Using gmrun instead of xfrun4 [Xubuntu]

gmrun allows to launch an application by typing its name.
In this article I’ll show you how to replace xfrun4, the default XFCE4 application launcher, so when you hit the Alt+F2 combination gmrun will run instead of xfrun4.

“But why would you replace xfrun4 with gmrun?"

Well, that main reason is the command completion feature. I use the terminal a lot, so I have the habit to hit Tab after a few keystrokes to complete the command. gmrun allows me to do exactly that and it also completes file names.

To complete a command type the first letters, then hit Tab until you have selected
the desired command. The arrow keys can also be used to change the selection.

If you're convinced to change to gmrun, here are the steps:

  1. Install gmrun, using a terminal window: sudo apt-get install gmrun
  2. Replace xfrun4 with gmrun:
    1. Open "Settings Manager" (Applications Menu > Settings > Settings Manager)
    2. Click on "Keyboard"
    3. Select the "Application Shortcuts" tab
    4. Remove the xfrun4 command (select it and hit Remove)
    5. Click on Add and type gmrun as the command 
    6. After clicking OK, press F2 while holding Alt
    7. That's it! Now gmrun should run when you hit the Alt+F2 combination

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

[FIX] VLC is unable to open the MRL (smb://)

Image
When I tried to open remote video files with VLC via a Samba share I got this error message: Your input can't be opened: VLC is unable to open the MRL 'smb://...' It seems that this problem is related to credentials and can be fixed by entering the credentials for the Samba share in the VLC preferences (Tools > Preferences > Input / Codecs > Access Modules > SMB Input): Note: I only experienced this problem when accessing remote files with PCManFM. Related Posts Install PCManFM in Xubuntu Add support for Samba shares to Thunar References VLC with Samba shares at Kubuntu Forums
Read more

Add items to Xfce Applications Menu

To add an application launcher to Xfce Applications Menu is simple; all you have to do is place the *.desktop file that launches the application in the right folder. Create the *.desktop file Create a text file whose extension is 'desktop', with the following content: [Desktop Entry] Version=1.0 Type=Application Name= ItemName Exec= Command Icon= IconFile Categories= Category ; On ItemName write the name that should be displayed on the menu. Command  is the command that should be run. IconFile is the path to some *.png file. The Category dictates the sub-menu where the item will be placed. See the table bellow to see what Category value you should use. Sub-Menu Categories Accessories Utility Development Development Games Game Graphics Graphics Internet Network Multimedia AudioVideo Office Office System System A new item can be placed on a sub-menu by selecting the right 'Catego...
Read more