly interface to configure and manage various types of network connections.
Yes, Wicd allows you to set static IP addresses for your network connections. You can configure this in the Wicd settings.
The choice between Network Manager and Wicd depends on your personal preference and specific requirements. Both network managers are compatible with XFCE and offer similar functionality. It is recommended to try out both and choose the one that suits your needs best.
