FunOS

By default, FunOS uses nm-tray as the frontend for NetworkManager.

nm-tray is lightweight and works well for basic network management. However, its features are limited and the interface may feel less intuitive, especially when managing Wi-Fi connections, VPNs, or advanced network settings.

If you prefer a more complete and user-friendly network management interface, you can replace nm-tray with network-manager-gnome, which provides the nm-applet system tray icon.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to replace nm-tray with nm-applet in FunOS.

Step 1: Open a Terminal

We will install a new package and modify the startup configuration. First, open a Terminal.

You can open the Terminal in one of the following ways:

• Click Menu in the lower-left corner of the screen, then click Terminal.
• Click the Terminal icon in the Tray.
• Press Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard.

Step 2: Update the Package List

Before installing new software, it is recommended to update the package list to ensure you get the latest version available in the repository.

Run the following command:

sudo apt update

Enter your password if prompted.

Step 3: Install network-manager-gnome

Now install the package that provides the GNOME NetworkManager applet (nm-applet).

Run:

sudo apt install network-manager-gnome

After installation is complete, nm-applet is available on your system.

Step 4: Remove nm-tray (Optional)

To remove nm-tray completely, run:

sudo apt remove --purge nm-tray

Step 5: Reload the Menu

In FunOS, newly installed applications appear in the menu after reloading it.

To reload the menu:

1. Click the Menu button in the lower-left corner.
2. Click Reload menu.

This ensures the Advanced Network Configuration menu appears in the application menu.

Step 6: Configure nm-applet to Run at Startup

To make nm-applet start automatically when you log in, you need to modify the JWM startup configuration.

6.1 Open the Startup Configuration File

Open the JWM startup configuration file using Mousepad:

mousepad $HOME/.config/jwm/start

6.2 Replace nm-tray with nm-applet

Inside the file, find the line:

<StartupCommand>nm-tray</StartupCommand>

Replace it with:

<StartupCommand>nm-applet</StartupCommand>

After modification, the file should look like this:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<JWM>
    <!-- Startup for program. -->
    <StartupCommand>nitrogen --restore</StartupCommand>
    <StartupCommand>cbatticon</StartupCommand>
    <StartupCommand>volumeicon</StartupCommand>
    <StartupCommand>nm-applet</StartupCommand>
    <StartupCommand>lxpolkit</StartupCommand>
    <StartupCommand>xscreensaver --no-splash</StartupCommand>
    <StartupCommand>xdg-user-dirs-update</StartupCommand>
</JWM>

Save the file, then close Mousepad.

Step 7: Reboot the System

To ensure the new network applet starts correctly, reboot your system.

You can reboot using the Terminal:

sudo reboot now

Or:

• Click Menu
• Click Log Out
• Select Reboot

After logging back in, you should see the new NetworkManager icon (nm-applet) in the system tray.

Conclusion

By replacing nm-tray with network-manager-gnome, you gain a more intuitive and feature-rich network management interface in FunOS.

The nm-applet provides:

• Better Wi-Fi management
• Improved VPN integration
• More complete connection settings
• A more user-friendly interface

If you prefer a lightweight setup, you may continue using nm-tray. However, for most users, nm-applet offers a more complete and convenient networking experience in FunOS.