KDE and TDE Window Rules
One of the long standing features of the original KDE, TDE, and KDE 5 is something called window rules. This feature is handy because user preferences are scattered all over. Some people like tiling windows, some stacking windows, some like centered, some like certain software tools to launch in a specific and repeatable manner. The latter reason can be frustrating with some software that has built-in default window geometry or is not designed to store the related window placement.
For many years in the house network the Devilspie tool was used to control deficient software. Adopting KDE means that tool no longer is needed.
On example in the house network for using window rules is QuiteRss. For several years this tool has done a decent job for reading RSS feeds. There is one notable annoyance — the software seems designed to always steal the window focus.
Another house network nuisance is using a shared profile to save data and configuration. This means window placement on the office computer and laptop are different. Moving from one system to another means a difference in screen size and preferred placement. The nuisance is wanting to visually confirm feed links open in the background web browser. Placement and size is not an issue with the larger office desktop screen. The laptop 14 inch screen leaves little room to wriggle.
The solution is creating rules for the following window attributes:
- Position — apply initially
- Size — apply initially
- Focus stealing prevention — high
These window rules override the saved QuiteRss configuration.
Posted: Category: Usability Tagged: KDE
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