New user

[drrdf]

Hi: I am a new user of Linux Lite and have been very impressed by what I have seen so far. I have migrated now 5 Pcs from Linux Mint to Linux Lite; this is because due to bloat and the new kernel my hardware is no longer compatible with the latest Linux Mint. However, I find it all runs OK on Linux Lite - very good.

However, I do have a few problems. Initially I had a problem with Wireless cards (doesn't almost everyone?). I have now solved most of those problems. The remaining problem which I have is with Numlock being enforced by the OS it seems whatever you do; although this start-up option is inhibited in my BIOS and I have now also selected the option to inhibit it in Linux Lite, it still defaults to numlock ON. This results in some PCs not being able to log in at all because it distorts normal keys.  Does anyone know how to inhibit this idiocy once and for all please? Why on earth anyone would want to override the BIOS setting for Numlock at every start-up God only knows?

Also one other thing which I find annoying is the integration of the normal mouse cursor pointer and the timing rotating icon splurged on it. Is there any way to inhibit the mouse cursor whilst a timed function is performing, so that only the timing rotating icon shows please?

Other than those two issues I think this is probably now the very best Linux OS for older XP vintage PCs, and long may it continue.

[newtusmaximus]

Just in case. Have you manually set the Language to English UK and also the Keyboard to  English UK  ( I also delete English USA) and the appropriate layout.  menu/settings/language support.  Also menu/settings/keyboard  = untick  number lock  also Layout = Untick  Use system defaults  - Check Layout is English (UK) &- delete others.  and set keyboard model as applicable for the machine -    Bit trial and error I am afraid.
I usually choose a simple password  on setting up - one that does not use  effected keys. and then change the password later when all set up.    Then work on internet connection wifi setup.

Hope this makes some sense-

[skippy95]

Re: numlock
My install had /etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf configured to autostart numlock.

To disable numlock if this is your case:
1] Command:  gksudo leafpad /etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf
Enter your password > lightdm.conf is opened in leafpad
2] Look for this line in the file:  greeter-setup-script=/usr/bin/numlockx on
Remove this line from the file > Save file > Close leafpad
On your next login or reboot, numlock should not be on

If this is the case, then lightdm is overriding your BIOS settings and I don't know as I like that.

Another thought, did you check your autostart files and directories for any entries pertaining to numlock?

[drrdf]

Hi newtusmaximus,

Thank you for your reply. I must admit that I had not realised that it was necessary to set some of the same parameters all over again manually which had already been set during the installation process. I had as I mentioned already set the numlock option in menu/settings/keyboard  = untick  number lock, to OFF, but that had made no difference.  I tried all of your other suggestions, but no difference I am afraid. As soon as I log in to Linux Lite it defaults again to numlock ON. So it needs some other solution. Thanks for your help.

[Valtam]

Numlock setting has always been in Lite Tweaks.

[drrdf]

Hi skippy95,

Thank you for your reply. I have tried your suggestion of the line "greeter-setup-script=/usr/bin/numlockx off". Mine was already set to OFF. Nevertheless I deleted the line as suggested. It makes no difference whatsoever, and the system still defaults to numlock ON at log in. (Prior to log in it is at numlock OFF, so clearly something in the OS is contravening that and forcing numlock ON at log in.)

I am not familiar with the autostart files and directories; could you please let me know where to find those and check them? Thanks for your help.

[drrdf]

Hi Jerry,

Thanks for your reply. I had already checked in Lite Tweaks previously and numlock was already set to OFF. The system still evidently pays no attention to that, and on all of my PCs with Linux Lite installed (including one Sony laptop) the systems all default to numlock ON, overriding the BIOS setting of numock OFF. I begin to wonder whether there is a bug in the Linux Lite code causing this? Thanks for your help.

[Valtam]

Numlock is a case of damned if you do, damned if you don't. Have the system enable it at login and you have people question your motives, have it disabled, the same effect. Either way, one side will not be happy.

I begin to wonder whether there is a bug in the Linux Lite code causing this? Thanks for your help.

Not that I can see. It's either one, or the other

[newtusmaximus]

I too have had the persistent number lock problem on installing on  lap tops.  I am not sure whether there is something retained in short term memory which  resists the tweaks route.  What I tend to do on fresh installations is follow out the Language and keyboard settings after installation, double check tweaks num lock setting,  and then type something in Libre Office to check that all is working OK typewise. Then log off and switch laptop off , leave switched off for say 10 or so minutes  and then reboot.  That seems to do the trick on most occasions.    It is a bit of a hassle; not sure why this all has to be done, i.e. not done at the initial installation stage.    I found this very off putting when embarking on LL, but persisted with the help of the forum. 
Worth the effort in the long run as IMHO  the benefits of LL outweigh the initial hurdles of setting up.

[drrdf]

Hi Jerry,

Thanks for your reply. "Numlock is a case of damned if you do, damned if you don't. Have the system enable it at login and you have people question your motives, have it disabled, the same effect. Either way, one side will not be happy." Well I take your point, but this is not an instance of one or another as you claim. It is an instance of the supposed facilities in the OS not setting the numlock option to what the user prefers and selects, and indeed in the case of laptops and some desktop PCs distorting the keyboard so as not to permit log in with some alpha characters, so as to always enforce numlock ON whatever the user does, selects or wishes.

I have never met this situation in any other OS so this is clearly a one-off OS problem. My point is that although I have now installed Linux Lite on 4 desktop PCs and on one laptop they all then have the same problem. The supposed facilities in Linux Lite to give an option of numlock OFF if that is what the user prefers do not work; and always ultimately despite these settings Linux Lite always boots up with numlock ON. That to me suggests a bug associated with the supposed option settings, which do not work. What is the point of having these supposed setting options if they do not work?

I have just thought of an outside chance. What if I set the BIOS option to numlock ON? Linux Lite might then reset it to numlock OFF as selected in the all available options?