Re: Problems with custom install of MATE

[Richmond <richmond@criptext.com>]

Richard Owlett <rowlett@cloud85.net> writes:

> As I have a very low data cap and wish to avoid some "recommended"
> components I have done:
> 1. a text mode install [including "standard utilities"] using
>    debian-11.2.0-amd64-netinst.iso .
> 2. apt-get --no-install-recommends install mate-desktop-environment
> 3. apt-get install xinit
> 4. apt-get --no-install-recommends install xorg gparted synaptic pluma
>
> Between those steps were searches/fixes for some things that didn't
> run as expected.
>
> Current questions/problems include:
> 1. Why do I have to manually run startx at each boot?
> 2. Although menu entries for gparted and pluma appear as expected, there
>    appears to be no way to launch synaptic.
> 3. Although connected to internet [i.e. apt-get runs correctly], the
>    appropriate icon does not appear on MATE's taskbar.
> 4. I'll be installing SeaMonkey but have forgotten how to have it appear
>    on appropriate Applications sub-menu.
>
> I've done it all before but can't find my references.
> Help please.
> TIA

1. Probably you don't have a display manager. Mate uses light display
manager, and it is configured here:

/etc/systemd/system/display-manager.service

But there is a script or procedure for configuring it. Probably just
install lightdm.