dm-tool (with examples)

Use Case 1: Show the greeter while keeping current desktop session open and waiting to be restored upon authentication by logged in user

dm-tool switch-to-greeter

Motivation: This command allows you to switch to the greeter screen while keeping your current desktop session open. It can be useful when you want to switch to another user or perform system maintenance without closing your current session.

Arguments:

• None

Example Output: The screen will switch to the login screen (greeter) while your current session remains open in the background. The greeter will wait for authentication from the logged-in user.

Use Case 2: Lock the current session

dm-tool lock

Motivation: Locking the current session provides an extra layer of security, preventing unauthorized access to your system when you step away from your computer. It ensures that all active applications and data remain protected.

Arguments:

• None

Example Output: The screen will be locked, and you will be prompted to enter your password to unlock it and regain access to your session.

Use Case 3: Switch to a specific user, showing an authentication prompt if required

dm-tool switch-to-user username session

Motivation: This command allows you to switch to a specific user’s session. It is useful when you need to access another user’s session without logging out. If required, an authentication prompt will be shown to ensure the proper user credentials are entered.

Arguments:

• username: The username of the user whose session you want to switch to.
• session (optional): The specific session identifier. If not provided, the command will switch to the default session of the user.

Example:

dm-tool switch-to-user john

Example Output: If John’s session is currently active, the screen will switch to his session. If John’s session is not active, an authentication prompt will appear for you to enter your user credentials.

Use Case 4: Add a dynamic seat from within a running LightDM session

dm-tool add-seat xlocal name=value

Motivation: Adding a dynamic seat allows you to dynamically create and manage additional seats (user interface instances) from within a running LightDM session. This can be useful in multi-seat environments or when adding virtual seats for remote sessions.

Arguments:

• xlocal: Specifies the type of seat to add. Use “xlocal” for a local seat.
• name=value: Additional seat configuration options in the form of key-value pairs.

Example:

dm-tool add-seat xlocal name=foo

Example Output: A dynamic local seat named “foo” will be added to the system. The new seat will be available for user sessions or display management as needed.