In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up a dual monitor extended desktop in Lubuntu. This is a useful feature if you need more workspace or want to multitask more efficiently. The process involves using the Arandr utility and customizing the lxpanel settings.
To set up a dual monitor extended desktop in Lubuntu, you will need to install the Arandr utility and customize the lxpanel settings. Activate the second monitor in Arandr and apply the settings to enable the extended desktop. To ensure the taskbar remains on the right monitor, adjust the panel settings. To make these settings persistent, create a custom xrandr configuration file.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, ensure that you have the following:
- Lubuntu 14.04.3 or later installed on your computer.
- Two monitors connected to your computer.
- Basic knowledge of using the terminal in Lubuntu.
Installing Arandr
Arandr is a simple visual front end for XRandR, which is a utility to set the size, orientation, and/or reflection of the outputs for a screen.
To install Arandr, open the terminal and run the following command:
sudo apt-get install arandrThis command uses the apt-get package handling utility in Ubuntu to install Arandr. The sudo command ensures that the command is run with superuser permissions.
Setting Up the Extended Desktop
Once Arandr is installed, navigate to Lubuntu menu > Preferences > Arandr. This will open the Arandr interface.
In the Arandr window, go to the Output menu and activate the second monitor.
To apply the settings and enable the extended desktop, click on the ‘Apply’ button.
Customizing the Taskbar (lxpanel)
To ensure that the taskbar (lxpanel) remains on the right monitor, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the taskbar and choose “Panel Settings”.
- In the panel settings, enter the horizontal resolution of the left monitor in pixels in the margin box. This will move the taskbar to the right screen.
Making the Settings Persistent
To make these settings persistent through restarts, you can create a custom xrandr configuration file. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the terminal and navigate to your home directory by running the command:
cd ~/. - Create a text file named
.xsessionrcby running the command:cat > .xsessionrc. - Press Ctrl-D to exit text entry.
- Open the Arandr utility again by running the command:
arandr. - Adjust the position of the monitors as desired, then apply and save the layout.
- Open the layout file and copy its contents.
- Close the layout file and open the
.xsessionrcfile for editing by running the command:gedit .xsessionrc. - Add the command
xrandr --output VGA-1 --left-of DVI-I-1to the file, replacingVGA-1andDVI-I-1with the appropriate names of your monitors. - Paste the contents previously copied from the layout file into the
.xsessionrcfile. - Save and close the
.xsessionrcfile. - Restart your machine for the changes to take effect.
The xrandr command is a primitive command line interface to RandR extension, and is used to set the size, orientation and/or reflection of the outputs for a screen. The --output option specifies the output to configure, and the --left-of option arranges the output to the left of the specified output.
Conclusion
Setting up a dual monitor extended desktop in Lubuntu is a straightforward process with the help of the Arandr utility and the lxpanel settings. This setup can greatly enhance your productivity by providing an extended workspace. We hope this guide has been helpful in setting up your dual monitor extended desktop in Lubuntu.
Please note that the provided steps are based on the given context and may vary depending on your specific system configuration. If you encounter any issues, refer to the Lubuntu documentation or seek help from the Lubuntu community.
Yes, you can set up a dual monitor extended desktop in Lubuntu with different resolutions. Arandr allows you to adjust the size, orientation, and reflection of each output individually, so you can easily configure monitors with different resolutions.
To switch the positions of the monitors in the extended desktop setup, open the Arandr utility, drag and drop the monitors to the desired positions, and then click on the ‘Apply’ button. This will rearrange the monitors accordingly.
Yes, you can use more than two monitors for the extended desktop setup in Lubuntu. Arandr supports multiple monitors, so you can connect and configure as many monitors as your graphics card and system support.
To reset the extended desktop setup in Lubuntu, open the Arandr utility, go to the Output menu, and deactivate the second monitor. This will revert the display back to a single monitor setup.
By default, the extended desktop setup will not persist after restarting your computer. However, you can make the settings persistent by creating a custom xrandr configuration file, as explained in the article. This will ensure that the extended desktop setup is applied every time you start your computer.
Yes, you can customize the position of the taskbar (lxpanel) on the extended desktop setup. By adjusting the horizontal resolution of the left monitor in the lxpanel settings, you can move the taskbar to the right screen.
For more information and help regarding Lubuntu, you can refer to the Lubuntu documentation or seek assistance from the Lubuntu community. They provide comprehensive guides, tutorials, and a supportive community to help you with any issues or questions you may have.
