Install Classic Gnome Menu in Ubuntu 14.04 - Step-by-Step Guide
Ubuntu and the Classic Gnome Menu
The Ubuntu desktop environment has undergone significant evolution over the years. Newer users are likely familiar with the Unity desktop, while those with longer experience may recall and prefer the original Gnome desktop environment previously integrated with Ubuntu.
It's possible to fully transition to the Gnome desktop. However, if you simply desire the functionality of the classic Gnome menu, it can be readily added to the Unity desktop using ClassicMenu Indicator. This tool replicates both the applications and the organizational structure of the traditional menu.
Important Note: When instructed to type commands in this guide, do not include the quotation marks unless explicitly stated.
Installing ClassicMenu Indicator
Prior to installation, the repository containing the Personal Package Archive (PPA) for ClassicMenu Indicator must be added. Execute the following command in the terminal and press Enter:
sudo apt-add-repository ppa:diesch/testing
You will be prompted for your password; enter it and press Enter.
The available releases within the PPA will be displayed, and you’ll be given the option to cancel. Press Enter to proceed with adding the repository.
Updating and Installing the Tool
Once the PPA is added, update the package lists and install ClassicMenu Indicator with this command, pressing Enter afterward. The command consists of two parts separated by “&&”.
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install classicmenu-indicator
Note: If you execute another command requiring sudo privileges within five minutes, you won't be prompted for your password again.
The installation progress will be shown, along with an estimate of the disk space required. Type “y” and press Enter to confirm the installation.
Launching ClassicMenu Indicator
Upon completion of the installation, close the Terminal window by typing “exit” and pressing Enter.
Click the Search button located at the top of the Unity bar. Begin typing “classic menu indicator” in the search field. Matching items will appear below the search box. Click the ClassicMenu Indicator icon to launch the application.
An icon will be added to the top panel on the right side. Clicking this icon will reveal the menu and its submenus. The ClassicMenu Indicator submenu offers customization options for the menu and its entries.
You can also revert the icon to the original Ubuntu icon by selecting the “Use old icon” option within the ClassicMenu Indicator submenu. To disable the menu from appearing on the panel, choose “Quit” from the same submenu.
Customization Options
The “Use alternate menu” option will remove the Ubuntu Software Center from the menu. To re-enable the Ubuntu Software Center option, simply select “Use alternate menu” again, ensuring there is no checkmark next to the option.
Selecting “Use old icon” will display the classic Ubuntu icon on the panel for the menu.
Managing Startup Behavior
ClassicMenu Indicator is automatically added to Startup Applications, ensuring it launches each time you log in to Ubuntu. If you prefer it not to start automatically, you can modify this setting.
Click the Search button at the top of the Unity bar once more.
Type “startup applications” in the Search box. Matching items will appear below. Click the Startup Applications icon to open the tool.
You’ll find ClassicMenu Indicator listed in the Additional startup programs. To prevent automatic startup, simply click the checkbox next to it to remove the checkmark. Click Close to exit the Startup Applications Preferences dialog.
You can now access your applications using either the Unity bar or the classic Gnome menu, providing you with a familiar and convenient experience.