There's nothing wrong with the script that executes xeyes but there is something wrong with me when I call that script from within ~/.profile. It's something I've been warned about before (I think Carlos obliged once) but I just wouldn't listen. The way it was being called: bash my-xeyes-launch.bsh The way it should and now is being called: my-xeyes-launch.bsh I should be ashamed of it but that has never been one of my habbits. It would be nice though to understand HOW this makes a difference? With the latter (correct) call the low-res screen (initially thrown by ssdm or whatever DM being used) is free of the two pairs of eyeballs. As soon as as I use the former (wrong) call they are there again. Thanks to all for hints to keep me trying, especially Robert.