HOWTO: Terminal as the desktop background. - Ubuntu TipsnTricks

The objective is to have a gnome terminal running as the desktop background, right above the actual background image, that won't be displayed by the statusbar or ticker.

It should look something like this:
Full transparency
or
Semi-transparent with shadows (using Xgl)

Ok, lets get started...

1) Download devilspie

Code:

sudo apt-get install devilspie

2) Create a configuration file

Code:

mkdir ~/.devilspie nano ~/.devilspie/DesktopConsole.ds

3) Paste the following configuration (press Ctrl^X to save and exit):

Code:

(if         (matches (window_name) "DesktopConsole")         (begin                 (set_workspace 4)                 (below)                 (undecorate)                 (skip_pager)                 (skip_tasklist)                 (wintype "utility")                 (geometry "+50+50")                 (geometry "924x668")         ) )

Notes:
- i use workspace 4 but you can use whatever you like.
- you should at least adjust the geometry lines to match your screen.
- Read the devilspie wiki, for other commands!!!

4) Create a new gnome-terminal profile named "DesktopConsole"
- in the "General" tab, untick "show menubar by default..."
- in the "Scrolling" tab, select "Scrollbar is" -> Disabled.
- in the "Effects" tab, set "Transparent background" and shade to "None" (or to whatever you prefer)

5) Add devilspie and gnome-terminal to the Startup Programs in your session:
in System->preferences->sessions, "Startup Programs" tab, add the 2 programs:

Code:

devilspie gnome-terminal --window-with-profile=DesktopConsole

6) Logout, Login

check to see that devilspie is running *before* the gnome-terminal command.


Thats it!