This has been tried & tested on Kali 1.0.3-9 (x86 & x64).
...Other variations may not work.
For Kali 2 users, see this script.
Result (Screenshots):
Conky (GNOME & XFCE4 with Shiki-Colors Light Menus Theme)
XFCE #1 (without conky)
XFCE #2 (without conky)
Quick & Easy Install:
Open a terminal and paste in the following either/both commands
(This will automatically pull the scripts down and run them).
Then log-off and re-log in with "XFCE Session" (note: for the menu to show - press 'other' - allowing you to type a username!)Code:## XFCE4 - Desktop Environment curl -s http://pastebin.com/raw.php?i=r5kbi5kj | tr -d '\15\32' | bash ## Conky - System Monitor curl -s http://pastebin.com/raw.php?i=ArY0PvwM | tr -d '\15\32' | bash
What is XFCE4?
Its a Window Manager/Desktop Environment (For more information ~ http://docs.kali.org/live-build/cust...op-environment)
By default, the current standard Kali x86 & x64 builds use GNOME. This will install XFCE4, allowing you to switch between them, each time you login to Kali.
If you don't like it, you can switch back to GNOME next time you login.
Why switch to XFCE4? Whats wrong with GNOME?
Theres lots of reasons for and against them both. I'm not going to get into it here.
This is here purely if you wish to use my personal take/build/customisations of Kali using XFCE4.
What is Conky?
Its the system monitor thats in the bottom right of the screen in the screenshots.
If you wish, you can use it in either XFCE4 or GNOME.
Anything else I should do with XFCE/Conky?
If you can decode the pastebin contents for XFCE4 install script, you'll see some hidden settings such as:
- Enable num lock at startup
- Different wallpaper each time
- ...Others similar things
Anything else I should do with my Kali install afterwards?
Look into using something different than:
- bash (e.g. ZSH/Oh-My-ZSH)
- the default terminal (e.g. terminator)
- ...the github link below!
Like this sort of stuff? Want more?
This is taken from a larger script. which you can see the rest of my modifications & tweaks here:
http://github.com/g0tmi1k/OS-Scripts...master/kali.sh
Update 2014-10-20:
- Updated conky
- Made sure all the output now fits on screen
- Checks to see if you have a second second LAN NIC (eth1)
- Moved a few things about/renamed a labels
- Updated XFCE4 - Added keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl + Alt + T == Open terminal)
- Change default desktop wallpaper (again) and login wallpaper to match.
- Disabled numlock at startup
- Updated screenshots
Update 2013-11-19:
- Re-worked internal workings of conky & XFCE
- Set default programs with XFCE (fixes start menu bug)
- Change default wallpaper
- Enabled numlock at startup
Updated 2013-07-13:
- Little bug fix in XFCE
- Enabled compositing in XFCE