Add Taskbar to Ubuntu 14.04 Desktop - Easy Guide
Adapting to Ubuntu with a Familiar Taskbar
Transitioning from Windows to Ubuntu can present a learning curve due to the differing user interface. However, replicating a familiar Windows feature – the Taskbar – within Ubuntu can significantly ease this adjustment.
The Tint2 application offers a solution, providing a bar at the bottom of the Ubuntu desktop that closely resembles the Windows Taskbar. This guide details the installation process and configuration for automatic startup upon login.
Important Note: When instructed to enter text in this guide, do not include the quotation marks unless explicitly stated.
Installing Tint2
Initiate a Terminal window by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T. To begin the installation of Tint2, input the following command at the prompt and confirm with Enter.
sudo apt-get install tint2
You will be prompted for your password; enter it and press Enter to proceed.
The installation progress will be displayed, followed by an estimate of the disk space required. Confirm your intention to continue by typing “y” and pressing Enter.
Upon completion of the installation, terminate the Terminal window by typing “exit” at the prompt and pressing Enter.
Configuring Automatic Startup
Access the search functionality by clicking the Search button located at the top of the Unity bar.
Begin typing “startup applications” into the Search box. Matching results will appear below the search field. Select the Startup Applications tool by clicking its icon.
Within the Startup Applications Preferences window, click the “Add” button.
A dialog box will appear prompting you to define the startup application. Enter a descriptive name, which will be displayed in the list within the Startup Applications Preferences window.
In the “Command” field, type “tint2”. You may optionally add a description in the “Comment” field. Finally, click “Add”.
Tint2 has now been added as a startup program and will automatically launch each time you log into Ubuntu. Close the Startup Applications Preferences window by clicking “Close”.
Finalizing the Setup
To activate the Taskbar, log out of your current session and log back in. A system reboot is not necessary for this change to take effect.
Once logged back in, minimized programs will now display icons on the Taskbar, mirroring the functionality of the Windows Taskbar.
Should you wish to disable the automatic startup of the Taskbar, simply uncheck the Tint2 entry within the Startup Applications Preferences window. Deletion of the entry is not required.