xfce4-terminal & gnome-terminal slow

dbodner · n00b Joined: 27 Aug 2007 Posts: 54

Hey guys,
I just installed gentoo on my desktop, with xfce as my desktop environment. everything's going good, but I've noticed that when I have xfce4-terminal or gnome-terminal open in a workspace, there's about a good second delay when I tried to switch back to the workspace.

For example, if I have a pair of terms open in workspace one, then I go over to workspace two, it goes over instantaneously. If I try to go back to workspace one, that's where I see the delay.

I've noticed this only happens when I have a terminal open. I've tried it with xfce's compositor on and off, and it doesn't seem to make a difference. I've also tried it with the terminals pseudo-transparency on and off, and that didn't seem to make a difference either. If a terminal isn't in the workspace, no matter how many other applications are open, the switch is instant.

Any ideas?

96140 · Retired Dev Joined: 23 Jan 2005 Posts: 1324

dbodner · n00b Joined: 27 Aug 2007 Posts: 54

No slowdown whatsoever when they're minimized.

So would downgrading vte resolve the issue?

dbodner · n00b Joined: 27 Aug 2007 Posts: 54

I tried both the 'unstable' vte-0.16.9 and the old vte-0.14.2 and it still occured. I guess it's on to aterm for me

*edit*
downgraded xorg-xserver from 1.3.0.0-r1 to 1.3.0.0 and it fixed the problem. no slowdown, no matter if there's psuedo transpiracy, xfwm's compositor, or anything. Very happy. Thanks for your help.

WakkaDojo · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 5:43 am Post subject:

CasbahBoy · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 4:33 pm Post subject:

I've been checking up and doing Google searches periodically on this issue and found this post: http://support.zenwalk.org/viewtopic.php?p=81911#p81911.

They suggest exporting XLIB_SKIP_ARGB_VISUALS=1 before startxfce4 is called at boot. That environment variable is mentioned/documented here http://www.x.org/archive/X11R6.8.0/doc/RELNOTES5.html I found.

x11-base/xorg-server-1.3.0.0 isn't even in Portage anymore, so if this environment var option works (I'm about to test it now) it will be a much more optimal solution methinks

_________________
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CasbahBoy · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 5:34 pm Post subject:

Just tried it. I tossed XLIB_SKIP_ARGB_VISUALS=1 onto the line after XSESSION="Xfce4" in /etc/env.d/90xsession (I am running baselayout-2), did an env-update, and rebooted. Transparency for all other apps works fine, but Xfce4's Terminal doesn't display transparency at all now. There is no workspace switching delay for workspaces with Terminal on them anymore, but then again Terminal isn't displaying transparency either.

With composite enabled in xorg.conf, XLIB_SKIP_ARGB_VISUALS=0 (i.e. unset), and Terminal configured with transparent backgrounds disabled, Terminal still causes a workspace switching delay - so I think I'll keep XLIB_SKIP_ARGB_VISUALS=1 set for now.
_________________
"We demand rigidly defined values of doubt and uncertainty!"

CasbahBoy · Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 12:30 am Post subject:

Today I switched to xorg-server 1.5.2. Removed XLIB_SKIP_ARGB_VISUALS entirely from /etc/env.d/90xsession, did an env-update, configured xfce4-terminal to have a transparent background and switched workspaces a few times...success! Either the xorg update did it or one of the deps I unmasked did it. I think terminal might be the same version I was using when I posted months ago :wink:

Either way, problem is solved for me.
_________________
"We demand rigidly defined values of doubt and uncertainty!"

maxime1986 · n00b Joined: 23 Oct 2009 Posts: 74

I am on archlinux and also experience the problem :
launch terminal with :