All screensavers use "-root" as part of the command, or at least that is how they are listed in kmenuedit. However none of the openGL screensavers display on screen. For example "/usr/lib/xscreensaver/glmatrix -root" runs the openGL version of the matrix screensaver. If I type that into my terminal (I am using yakuake) it runs that screensaver, but it does NOT appear on screen. When running the screensaver from systemsettings in Kubuntu 14.04, it will run in the small "display" screen so you can see what your changes in the settings are doing to it's appearance. When running the screensaver from the terminal without "-root" they run correctly in a window, yet running a test from the systemsettings I get a blank black screen with a my mouse cursor. Why won't any openGL screensavers appear on screen in kubuntu 14.04? I know it is running because when I run it in the terminal the screensaver I must stop the screensaver by using crtl-C to get my cursor back.
-root
command? I have been running the XScreensaver for years and I have never seen that. Do you have a problem with the screensaver starting in a normal environment? I am really having a hard time figuring out your question here. – Terrance Jan 14 '18 at 17:35