linux-configurationlisted

# Linux Desktop Configuration Guidelines These rules bind every change that touches GNOME Shell, desktop settings, hotkeys, systemd user services, or any repository `install.sh`. Follow them exactly even when the user's prompt does not restate them. Never reach for a destructive shortcut — logout, `gnome-shell --replace`, killing the Shell — to "just make it apply". When a reload is genuinely required, use only the in-place X11 run-dialog reload described below, which preserves the running session. ## Apply Changes Silently (required default) Most desktop changes need **no** GNOME Shell reload. Reloading flashes the panel, resets the overview and animations, and steals focus — it interrupts the human's active work. Only edited extension *code* requires it (next section). For everything else, use the narrowest command-line mechanism that takes effect live, in place, with no visible disruption: | Change | Silent live mechanism | |---|---| | Hotkeys, `org.gnome.desktop.*` / `org.gnome.shell.*` keys, themes, app behavior | `gsettings set …` — immediate in the running session | | An extension's own settings (its GSettings schema, read at runtime) | `gsettings set` / `dconf write` on that schema — applies live | | systemd user service (trackers, daemons, helpers) | `systemctl --user restart <unit>` — that unit only, no GUI flash | | Enabling/disabling an extension (state, not code) | `gnome-extensions enable/disable <uuid>` — runs in place | Always state the exact silent comma