openSUSE 12.1: Install super-fast Razor-QT Lightweight Desktop

Razor-qt, a lightweight opensource desktop, has been getting some reviews lately.  Its performance and functionality, tested on slower systems running openSUSE 12.1, doesn't disappoint.  Razor-qt, which displays similarities to a very frugal KDE and LXDE, is an alternative to both.

To install Razor-qt for openSUSE 12.1:

1. Add the repository for Razor-qt via the command line or Yast. 

2.  To add the Razor-qt repository via Yast, click Configure Software Repositories in Yast. 

Click Add then Specify URL.  In the URL field, type the URL below:

http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home://TI_Eugene://QtDesktop/openSUSE_12.1/

Click Next.  Yast will add the repository and refresh the packages. 

3. In Yast, click Software Management.  In the search bar, type razor.  Check the razorqt box.  Yast will install the necessary dependences.

3. Log out and select Razor-qt as the desktop environment rather than KDE. 

4. Before loading the desktop, Razor-qt will prompt for a window manager.  openSUSE 12.1 KDE users will be prompted to choose between KWIN (KDE's default window manager) and OpenBox (a faster and lightweight window  manager). 

Razor-qt, like many desktop environments, takes a bit of getting used to.  However, users of LXDE will find the interface familiar and fun.  Moreover, the recent release of Razor-QT works perfectly with openSUSE 12.1 and certainly much more stable than adding an Xfce desktop environment.