LinuxCommandLibrary

mdm

Display and manage the login screen

SYNOPSIS

mdm [options]

PARAMETERS

-d, --daemon
    Start mdm as a daemon (background process).

--debug
    Enable debugging output.

--version
    Display the version information.

--help
    Display a help message.

--config-file
    Specify an alternative configuration file.

DESCRIPTION

The `mdm` command is a display manager that provides a graphical login screen on Linux systems. It handles user authentication and starts the X server and window manager or desktop environment. While `mdm` was initially the display manager used by the Linux Mint distribution, it is based on the older `gdm` (GNOME Display Manager) version 2.20. The main purpose of `mdm` is to provide a customizable and lightweight alternative to full-fledged desktop environments.

It allows users to log in using a graphical interface, managing user sessions, handling authentication, and starting the graphical desktop environment. It can be configured to automatically log in a user, choose the default session type (e.g., Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce), and customize the appearance of the login screen. It also supports remote access using XDMCP (X Display Manager Control Protocol).

CAVEATS

The `mdm` command is considered obsolete, particularly as its based on an older version of `gdm`. Current systems often use more modern display managers like `lightdm` or the latest `gdm`. Support and updates for `mdm` might be limited.

CONFIGURATION FILES

The primary configuration file for MDM is typically located at `/etc/mdm/mdm.conf`. This file contains settings for various aspects of MDM, such as the greeter theme, automatic login settings, and X server configuration. Additional configuration files and scripts may be found in `/etc/mdm/Init/`, `/etc/mdm/PreSession/`, `/etc/mdm/PostSession/`, and `/etc/mdm/Xsession` directories, which allow customization of the initialization, pre-session, post-session, and X session environments respectively.

HISTORY

MDM was derived from GNOME Display Manager (GDM) 2.20. It was created to provide a more customizable and configurable display manager for Linux Mint, offering greater control over the login screen appearance and behavior. It offered a lighter and more flexible alternative. MDM's development was driven by the needs of the Linux Mint community, aiming to provide a user-friendly and visually appealing login experience. Because it branched from an older version of GDM, development eventually stagnated and other options have become more popular.

SEE ALSO

gdm(1), lightdm(1), startx(1)

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