Linux Mint 13 XFCE supports only one user

Bug #1041679 reported by Alkalyzer
10
This bug affects 2 people
Affects Status Importance Assigned to Milestone
Linux Mint
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Bug Description

Hello,

I noticed that it seems impossible to use Linux Mint 13 XFCE (64 bits) with mutiple users running simultaneous sessions due to the use of xscreensaver.

I am aware of the workaround that consists in "sudo ln -s /usr/bin/mdmflexiserver /usr/bin/gdmflexiserver" in order to fool xscreensaver.

But this trick only works once :

User 1 logs in, then locks its screen.
User 2 arrives, clicks on New Login and is sent to MDM login screen. User 2 can log in, now.
User 2 locks its screen.
User 1 comes back and click on New Login : nothing happens and the system still waits for the password of User 2.

I guess this is due to the fact that, when mdmflexiserver is invoked by clicking on the "New Login" button present on xscreensaver, a window pops-up asking if a new session has to be started or if a previous one has to be restored. The problem is that it is impossible to see this window while the screen is still locked by xscreensaver. Therefore, the system can only be unlocked by the last user who used it.

This bug occurs every time the scenario above is repeated.

This problem doesn't exists with the Cinnamon edition, mdmflexiserver automatically redirecting the user towards MDM login screen.

I would have expected exactly the same behaviour in the XFCE Edition than in the Cinnamon Edition.

Revision history for this message
dmitry eshchenko (dmitry-eshchenko) wrote :

Hello,
Three days ago I had installed MINT 13.01 XFCE.

I agree - this system (from the box) is not ready for the multy-users X sessions.
Me personally was surprise to obseve such a primitive bug for a otherwise very good distribution!
It seems now day computers become more and more "personal".
By default there is no even GUI to add a user!
Ok, no problem to add a new user from the terminal... (or add a gui :
sudo apt-get install gnome-system-tools).

As for the xscreensaver, finally, I use very primitive and very basic "workaround" which is enough for a family use:

First you have to statr new xsessions for the new users (e.g. from your own XFCE session).
Then users will run different X servers.

Use Ctl Alt F8/F9/F10 etc to swithch between these different graphical screens!

Regards,
Dmitry.

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