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Setup Linux Input Methods

The Linux subsystem built into FydeOS currently doesn’t support the system’s native input method. This poses a challenge for users needing to input non-English languages, particularly for CJK native speakers. To overcome this, you can install a third-party input method for the Linux subsystem. This guide will walk you through the process of installing and configuring the Fcitx input method on FydeOS’s Linux subsystem.

  1. Installing the Fcitx Input Method

    • Launch the Linux terminal and wait for the Linux subsystem to boot up.
    • Update your software sources and applications:
      Terminal window
      sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
    • Install the Fcitx input method:
      Terminal window
      sudo apt install fcitx fcitx-lib* -y
  2. Setting Fcitx as the Default Input Method

    • Run the following command in the Linux terminal (do not run as root):
      Terminal window
      im-config
    • Follow the dialog prompts:
      1. Click “OK”
      2. Click “Yes”
      3. Select “fcitx”
      4. Click “OK” twice
  3. Configuring Fcitx Settings

    • Launch the configuration tool:
      Terminal window
      fcitx && fcitx-configtool
    • In the configuration window:
      1. Click the ”+” button in the bottom left corner
      2. Uncheck “Only show current language”
      3. Select your desired input method
      4. Click “OK”

    If no input methods appear:

    1. Close the window
    2. Run fcitx-diagnose
    3. Repeat the configuration steps
  4. Setting Fcitx as the Language Input Environment

    • Install gedit text editor:
      Terminal window
      sudo apt install gedit -y
    • Open the configuration file:
      Terminal window
      sudo gedit /etc/systemd/user/cros-garcon.service.d/cros-garcon-override.conf
    • Add these environment variables to the end of the file:
      Terminal window
      Environment="GTK_IM_MODULE=fcitx"
      Environment="QT_IM_MODULE=fcitx"
      Environment="XMODIFIERS=@im=fcitx"
    • Save and close the file
  5. Setting Fcitx to Auto-Start

    • Modify the auto-start options:
      Terminal window
      sudo gedit ~/.sommelierrc
    • Add this line to the end of the file:
      Terminal window
      /usr/bin/fcitx-autostart
    • Save and close the file
    • Restart the Linux subsystem:
      Terminal window
      sudo reboot
    • You can now switch between input methods using Ctrl+Space

References