Linux Desktop Hacks: Scrap X11 for Fancy Login Consoles

Overview

Qingy is an alternative login screen developed by Michele Noberasco. Qingy uses the graphical frame-buffer console capability in Linux to paint an attractive and powerful session login screen on one or more virtual terminals. Unlike XDM, GDM, and KDM, Qingy does not use X11. Despite this, Qingy has as many features as these traditional graphical login screens, if not more (see the sidebar, "Frame-Buffer Versus X11 Graphics"). One can choose the preferred session type, such as KDE, GNOME, WindowMaker, Fluxbox, or just a text console.