# Using GConf

The information in this chapter describes how to use GConf to manage user preferences.

## Introducing GConf

GConf simplifies the administration of preferences for users in the GNOME desktop environment. GConf enables system administrators to do the following:

- Set mandatory values for particular preferences for all users. In this way, system administrators can control whether users can update particular preferences.

- Set default values for particular preferences for all users.

- Use suggested values for preferences that are specified in definition files for the preferences.

- Read documentation on each preference.

GConf also notifies applications when a preference value changes, locally or across a network. In this way, when you change a preference, all applications that use the preference are immediately updated.

GConf has the following components:

- A repository of user preferences.

- A daemon, `gconfd-2`.

- A command line tool, `gconftool-2`.

## GConf Repository

Each preference in the GConf repository is expressed as a key-value pair. A GConf preference key is an element in the repository that corresponds to an application preference. For example, the `/apps/gnome-session/options/show_splash_screen` preference key corresponds to the Show splash screen on login option in the Sessions preference tool. The GNOME user interface does not contain all of the preference keys in the GConf repository. For example, the Sessions preference tool does not contain an option that corresponds to the `/apps/gnome-session/options/splash_screen_text` key.

The repository is structured like a simple hierarchical file system. The repository contains the following:

- Directories that correspond to applications that use the GConf repository. For example, the file system contains the directory `/apps/metacity`.

- Subdirectories that correspond to categories of preferences. For example, the file system contains the directory `/apps/metacity/general`.

- Special files that list the preference keys in the directory, and contain information about the keys. For example, a file that contains information about the keys that relate to the HTTP proxy preferences is in the directory `/system/http_proxy`.

- A `/schemas` directory that contains files that describe all of the preference keys.

Preference keys typically have simple values such as strings, integers, or lists of strings and integers. The format of the preference key in the repository depends on the backend module that is used to read the repository. The following is an example of the `/desktop/gnome/interface/font_name` preference key when an Extensible Markup Language (XML) backend module is used to read the repository:

    <entry name="font_name" mtime="1038323555" muser="user123" type="string">
    <stringvalue>avantgarde 10</stringvalue></entry>

When this guide refers to a preference key, the path to the key is added to the name of the key. For example, the `font_name` preference key in the `/desktop/gnome/interface` subdirectory is referred to as `/desktop/gnome/interface/font_name`.

### GConf Configuration Sources

The GConf repository contains a series of storage locations that are called configuration sources. The configuration sources are listed in the GConf path file. The location of the GConf path file is `/etc/gconf/version_number/path`. Each user has a path file. Each line in the path file specifies the following information:

- The backend module to use to read the repository.

- The permissions on the repository.

- The location of the repository.

By default, the contents of the GConf path file are as follows:

    xml:readonly:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.mandatory
    include "$(HOME)/.gconf.path"
    xml:readwrite:$(HOME)/.gconf
    xml:readonly:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.defaults

When GConf searches for a preference value, GConf reads the configuration sources in the order specified in the path file. The following table describes the configuration sources in the path file:

Configuration Source | Description
--- | ---
Mandatory | The permissions on this configuration source are set to read only. Users cannot overwrite the values in this source, so the preferences in the source are mandatory.
User | This configuration source is stored in the `.gconf` directory in the home directory of the user. When the user sets a preference, the new preference information is added to this location.
Default | This configuration source contains the default preference settings.

The sequence of the configuration sources in the path file ensures that mandatory preference settings override user preference settings. The sequence also ensures that user preference settings override default preference settings. That is, GConf applies preferences in the following order of priority:

1. Mandatory preferences

2. User-specified preferences

3. Default preferences

The `include` instruction in the GConf path file enables users to use another configuration source. To use another configuration source, the user must specify the location of the configuration source. The user specifies the location of the configuration source in the home directory, in a file that is called `.gconf.path`.

