this post was submitted on 20 Jun 2026
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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A panel is the top, bottom or left or right portion of the screen where you can add widgets. In example widgets to show list of current opened windows or time and date or a tray icon area. When I connected a tv as a secondary screen, it didn't have any panel. So I created a panel and added only necessary widgets I need on this particular screen. I use my tv sometimes to watch films or documentaries in example, from a different place than my main monitor. These panels are very customizable.
The documentation at https://userbase.kde.org/Plasma/Panels is a bit basic, but explains what panels are. A KDE developer did a video What's Your Favorite KDE Panels Layout? talking for 15 minutes about this topic.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your response... It all makes sense now! I understand the excitement about these now
Does that panel only show up when you plug that specific TV in? Or does it come up regardless of the device?
Hm, the panel is only visible on the TV screen anyway. So it does not matter if the TV is plugged in or not, because without TV the panel cannot be seen or interacted with.
No, I mean if you plug in a second, different, monitor instead, does it show the panel.
Like is the panel configuration saved for that specific second display, or any second display regardless of device?
Just curious, it's not that important and I could prob find out myself if I really cared to know
Ah I see, a good question! Didn't think about this and will test it right now. There is a third monitor not in use, so I will unplug my tv and plug the other monitor in, and back off course. Wait a second please... (please standby) ...
So my current conclusion would be it is not saved for the specific monitor, sadly. Maybe there is a configuration for this. It should be mentioned that my current KDE setup is not the default one and I have some customization that could have an effect on this maybe. The monitors and tvs are identified with their name, so KDE is able to tell the difference. Therefore technically it should be possible to have unique panels to each display. If there is no option for this, I might even suggest that in the KDE bug tracker. Very good question!