Unity Desktop - Lightweight Ubuntu Desktop Environment
Unity: A New Desktop Experience for Ubuntu
Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, is actively developing innovative approaches to reshape perceptions of its operating system. Unity represents their newest endeavor in this ongoing process.
This alternative desktop environment was introduced by Canonical the previous month, specifically targeting Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The intention is to provide a seamless "instant web" experience alongside Windows.
Design Influences and Core Principles
The design of Unity incorporates elements from both Mac OSX and Windows 7. However, it also aims to leverage the strengths inherent within the Ubuntu ecosystem.
While still under development, Unity is readily available for users to test and provide feedback. This aligns with Ubuntu’s open-source philosophy and commitment to community involvement.
Getting Started with Unity
If you currently have Ubuntu or Ubuntu Netbook Edition installed, implementing Unity is a straightforward process.
The development team has created an environment that prioritizes a modern and efficient user experience. It’s designed to be both familiar and innovative.
Unity seeks to deliver a compelling desktop solution that complements, rather than replaces, existing operating systems.
This approach allows OEMs to offer users a readily accessible web experience directly from their desktop.
Setting Up Unity
Initially, the Unity Personal Package Archive (PPA) must be incorporated into your Ubuntu system. Access the Terminal application, typically found within the "Accessories" section of your application menu.
Subsequently, input the following commands into the Terminal, executing each one by pressing the "Enter" key:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:canonical-dx-team/unity
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
sudo apt-get install unity
The installation process may require a considerable amount of time, and you will likely encounter several prompts during execution. Upon completion, the Unity environment will be fully installed on your system.
Importantly, the installation will not automatically overwrite your existing desktop environment. However, certain packages may be updated or replaced. You retain the flexibility to choose between Unity and your preferred desktop environment during login.
To initiate a Unity session, first log out of your current desktop environment. At the login screen, enter your username and observe the "Session" selection option located at the screen's bottom.
Choose the Unity desktop from the available options and proceed with logging in. The Unity environment will then launch with minimal delay.
Look & Feel
The Unity interface presents a remarkably straightforward design. A sidebar reminiscent of Windows 7 occupies the left side of the screen, complemented by a top bar containing conventional panel elements.
Notably absent is a traditional application menu; Canonical appears to be guiding users towards a "Applications" folder approach, similar to that found on macOS.
This folder provides access to all installed programs. While directly dragging icons to the dock is currently unsupported, launching programs and then right-clicking their dock icons allows for permanent addition.
This method, as of now, represents the sole means of customizing the dock with application shortcuts.
The Ubuntu icon situated in the top-left corner does not function as an application menu, despite user expectations based on prior Ubuntu versions.
Instead, it displays all open windows, mirroring the functionality of Expose on macOS.
Certain design elements draw inspiration from both macOS and Windows 7. A new addition is the Google search bar in the top-right corner.
This tool offers a simple function: initiating a Google search within your default web browser.
The right side of the bar also features standard Ubuntu notification menus, including an integrated inbox aggregator.
The clock has been redesigned with a more streamlined interface.
These notification areas are present, but it’s important to note that the bar isn’t based on the Gnome panel.
Experienced Ubuntu users will observe that the "Ctl F2" shortcut, traditionally used to open the "Run" dialog, is no longer functional, as the Gnome Panel is not integrated into this environment.
Being a desktop environment still under active development, some instability is present.
Certain applications may not display correctly within the dock, including The Gimp and programs utilizing Adobe Air.
For example, TweetDeck lacks an icon in the system tray.
Furthermore, attempting to drag an icon directly onto the dock currently results in a system crash.
The placement of the dock on the left side of the screen consumes considerable space, potentially making smaller devices, such as netbooks, feel even more constrained.
Future development may include options to adjust the dock's size or enable auto-hiding functionality.
Final Thoughts
The Unity desktop environment presents a compelling concept, yet remains under active development. While individual users may find it stable and enjoyable, a practical application for it hasn't yet become apparent to me.
My hope is that, in the future, this Ubuntu desktop will fulfill its potential as the streamlined addition to Ubuntu that I’ve anticipated. Through my involvement with Boulder Community Computers, I consistently seek methods to revitalize older hardware with Ubuntu, but currently, Unity doesn't appear to be the answer.
What are your perspectives? Does Unity enhance the Ubuntu Desktop experience, or does its resemblance to macOS detract from it? Are you optimistic about its future evolution, or do you consider it fully functional in its present state? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Do you have suggestions for alternative approaches to repurposing older computers using Ubuntu? I welcome your insights, either here or on the Boulder Community Computers blog.