### GConf Schemas

A GConf schema is a collective term for a GConf schema key and a GConf schema object. The following table describes schema keys and schema objects and the relationship of these items to preference keys:

Item | Description
--- | ---
Preference key | An element in the GConf repository that corresponds to an application preference.
Schema key | A key that stores a schema object for a preference key.

Schema object

An element in a configuration source that contains information for a preference key, such as the following:

- The name of the application that uses the preference key.

- The type of value required for the preference key, for example integer, boolean, and so on.

- A default value for the preference key.

- Brief documentation on the preference key.

The following table gives examples of a preference key, a schema key, and a schema object:

Item | Example
--- | ---
Preference key | `/desktop/gnome/interface/font_name`
Schema key | `/schemas/desktop/gnome/interface/font_name`

Schema object

    <schema>
      <applyto>/desktop/gnome/interface/font_name</applyto>
      <key>/schemas/desktop/gnome/interface/font_name</key>
      <owner>gnome</owner>
      <type>string</type>
      <default>Sans 10</default>
      <locale name="C">
        <short>Default font</short>
          <long>Name of the default font used by gtk+.</long>
      </locale>
    </schema>

You can associate a schema key with a preference key. For example, the following `/desktop/gnome/interface/font_name` key includes a schema key:

    <entry name="font_name" mtime="1034873859"
    schema="/schemas/desktop/gnome/interface/font_name"/>

When you associate a schema key with a preference key, the preference uses the suggested value that is specified in the schema object of the schema key. The suggested value is contained in the `<default>` element in the schema object. By default, all the preference keys in the default configuration source are associated with schema keys.

Typically, schemas are stored in the default configuration source.

### GConf Schema Definition Files

Schemas are generated from schema definition files. A schema definition file defines the characteristics of all of the keys in a particular application. Schema definition files have a `.schemas` extension.

The schema definition files are included in the `/etc/gconf/schemas` directory. You can use the schema definition files to create a new configuration source.

Some schema definition files correspond closely to a part of the GNOME user interface. For example, `system_http_proxy.schemas` corresponds to the Network Proxy preference tool. Other schema definition files contain preference keys that are not present in the GNOME user interface. For example, the `/apps/gnome-session/options/splash_screen_text` key is not present in the user interface.

Some parts of the GNOME user interface contain preferences that represent preference keys from more than one schema definition file. For example, the Keyboard Shortcuts preference tool contains preferences that represent keys from the `panel-global-config.schemas` and `metacity.schemas` files.

## GConf Daemon

The GConf daemon is called `gconfd-2`. The GConf daemon notifies applications when a preference value changes. For example, you might select to show only icons in toolbars in the Menus & Toolbars preference tool. When you select this option in the preference tool, the toolbars on all open applications are updated instantly. The GConf daemon can operate locally, or across a network.

An instance of the GConf daemon is started for each user. The GConf daemon does not have to deal with complex problems such as authentication and data security. When the GConf daemon starts, the daemon loads the GConf path file. The GConf daemon manages all access between applications and the configuration sources.

When an application requests the value of a preference key, the daemon searches the configuration sources as follows:

1. Search for the value of the preference key in each configuration source, in the order specified in the path file. If the value is found, return the value.

2. If a value is not found, search for the schema key that corresponds to the preference key in each configuration source, in the order specified in the path file.

3. If the schema key is found, check the value of the schema key.

4. If the value of the schema key is a schema object, return the suggested value in the `<default>` element of the schema object.

The GConf daemon also caches preference key values. All applications use this cache, so applications only need to access the configuration sources once.

To terminate the GConf daemon, run the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --shutdown`

## GConf Command Line Tool

GConf includes a command line tool, `gconftool-2`. You can use the `gconftool–2` command to perform the following tasks:

- Set the values of keys.

- Display the values of keys.

- Install schemas from schema definition files when you install an application.

For example, use the following command to display the values of all keys in the `/desktop/gnome` directory and subdirectories.

