Edit the GNOME Main Menu for individual or system wide menu selections
This document (7001122) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.
Environment
SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 Service Pack 2 (SLED SP2)
Situation
Need to modify the GNOME menu for either the individual user or
system wide for all users on this system.
Resolution
A utility called "alacarte" has been included on the SUSE Linux
Enterprise Desktop 10 Service Pack 2 distribution. It is not
installed by default. To install run YaST and select"Software" on the left and "Software Management" on the
right. In the Software Manager search for "alacarte".
You will see the available package. Just click the check box
and then "Accept".
Once alacarte is installed you will have a new selection in the Control Center (Main (Computer) Menu --> Control Center). In the Control Center select "Look and Feel" on the left. The Look and Feel category will be highlighted on the right. You will notice two new items in this category both titled "Main Menu Editor". If you hover your mouse over each you will notice that the first one says "Change which applications are shown on the main menu" and the second says "Change which applications are shown on the main menu system wide". The first will run as the logged in user. The second (for system wide) will ask you to enter the root user's password.
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Run the "user" version of the menu editor. The following screen will be displayed:
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As seen in the example, each category is displayed. You can create new categories by selecting "New Menu" on the right. Launchers can be added to any category by selecting the category on the left then clicking "New Item". Items can be removed by right-clicking the item and selecting "Delete". Change the order of the items in the menu by using the "Move Up" or "Move Down" buttons.
Other features:
The "Show" check box can be used to inhibit the system from displaying the item. That way it is still available should it ever be needed in the future.
"Max items in "New Applications" Group" is displayed near the bottom. This will control how many items will be displayed in the "New Applications" section of the menu (application browser). By setting this number to "0" the new applications section will not be shown. The user must logout and back in again for the change to be in effect.
The "Revert" button can be used to reset the menu to the original defaults.
Once alacarte is installed you will have a new selection in the Control Center (Main (Computer) Menu --> Control Center). In the Control Center select "Look and Feel" on the left. The Look and Feel category will be highlighted on the right. You will notice two new items in this category both titled "Main Menu Editor". If you hover your mouse over each you will notice that the first one says "Change which applications are shown on the main menu" and the second says "Change which applications are shown on the main menu system wide". The first will run as the logged in user. The second (for system wide) will ask you to enter the root user's password.
Run the "user" version of the menu editor. The following screen will be displayed:
As seen in the example, each category is displayed. You can create new categories by selecting "New Menu" on the right. Launchers can be added to any category by selecting the category on the left then clicking "New Item". Items can be removed by right-clicking the item and selecting "Delete". Change the order of the items in the menu by using the "Move Up" or "Move Down" buttons.
Other features:
The "Show" check box can be used to inhibit the system from displaying the item. That way it is still available should it ever be needed in the future.
"Max items in "New Applications" Group" is displayed near the bottom. This will control how many items will be displayed in the "New Applications" section of the menu (application browser). By setting this number to "0" the new applications section will not be shown. The user must logout and back in again for the change to be in effect.
The "Revert" button can be used to reset the menu to the original defaults.
Disclaimer
This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.
- Document ID:7001122
- Creation Date: 07-Aug-2008
- Modified Date:03-Mar-2020
-
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
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