How to Customize an Ubuntu Operating System’s Appearance?

Answer 1

Ubuntu Linux is one of the most customizable operating systems available today. If you have recently moved from a Windows system to Ubuntu, you may be surprised by the freedom that this system offers. The following will outline a few ways in which Ubuntu can be tailored to each individual user.

By default Ubuntu uses the GNOME desktop environment. In a default Ubuntu installation you will find a panel at the top of your screen and a panel at the bottom of your screen. By right-clicking each panel, you can access the properties box which allows you to specify the size and position of the panel. You can also add and remove applets and launchers by clicking on the add to panel option after a right click. The main menu, which is equivalent to the Windows Start Menu, can use a custom image on the panel and menu items can be added or removed using the edit menus option. You can also eliminate panels completely in favor of a Mac-like dock. AWN and Cairo-Dock are the most popular docks at this time and can be downloaded through the repositories using the terminal, Synaptic Package Manager, or the Ubuntu Software Center. Each dock can use OpenGL, which allows for a more dynamic dock, and is fully customizable.

In the system preferences menu, you can access the appearance menu. This menu allows you to use many types of themes, backgrounds, fonts, and visual effects. Ubuntu is installed with a handful of generic themes but you can find many more interesting themes online. The customize button under the themes tab allows you to mix and match theme components like controls, colors, and icons. When you mix and match themes, be sure to save your new look using the save as button.

You can also edit just about anything else by pressing Alt-F2 and typing in the command gconf-editor. This command will bring up a dialog box that includes apps, desktop, schemas, and system options. If you use this tool, be sure that you only edit the options you are familiar with to prevent the chance of corrupting your system.