`#` `gconftool-2 --recursive-list /desktop/gnome`

lists some of the options that you can use with the `gconftool-2` command.

### gconftool-2 Command Options

Option | Function
--- | ---
`--all-dirs` | Lists all subdirectories in a directory that you specify.
`--all-entries` | Displays the values of all keys in a directory that you specify.
`--config-source=configuration_source` | Use this option with the `--direct` option to specify a configuration source to use. If you do not specify a configuration source with this option, the command runs on all configuration sources in the path file.
`--direct` | Use this option with the `--config-source` option to access a configuration source directly. When you use this option, GConf bypasses the server. Ensure that the GConf daemon, `gconfd-2`, is not running before you use this option.
`--get` | Displays the value of a preference key that you specify. Also displays the values of the elements in the schema object for a schema key that you specify.
`--help` | Displays a help message about the `gconftool-2` command, and the options that you can use with the `gconftool-2` command.
`--long-desc=description` | Use this option with the `--set-schema` option to specify a long description for a schema key.
`--makefile-install-rule` | Installs schema definition files to applications.
`--owner=owner` | Use this option with the `--set-schema` option to specify an owner for a schema key.
`--recursive-list` | Displays the value of all preference keys in all subdirectories in a directory that you specify.
`--recursive-unset` | Resets the values of all preference keys, in all subdirectories in a directory, from the user setting to the setting in the default configuration source.

`--set`

Sets the value of a preference key, and writes the value to the user configuration source. Use the `--type` option with the `--set` option to specify the data type of the value that you want to set. For example, the following command sets the value of the `/apps/gnome-terminal/profiles/Default/background_color` key in the user configuration source:

`#` `gconftool-2 --set "/apps/gnome-terminal/profiles/Default/background_color" --type string "#000000"`

You can also use the `--direct` option and the `--config-source` option with the `--set` option to write a value to another configuration source.

`--set-schema`

Sets the value of an attribute in a schema key, and writes the value to the default configuration source.

Use the following options with the `--set-schema` option to specify the attribute that you want to update:

- `--type`

- `--short-desc`

- `--long-desc`

- `--owner`

For example, the following command sets the short description in the schema key for the `/apps/gnome-terminal/profiles/Default/background_color` key:

`#` `gconftool-2 --set-schema "/schemas/apps/gnome-terminal/profiles/Default/background_color" --short-desc "Default background color of terminal"`

`--short-desc=description` | Use this option with the `--set-schema` option to specify a short description for a schema key.
`--shutdown` | Terminates the GConf daemon.

`--type=data_type`

Use this option to specify the data type when you set a value of a preference key. You can also use this option when you set the value of an attribute in a schema key. The following is a list of valid data types:

- `bool`

- `float`

- `int`

- `list`

- `pair`

- `string`

`--unset` | Resets the value of a preference key from the user setting to the setting in the default configuration source.
`--usage` | Displays a brief help message about the `gconftool-2` command, and the options that you can use with the `gconftool-2` command.

## To Set Preference Values

You can set a mandatory value or a default value for a preference key. Before you change mandatory preference values or default preference values for users, you must ensure that the GConf daemon is not running for any user. Ensure that all users are logged out before you change preference values for users.

To set a mandatory value or a default value for a preference key, use the `gconftool-2` command, as follows:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source configuration_source --type data_type --set preference_key value`

For example, to set `wwwproxy.xyz.com` as the mandatory HTTP proxy host, run the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.mandatory --type string --set /system/http_proxy/host wwwproxy.xyz.com`

The user cannot override this preference value.

You can also use the `gconftool-2` command to set default values. For example, to set the default number of workspaces to five, run the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.defaults --type int --set /apps/metacity/general/num_workspaces 5`

The user can override this preference value.

Before you change mandatory preference values or default preference values for users, you must ensure that all users are logged out.

## Setting General Preferences

The following sections describe how to assign mandatory or default values to general preferences.

