Almalinux @ CERN

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Context

In 2025, Almalinux OS (CERN default distrib choice for Linux) was introduced in laboratories (see installation guide). These page gives some basic information to help usual Windows user. List of Almalinux computer is here.

Basic Almalinux Use

CERNrdp Pre-Installed On LPC units	▶ Connect simply to your CERN usual Windows machine, using CERNrdp app (find it as shown or type Super (Windows) key, searching CERNrdp). ▶ Switching full screen / windowed mode: Ctrl + Alt + Enter.
CERNBox	▶ Or use WebApp CERNBox WebApp ▶ Or set CERNBox synchro on local folder: /home/$user/cernbox ▶ Or go to: /eos/home-l/login folder in file manager (Ctrl+L to enter address). Tip: Pin it as a shortcut!
DFS	▶ Open file manager > Other Places > Connect to Server ▶ Use: smb://cerndfs.cern.ch/dfs/Departments/SY/Groups/EPC/Sections/LPC ▶ Don't forget to pin it (as folder favorite)!
Printers	▶ Search your printer + download its XXX_installPrinter.sh file ▶ On terminal, make it executable: chmod +x XXX_installPrinter.sh ▶ On terminal, run it: ./XXX_installPrinter.sh
Opening docx, xlsx, pptx?	▶ Choose OnlyOffice, installed per default ▶ Keep LibreOffice for ods, odt & odp (open standards)
Zoom	▶ Adjust Sound settings at the level of Zoom app if too low (to be done once).
Incompatible Material List	▶ Aukey camera (common in EPC group); prefer logitech or Trust.

Basic users tips

Advanced Almalinux Use

Dash to Dock Launch Bar Extension	▶ Terminal: sudo dnf install gnome-shell-extension-dash-to-dock ▶ Session log out + Session log in. ▶ Terminal: gnome-extensions enable dash-to-dock@ (TAB to fill). ▶ You have now a complete control on Launch-Bar.
Flatseal	▶ Give flatpak applications (libreoffice, mattermost etc...) rights to better (drag & drop) access folders & files. Open Flatseal app and tune it as shown.

Optimizing your Almalinux experience