Installing XPDE on Ubuntu

the psycho cat on an HP Mini with Ubuntu

Just Beginning
Introduction
Read this first before you try Ubuntu*

Which Ubuntu to pick?
Getting Ubuntu
Making a bootable USB of Ubuntu

Ubuntu inside Windows
Dual-boot with Windows
Install Desktop CD Ubuntu
Modest Specs

Security in Ubuntu
Create a "browse as root" launcher*

Where's the Terminal?
Password in Terminal

Next Steps
Mount Windows
Install Proprietary Software
Install Flash
Install MP3 Playback
Finding iTunes Alternatives
Export as MP3 in Audacity
Use Wine

Beyond the Basics
Backing up Ubuntu
Upgrade Ubuntu*
Change boot menu
Mount Linux

Playing Around
KDE/Gnome Comparison
Install KDE
Install XFCE
Pure Gnome
Pure KDE
Pure XFCE
Make your own Ubuntu remix

Troubleshooting
Can't sudo
Graphical sudo
Forgot password

* Off-site link

Cheap Plugs
If you've found these tutorials useful, please consider donating a small amount to one of my favorite non-profits/charities. Every little bit helps.

You may also want to consider donating directly to the Ubuntu project.

Installing XPDE on Ubuntu

Why XPDE?
I don't know why, actually. As far as I can tell, XPDE is a just-for-fun thing, and it isn't really a functional desktop environment. Nevertheless, I see it asked for enough on the Ubuntu Forums that I figured I might as well help people install it.

My advice, though: if you really want a fake XP environment, consider using the Smooth XP theme for Gnome.

Installing XPDE
Download this file to your desktop.

Then go to a terminal and copy and paste these commands:

cd ~/Desktop
chmod +x installxpde.sh
./installxpde.sh

In order for your changes to take effect, press Control-Alt-Backspace or reboot.
username@ubuntu:~/Desktop$

That's it. It should be installed now and available in your KDM or GDM "sessions" menu.

By the way, there's a README file in the .tar.gz from XPDE.com that tells you do edit the xinitrc file. Those instructions don't work.

Removing XPDE
If you use the installation script, try out XPDE, and finally realize it's not a functional environment, just copy and paste these two commands into the terminal to remove it:

sudo rm -rf /usr/share/xpde
sudo rm /usr/share/xsessions/XPde.desktop