### To Set HTTP Proxy Preferences

To set HTTP proxy preferences, you modify the values of the preference keys in the `/system/http_proxy/` location. For example, to set a mandatory value for the HTTP proxy host, run the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.mandatory --type string --set /system/http_proxy/host proxy_name`

To set a default value for the HTTP proxy host, run the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.defaults --type string --set /system/http_proxy/host proxy_name`

You can also set other HTTP proxy-related preferences. For information on the other HTTP proxy preferences, see the `system_http_proxy.schemas` schema definition file.

### To Set Print Manager Preferences

To set print manager preferences, you modify the values of the preference keys in the `/apps/gnome-print-manager` location. For example, if you do not want users to view the print jobs of other users, set a mandatory value as follows:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.mandatory --type bool --set /apps/gnome-print-manager/show_all_jobs false`

To set a default value for this preference, run the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.defaults --type bool --set /apps/gnome-print-manager/show_all_jobs false`

You can also set other print manager preferences. For information on the other print manager preferences, see the `gnome-print-manager.schemas` schema definition file.

### To Set the Number of Workspaces

To set a mandatory number of workspaces, use the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.mandatory --type int --set /apps/metacity/general/num_workspaces integer`

To set a default number of workspaces, use the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.defaults --type int --set /apps/metacity/general/num_workspaces integer`

You can also set other window manager preferences. For information on the other window manager preferences, see the `metacity.schemas` schema definition file.

### To Set Keyboard Accessibility Preferences

To set keyboard accessibility preferences, you modify the values of the preference keys in the `/desktop/gnome/accessibility/keyboard` location. For example, if you want to set a mandatory value so that keyboard accessibility features are enabled, run the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.mandatory --type bool --set /desktop/gnome/accessibility/keyboard/enable true`

To set a default value for this preference, run the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.defaults --type bool --set desktop/gnome/accessibility/keyboard/enable false`

You can also set other keyboard accessibility preferences. For information on the other keyboard accessibility preferences, see the `desktop_gnome_accessibility_keyboard.schemas` schema definition file.

### To Set Keyboard Shortcut Preferences

To set keyboard shortcut preferences, you modify the values of preference keys in two locations. The following table shows the locations to modify, and the part of the user interface to which the locations correspond:

GConf Location | User Interface Component
--- | ---
`/apps/panel/global` | Keyboard Shortcuts preference tool, Desktop section
`/apps/metacity/general` | Keyboard Shortcuts preference tool, Window Management section

For example, you might want users to use only the AltF3 keyboard shortcut to open the Run Program dialog. To set this mandatory value, run the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.mandatory --type string --set /apps/panel/global/run_key '<Alt>F3'`

You might want users to use AltF11 to maximize windows, by default. To set this default value, run the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.defaults --type string --set /apps/metacity/window_keybindings/maximize '<Alt>F11'`

You can also set other keyboard shortcut preferences. For information on the other keyboard shortcut preferences, see the `panel-global-config.schemas` and `metacity.schemas` schema definition files.

### To Set Global Panel Preferences

To set global preferences for panels, you modify the values of the preference keys in the `/apps/panel/global` location. For example, if you do not want users to ever use panel animation, set a mandatory value as follows:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.mandatory --type bool --set /apps/panel/global/enable_animations false`

To set a default value for this preference, run the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.defaults --type bool --set /apps/panel/global/enable_animations false`

You can also set other global panel preferences. For information on the other global panel preferences, see the `panel-global-config.schemas` schema definition file.

### To Set Preferences for Individual Panels and Panel Objects

The `panel-per-panel-config.schemas` schema definition file specifies the following details of the panels on the desktop:

- Number of panels.

- Types of the panels.

- Properties of the panels.

- Contents of the panels.

The configuration of individual panels and of panel objects is a complex task. To configure individual panels and panel objects, you must first understand the structure of the `panel-per-panel-config.schemas` schema definition file. For more information on the `panel-per-panel-config.schemas` schema definition file, see the next section.

