Multiple desktops and hardware profiles

[Lo Zeno]

Hello, I just installed (succesfully) Fedora 9 on a USB external HardDrive and I am using it (again, succesfully) on 4 different computers (they are all x86 and with similar hardware, even if not identical).

It's been a while since I last used a Linux OS, so I am gradually "re-learning" stuff. I already have some questions though...

The first: I remember clearly that last time I used Linux (it was a Red Hat distro) I could use up to six desktops. In F9, though, both with KDE and GNOME it seems that I am stuck with four desktops. I remember it was a matter of right-click-and-choose-properties to get two more desktops... yet, now I can't do it. Is there a way to gain those two additional desktops?

The second: the four computers that I use (by "moving" the USB hard drive from one to the other) have a similar hardware, but not identical. Each time I change computer I have to change hardware configuration too. Is there a way to "save" hardware configurations and switch among them when I change computer? (I know there is a way, I remember I did the same thing in the past with Red Hat Linux, I just... don't remember )

Thanks for any help you may give!

[CraigWatson]

You can change the number of workspaces by right-clicking on the Workspace Switcher GNOME applet and going to Properties, there's an option to change both the number of desktops and the orientation within the applet

[Lo Zeno]

That's the problem: I did exactly what you suggest, but there I see only the "change orientation" option, but not the "number of desktops" option...

It's just... missing.

[Lo Zeno]

Am I the only one who "lacks" this option?

[CraigWatson]

I've attached a screenshot of my Workspace Switcher Properties window if that helps at all - are you using Compiz-Fusion/Emerald?

[Lo Zeno]

Well, this is extremely odd...

No, I'm not using Compiz Fusion. The Properties Windows I have is the same as the one you attached - except that mine is half as large, and shows only the "switcher" radio button.

Everything below the "Show Workspaces in X lines" line is... missing. Just missing. Including the Help button!
Damn. I can't set the number of workspaces, nor the workspaces' names.
I'm sure I didn't install anything strange, I simply made a fresh install from the DVD, no other 3rd party software or anything else...
...Could this be somehow vaguely or impossibly related to the localization settings? I am Italian so I set Fedora to use Italian language and settings...

[stevanikof]

Hi, this feature is now available through the CompizConfig Settings Manager (make sure it is installed).
go to General Options->Desktop Size and change Horizontal/Vertical Size to suit your taste

see this post...
http://forums.fedoraforum.org/showth...ber+workspaces