Gconf-editor
Encyclopedia
Gconf-editor is an application for the GNOME
computer desktop environment. It can be considered the graphical equivalent of gconftool and is used to maintain the GNOME registry.
Gconf-editor gives users the ability to access settings stored in the XML
-based GConf
configuration database
or registry. It is used primarily by developers to debug applications
, or by power user
s to edit hidden and complex settings. It abstracts
the values from the GConf database and presents them in an interface similar to Microsoft Windows
' registry
editor.
Traditional CLI (Command Line Interface) power users of GNOME have criticized it as an excuse to over-simplify the user interface and design for the lowest common denominator. Preferences such as turning off desktop icons or changing window button order are not available through a friendly graphical user interface
(GUI) like other settings but can only be changed using gconf-editor. GNOME core developers claim that the majority of users find lots of options and choices confusing and difficult to learn, and that so-called power users have little difficulty finding options using an application such as Gconf-editor.
Due to the controversy, other gconf tools have appeared, such as Gconfpref by MandrakeSoft. There are also patches
for popular applications, which add the ability to change the hidden options from within the application itself, avoiding the need for gconf-editor.
GNOME
GNOME is a desktop environment and graphical user interface that runs on top of a computer operating system. It is composed entirely of free and open source software...
computer desktop environment. It can be considered the graphical equivalent of gconftool and is used to maintain the GNOME registry.
Gconf-editor gives users the ability to access settings stored in the XML
XML
Extensible Markup Language is a set of rules for encoding documents in machine-readable form. It is defined in the XML 1.0 Specification produced by the W3C, and several other related specifications, all gratis open standards....
-based GConf
GConf
GConf is a system used by the GNOME desktop environment for storing configuration settings for the desktop and applications.Changes to this system are controlled by GConfd, a daemon. GConfd watches out for changes to the database, and when they are changed, it applies the new settings to...
configuration database
Database
A database is an organized collection of data for one or more purposes, usually in digital form. The data are typically organized to model relevant aspects of reality , in a way that supports processes requiring this information...
or registry. It is used primarily by developers to debug applications
Application software
Application software, also known as an application or an "app", is computer software designed to help the user to perform specific tasks. Examples include enterprise software, accounting software, office suites, graphics software and media players. Many application programs deal principally with...
, or by power user
Power user
A power user is a user of a personal computer who has the ability to use advanced features of programs which are beyond the abilities of "normal" users, but is not necessarily capable of programming and system administration...
s to edit hidden and complex settings. It abstracts
Abstraction
Abstraction is a process by which higher concepts are derived from the usage and classification of literal concepts, first principles, or other methods....
the values from the GConf database and presents them in an interface similar to Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
' registry
Windows registry
The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options on Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains settings for low-level operating system components as well as the applications running on the platform: the kernel, device drivers, services, SAM, user...
editor.
Traditional CLI (Command Line Interface) power users of GNOME have criticized it as an excuse to over-simplify the user interface and design for the lowest common denominator. Preferences such as turning off desktop icons or changing window button order are not available through a friendly graphical user interface
Graphical user interface
In computing, a graphical user interface is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices with images rather than text commands. GUIs can be used in computers, hand-held devices such as MP3 players, portable media players or gaming devices, household appliances and...
(GUI) like other settings but can only be changed using gconf-editor. GNOME core developers claim that the majority of users find lots of options and choices confusing and difficult to learn, and that so-called power users have little difficulty finding options using an application such as Gconf-editor.
Due to the controversy, other gconf tools have appeared, such as Gconfpref by MandrakeSoft. There are also patches
Patch (computing)
A patch is a piece of software designed to fix problems with, or update a computer program or its supporting data. This includes fixing security vulnerabilities and other bugs, and improving the usability or performance...
for popular applications, which add the ability to change the hidden options from within the application itself, avoiding the need for gconf-editor.