To set preferences for individual panels and panel objects, you must set the values of many preferences in a configuration source. The easiest way to set the values of many preferences is to use a script. For a sample script that sets preferences for a panel and objects on the panel, see .

#### Schema Definition File for Individual Panels and Panel Objects

The schema definition file `panel-per-panel-config.schemas` contains sections that specify panels and panel contents for small, medium, and large screens. The section for small screens and the section for large screens are not functional at the time of publication of this guide. To learn about preference keys for panels or panel objects, read the section for medium screens only.

The medium section of the file `panel-per-panel-config.schemas` is structured as follows:

1. Preference keys that specify the general structure of panels, applets, and other panel objects on the desktop. The following keys specify the number of panels, applets, and other panel objects that appear on the desktop:

   - `/apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/general/panel_id_list`

   - `/apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/general/applet_id_list`

   - `/apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/general/object_id_list`

   The keys also assign identifiers to each panel, applet, and panel object. For example, the following excerpt from `panel-per-panel-config.schemas` specifies that two panels appear on the desktop:

       <key>/schemas/apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/
       general/panel_id_list</key>
       .
       .
       .
       <default>[00000001,00000002]</default>

   In `panel-per-panel-config.schemas`, the identifier 00000001 identifies the bottom edge panel, and the identifier 00000002 identifies the Menu Panel.

2. Preference keys that specify the properties of the panels. The panel property keys are structured as follows:

       /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/panels/panel_number/panel_property_key

   For example, the key `/apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/panels/00000001/screen_edge` specifies the edge of the display on which the bottom edge panel resides.

   The keys that specify the properties of the bottom edge panel are listed first. The keys that specify the properties of the Menu Panel are listed at the end of the medium section in `panel-per-panel-config.schemas`.

3. Preference keys that list the panel objects, the panel object properties, and the panels in which the objects reside. For example, the following excerpt from `panel-per-panel-config.schemas` specifies object 00000001:

       <key>/schemas/apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/
       objects/00000001/object_type</key>
       .
       .
       .
       <default>launcher-object</default>
       .
       .
       .
       <key>/schemas/apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/
       objects/00000001/launcher_location</key>
       .
       .
       .
       <default>applications:///nautilus.desktop</default>
       .
       .
       .
       <key>/schemas/apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/
       objects/00000001/panel_id</key>
       .
       .
       .
       <default>00000002</default>

   The object is a launcher that starts Nautilus file manager. The launcher resides in the Menu Panel.

4. Preference keys that list the applets, the applet preferences, and the panels in which the applets reside. For example, the following excerpt from `panel-per-panel-config.schemas` specifies applet 00000001:

       <key>/schemas/apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/
       applets/00000001/object_type</key>
       .
       .
       .
       <default>bonobo-applet</default>
       .
       .
       .
       <key>/schemas/apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/
       applets/00000001/panel_id</key>
       .
       .
       .
       <default>00000001</default>
       .
       .
       .
       <key>/schemas/apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/
       applets/00000001/bonobo_iid</key>
       .
       .
       .
       <default>OAFIID:GNOME_TasklistApplet</default>

   The applet is the Window List applet. The applet resides in the bottom edge panel.

#### Sample Script for Setting Individual Panel Preferences

This section contains a sample script that sets the preferences for a panel that has the following major characteristics:

- The panel is an edge panel, and resides at the bottom edge of the screen.

- The panel contains a file manager launcher and a Terminal launcher.

- The panel contains a Window List applet.

The sample script also sets other minor preferences. All of the preferences have default values, not mandatory values.

