Ubuntu xrdp / vnc "d" key shows desktop
efournes Nov 21, 2012 at 2:27 PM | UBUNTU
Because after searching the 'Net for hours and finding answer after answer that didn't work for Ubuntu 12.10 (server, 64-bit, amd), and then stumbling across it on my own, I figured I'd post the solution here.

Problem: When using xrdpserver or vnc, and remoting into your Ubuntu box, the unmodified "d" key will act as a "show desktop" and minimize all open windows.

Best accepted solutions for older versions of Ubuntu: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1595871

This, unfortunately, didn't work for me under 12.10. Most of the settings that the other solutions say to change simply don't seem to exist any more.

Here's what did work, though--changing the windows effects settings through compiz:

1. sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager

2. Run the compiz config manager: ccsm (no sudo)

3. In the compiz config manager: General (left side) -> General Options (right side) -> Key bindings (tab) -> Show Desktop (with the keyboard icon) -> Click the "X" icon (on the far right) This sets the default of <Control><Primary><Super>d.

4. Click on the key binding <Control><Primary><Super>d.

5. Click "Grab key combination"

6. Press ALT+D (or whatever other key combo you want to bind to the "show desktop" option).

7. Click OK

8. Click Back

9. Click Close.

10. Restart your remote session if you have one running.

That fixed it for me.

Note: I suspect that you might have to run this for each user account you're remoting into. I only remote into one account, so haven't tested that.

Edit: I also had to do this for the "Maximize Window" and "Unmaximize Window" settings or else the up and down arrow keys kept popping the windows up and down.