Ubuntu
yelp package

Mouse scroll between workspaces.

Asked by Bob

I have just finished a clean install of ubuntu 9.10 and there seems to be a feature missing.

I used to be able to put my pointer on a workspace desktop and using the scroll wheel on my mouse move to the next workspace.

I also did a clean install of 9.04 on the same machine waiting for new updates to 9.10 and the wheel worked with no add-ons. After the clean install of 9.10 this does not work.

Was the feature not included? Can I get this feature back? Are there other ways to move to the next desktop without clicking on the boxes in the lower right corner?

Thanks for any help. Bob.

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Revision history for this message
wojox (wojox) said : 		#1

Hey Bob,

You can use Ctrl+Alt+Right/Left Arrow Key to which desktops. In Karmic Visual Effects have to be set to none to use the mouse and scroll wheel.

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Bob (bbrazie) said : 		#2

Thanks, when I set the visual effects to none it still did not work with the scroll wheel however the keyboard way worked fine.

I am still wondering why this worked in the two previous releases but not in ubuntu 9.10.

I wonder if there might be another way?

Revision history for this message
Sam_ (and-sam) said : 		#3

Unfortunately it isn't enabled per default.
Enable visual effects.
Install:
compizconfig-settings-manager
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/CompositeManager/ConfiguringCompiz

After installation it's in system preferences.
Then open and navigate to:
Section 'Workspace'.
Just enable this plugin, that should be all.
If not open the plugin and go to:
Workspace switcher -> (second TAB) Switching workspace on desktop (or alike, I've german local)
It has an option 'initiate plugin action' = Button2 (that's usually the mousewheel)

After configuration of any preferences it can be saved in a .profile file, which can be imported from a backup next time. ## It saved me a lot of work on a new Karmic installation.
Section 'Preferences'. Be sure to make the file end .profile and save (export) it to any place in your /home/user.

You can also set preferences via gconf-editor
/apps/compiz/plugins/vpswitch/initiate_button = Button2
http://library.gnome.org/users/gconf-editor/2.22/getting-started.html.en

To view settings via gconftool on CLI e.g.:
gconftool-2 --recursive-list /apps/compiz/plugins/vpswitch

Revision history for this message
Bob (bbrazie) said : 		#4

"You can also set preferences via gconf-editor
/apps/compiz/plugins/vpswitch/initiate_button = Button2"

Interesting, I think. <g>

I can do this by adding the line as a new key value in the vpswitch section?

If so I am not quite sure what to add to each section of a new key value.

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Sam_ (and-sam) said : 		#5

When enabling visual effects all plugins are available, they just need to be activated via CCSM (compizconfig-settings-manager) or gconf-editor.
When for example Cube is enabled it relates to the option viewport switch (vpswitch), no need to add any key, except adjusting it maybe to the right one, but usually all is recognized automatically.
http://wiki.compiz-fusion.org/CCSM

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Bob (bbrazie) said : 		#6

Thanks, I installed it and it worked like a breeze.

Now I suppose I will spend all day playing with it. <g>

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Sam_ (and-sam) said : 		#7

Don't forget to make a backup .profile from a config which works, then playing is more fun.
In case you screw up and need to go to CLI, you can unset all compiz settings:
gconftool-2 --recursive-unset /apps/compiz

Revision history for this message
Bob (bbrazie) said : 		#8

Thanks Sam, you have been a big help and your advise is welcome.
Bob.