Customize Ubuntu: 4 Tools to Change Look and Feel

Customizing the Ubuntu Experience

If you enjoy using Ubuntu but desire a more personalized experience, know that numerous options exist to modify its appearance and behavior.

A common critique, particularly following the introduction of Unity, has been the perceived difficulty in customizing Ubuntu. The most recent release, Ubuntu 11.10, presents a somewhat inconsistent experience in this regard.

While certain aspects, such as automated backups, are now more straightforward to configure, others – like screensaver settings – appear to have been removed entirely.

Tools for Enhanced Control

Several utilities are available to restore control over your Ubuntu desktop environment. These tools empower you to tailor the system to your specific preferences.

We will explore some of these options, and encourage further discussion and suggestions for additional tools in the comments section below.

• GNOME Tweak Tool: This application allows for extensive customization of GNOME, the underlying desktop environment of Ubuntu.
• dconf Editor: A low-level configuration tool providing access to a wide range of settings.
• Unity Tweak Tool: Specifically designed for Unity, offering options to modify themes, icons, and more.

Addressing Common Customization Challenges

Many users find that basic adjustments, such as changing the desktop background or modifying the panel layout, are still easily achievable through standard Ubuntu settings.

However, more advanced customizations, like altering the window manager or configuring keyboard shortcuts, often require the use of these dedicated tools.

It’s important to note that the availability and functionality of certain customization options may vary depending on the specific version of Ubuntu you are using.

Gnome Tweak Tool: Enhancing Customization

Gnome Tweak is a utility created to simplify the process of customizing Gnome 3 and its associated Gnome Shell environment.

It also provides access to a range of tweaks previously found in Ubuntu/Unity, expanding user control over their desktop experience.

Restoring Customization Options

Users desiring to modify the visual appearance of Ubuntu will find Gnome Tweak Tool especially valuable.

Notably, it restores the functionality to alter icon themes and other aesthetic elements.

The removal of these options in Gnome 3 was a point of contention for some, and Gnome Tweak offers a solution to regain this level of personalization.

Further details regarding Gnome Tweak can be found through additional resources.

Customizing Compiz Settings

Are you seeking more granular control over your Ubuntu experience? If you utilize the Unity 3D environment, you are, in effect, leveraging Compiz. The Unity desktop is fundamentally a Compiz plugin.

Consequently, the CompizConfig Settings Manager provides substantial influence over the Unity Desktop and its operational characteristics.

Exploring Advanced Options

Interested in learning more about advanced customization? Further information regarding Unity configuration via the CompizConfig Settings Manager is readily available.

Alternatively, you can directly install the CompizConfig Settings Manager to begin exploring its capabilities.

A comprehensive range of configuration choices awaits you, allowing for a highly personalized desktop environment.

• Fine-tune visual effects.
• Adjust window management behaviors.
• Modify animation speeds.
• Customize desktop interactions.

The CompizConfig Settings Manager empowers users to tailor their Ubuntu desktop to their precise preferences.

xScreenSaver

It’s likely many users haven’t observed this change, as screensaver usage has declined. However, for those who regularly utilize screensavers, the transition to Ubuntu 11.10 may have been frustrating, as it effectively eliminated screensaver functionality in favor of a simple black screen.

Fortunately, a solution exists to reinstate screensavers within Ubuntu 11.10. Liberian Geek discovered a method involving the following commands:

• sudo apt-get remove gnome-screensaver
• sudo apt-get install xscreensaver xscreensaver-gl-extra xscreensaver-data-extra

Following this installation, the program must be configured to launch automatically through the Ubuntu settings menu.

• Use the following command for startup: xscreensaver -nosplash

This process should restore access to your preferred screensaver. For a more detailed guide, consult Liberian Geek’s original article regarding xScreenSaver.

The implementation of these steps will allow users to once again enjoy the visual customization offered by screensavers.

Ubuntu Tweak: A Comprehensive Configuration Tool

Ubuntu Tweak stands as a widely recognized configuration utility specifically designed for the Ubuntu operating system. It is arguably the most popular tool for users seeking to personalize and optimize their Ubuntu experience.

Key Features and Capabilities

If you are looking to modify aspects of your Ubuntu installation, exploring Ubuntu Tweak is highly recommended. The software provides a centralized location for numerous system adjustments.

Notable functionalities include streamlined access to applications not available through the standard repositories. This expands software options beyond the official channels.

• A built-in package cleaner efficiently removes unnecessary files, freeing up disk space.
• Comprehensive theming access allows for extensive visual customization of the desktop environment.
• The ability to redefine default applications for specific file types provides greater user control.

Further details regarding Ubuntu Tweak’s features can be found on dedicated review sites. Download information and project updates are available on the official project website.

This tool empowers users to tailor Ubuntu to their precise preferences, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

Exploring Ubuntu Customization Options

We've examined four distinct tools designed to personalize your Ubuntu experience. Should these options prove unsuitable, exploring Ubuntu’s diverse range of official versions presents an alternative path to a fully customized desktop environment.

For users hesitant to undertake such a comprehensive change, participation in the discussion below is encouraged. Sharing your own Ubuntu tweaking techniques and insights is greatly welcomed.

Tools for Personalization

These utilities offer varying degrees of control over the look and feel of Ubuntu. Each caters to different preferences and technical skill levels.

• Ubuntu Tweak: A comprehensive tool for system settings and appearance adjustments.
• GNOME Tweak Tool: Specifically designed for GNOME-based Ubuntu versions, offering fine-grained control over themes, extensions, and fonts.
• Dconf Editor: A low-level configuration editor allowing access to a wide range of system parameters.
• Unity Tweak Tool: Tailored for Unity-based Ubuntu environments, providing options for customizing the launcher, indicators, and overall desktop behavior.

The choice of tool depends on the specific aspects of Ubuntu you wish to modify. Ubuntu Tweak provides a broad range of options, while the other tools focus on specific desktop environments.

Further Customization

Beyond these tools, numerous other methods exist for tailoring Ubuntu to your needs. These include modifying configuration files, installing custom themes, and utilizing shell extensions.

Experimentation is key to discovering the optimal configuration for your workflow. Don't be afraid to explore different options and personalize your Ubuntu installation.

Remember to back up your system before making significant changes. This precaution ensures you can easily revert to a working state if any issues arise during the customization process.