How to change from KDE window manager to Gnome without logging out?

In gnome or kde, open the desktop switcher.  You can do this by typing switchdesk.  Choose the alternate desktop environment.  Press CTRL-ATL-F2 and log into a virtual terminal as the same user.  Type the following command.

startx -- :1
Note: There are two spaces in the command; one before the '--' and one after.

You will now be in your altenate environment and you are still logged into the first environment. 

You can go back and forth by pressing CTRL-ALT-F7 and F8.

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