The sample script follows:

    # Usage is: set_key <type> <key> <value> <extra options if any>

    function set_key()
    {
      TYPE="$1"
      shift
      KEY="$1"
      shift
      VALUE="$1"
      shift
      OTHER_ARGS="$*"
      gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.defaults
    --owner=panel $OTHER_ARGS --type "$TYPE" --set "$KEY" "$VALUE"
    }

    # Define the number of panels, the number of launchers, and the number of applets
    set_key list /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/general
    /panel_id_list [00000001] --list-type string
    set_key list /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/general
    /object_id_list [00000001,00000002] --list-type string
    set_key list /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/general
    /applet_id_list [00000001] --list-type string

    # Define the characteristics of the panel
    set_key string /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/panels
    /00000001/panel_type edge-panel
    set_key string /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/panels
    /00000001/panel_size panel-size-x-small
    set_key string /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/panels
    /00000001/screen_edge panel-edge-bottom
    set_key bool /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/panels
    /00000001/hide_buttons_enabled false
    set_key string /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/panels
    /00000001/panel_background_type no-background

    # Define the first launcher
    set_key string /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/objects
    /00000001/object_type launcher-object
    set_key string /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/objects
    /00000001/launcher_location 'applications:///nautilus.desktop'
    set_key string /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/objects
    /00000001/panel_id 00000001
    set_key int /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/objects
    /00000001/position 20

    # Define the second launcher
    set_key string /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/objects
    /00000002/object_type launcher-object
    set_key string /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/objects
    /00000002/launcher_location 'applications:///System/gnome-terminal.desktop'
    set_key string /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/objects
    /00000002/panel_id 00000001
    set_key int /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/objects
    /00000002/position 25

    # Define the applet
    set_key string /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/applets
    /00000001/object_type bonobo-applet
    set_key string /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/applets
    /00000001/bonobo_iid OAFIID:GNOME_TasklistApplet
    set_key string /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/applets
    /00000001/panel_id 00000001
    set_key int /apps/panel/default_profiles/medium/applets
    /00000001/position 25

## Setting Look-and-Feel Preferences

The following sections describe how to assign mandatory or default values to look-and-feel preferences.

### To Set Font Preferences

To set font preferences, you modify the values of two preference keys. The following table shows the keys to modify, and the part of the user interface to which the keys correspond:

GConf Location | User Interface Component
--- | ---
/desktop/gnome/interface/font_name | Font preference tool, Application font section
/apps/nautilus/preferences/desktop_font | Font preference tool, Desktop font section

For example, to set `Sans 12` as the mandatory application font, run the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.mandatory --type string --set /desktop/gnome/interface/font_name “Sans 12”`

To set `palatino 12` as the default desktop background object font, run the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.defaults --type string --set /apps/nautilus/preferences/desktop_font “palatino 12”`

### To Set Desktop Background Preferences

To set desktop background preferences, you modify the values of the preference keys in the `/desktop/gnome/background` location. For example, to set a mandatory image for the desktop background, run the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.mandatory --type string --set /desktop/gnome/background/picture_filename filename.png`

To set a default value for this preference, run the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.defaults --type string --set /desktop/gnome/background/picture_filename filename.png`

You can also set other desktop background preferences. For information on the other desktop background preferences, see the `desktop_gnome_background.schemas` schema definition file.

### To Set Splash Image Preferences

To set splash image preferences, you modify the value of the preference keys in the `/apps/gnome-session/options/` location. For example, if you do not want users ever to see a splash image, set a mandatory value as follows:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.mandatory --type bool --set /apps/gnome-session/options/show_splash_screen false`

To set a default value for this preference, run the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.defaults --type bool --set /apps/gnome-session/options/show_splash_screen false`

You can also set other splash image preferences. For information on the other splash image preferences, see the `gnome-session.schemas` schema definition file.

## To Restore Default Preference Values

To restore the default preference values for a user, run the following command:

`#` `gconftool-2 --direct --config-source user_configuration_source --recursive-unset`

Replace user_configuration_source with the configuration source in the `.gconf` directory in the home directory of the user.

This command resets the values of all preference keys, in all subdirectories, from the user setting to the setting in the default configuration source.