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Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Unity Customization GuideUbuntu 12.04 LTS
Unity Customization Guide
Simplify Your Life
SystemSettings
CCSMMyUnity
AchieveAchieve
Personal UnityPersonal Unity
Wai MoiWai Moi Edited by Charlene TeEdited by Charlene Te20122012 and Randall Rand Randall R
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By: Wai Moi
Edited by: Charlene Tessier & Randall Ross
2012 Wai Moi, Charlene Tessier, and Randall Ross, exceptwhere noted. Some rights reserved.
Credits
Created with OpenOffice.org 3.3.0.
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 Canada License.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & DEDICATIONS
The author and editors of this guide wish to express thanks to thefollowing members of Ubuntu Vancouver that assisted with editing,proof-reading, and helpful suggestions:
Kip WarnerJoe LiauSighmon ButterfieldLuluLiam RiedellGabriel TanJohn AsbacherKim Kulak
Special thanks to Jason Smith, Manish Sinha, Rick Spencer, and Jorge Castro fortheir contributions to this document.
Personal thanks to Athena Koon (for your unwavering support) and Marlene Wu(for your invaluable insight and eagle eye).
This guide is dedicated to Mark Shuttleworth, Ubuntu visionary andfounder of the Ubuntu project. Thank you for making the world a better place.
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction..........................................................................................................................................4
1.1 To Customize or Not to Customize? That is the Question! ............................................................5
1.2 Using the Unity Customization Guide............................................................................................7
2. Ubun-Tools of the Trade: Customization Tools for Unity ...............................................................8
2.1System Settings Application...........................................................................................................11
2.1.1 Personal Category Settings: The Look and Feel of Your Desktop.....................................................14
2.1.2 Hardware Category Settings: The Options Package and Accessories of Your Desktop.....................16
2.1.3 System Category Settings: The Specification and Maintenance Package of Your Desktop..... ... .......19
2.2 CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM) ...................................................................................21
2.2.1 Understanding Compiz and CompizFusion.......................................................................................23
2.2.2 Installing CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM)........................................................................25
2.2.3 CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM) Menu Options.................................................................27
2.3 MyUnity Application ....................................................................................................................31
2.3.1 Installing the MyUnity Application...................................................................................................32
2.3.2 MyUnity Customization Options.......................................................................................................34
3. Achieving Personal Unity..................................................................................................................37
3.1 Customization Scenarios...............................................................................................................38
3.1.1 Beauty is Screen Deep: Changing Desktop Background (Wallpaper)............................................38
3.1.2 Icon-Cure!: Adding Desktop Icons................................................................................................403.1.3 Launching... Out?: Modifying Unity Launcher Attributes.............................................................43
3.1.4 Plug-in Away At IT!: CCSM Unity Customization........................................................................48
3.1.5 I Shot the Serif: Changing System Fonts.......................................................................................54
3.1.6 Locked and Loaded!: Securing Unity............................................................................................59
3.1.7 For The Record, I Want it Off the Record! - Disabling Unity Event Log (Zeitgeist).....................63
3.1.8 If You Build It, He Will Come-plain: Contributing to the Evolution of Unity................................66
3.2 I've Customized Too Far; What Do I Do?!: Undoing Customizations.....................................68
3.2.1 System Settings............................................................................................................................... ..68
3.2.2 CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM)........................................................................................69
3.2.3 MyUnity............................................................................................................................................ 69
4. Achieve Personal Unity, But Not With Unity...................................................................................70
4.1GNOME Classic Desktop..............................................................................................................71
4.2Kubuntu (KDE) and Lubuntu (LXDE)..........................................................................................72
5. Final Thoughts....................................................................................................................................73
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ACHIEVE PERSONAL UNITY
Your Guide to Unity DesktopCustomization*
1. Introduction
The word unity is an expression that conjures up images of oneness, harmony, and a collection
of distinct parts coming together to achieve one goal. And Unity 5.10.0 on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS is
a perfect example of this expression: many people from all walks of life working together as
one to achieve a common goal of providing a free (gratis & libre) open-source operating system
that is available to everyone. Unity is more than just software, it is the essence of a
collaborative endeavour in the fullest sense: not only is Ubuntu an operating system that is
openly shared to the world, but the ideas and experiences using Unity are openly shared among
Ubuntu enthusiasts also.
But the concept of unity is not only an expression of a software condition, it is also extends to
a personal condition. To achieve personal unity is to achieve a sense of oneness and harmony
with your environment, to attain a sense of flow with your surroundings that is unhindered and
unfettered. This is the aim of Unity as it is designed to be simple and intuitive, helping you to
easily navigate your desktop environment from one application to another.
But whether corporately or individually, achieving unity takes work! The purpose of this guide
is to help you achieve a Unity desktop environment that best fits your needs.
*Note: At time of writing, Unity's version was 5.12.0. This guide should be usable for any version of unity that begins with5 and is higher than 5.10.0. (e.g. 5.10.0, 5.12.0, 5.14.0, 5.16.0)
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1.1 To Customize or Not to Customize? That is the Question!
Unity (an integral part of Ubuntu) is designed to provide you with desktop features, capabilities,
and applications aimed at simplifying your life. But you may ask yourself: what good is a sleek
and highly functional desktop environment if you cannot add a personal touch? Or make
modifications to suit your working style?
It is a fact that we all have our personal preferences: what works for others may not be your
cup of Ubuntu1. To Achieve Personal Unity, you may want to look at customizing the look
and feel of Unity that will make you say, Perfect!
However, we also believe as well that Unity is perfect just the way it is! It is the product of
many hours of development, programming, testing, and (most importantly) collaboration among
many, many dedicated paid programmers and volunteers whose goal is to provide you with the
best desktop experience possible. We truly believe that Unity is the best desktop package
available today for the following reasons:
Unity is designed as a comprehensive desktop package that meets all your basic computer
requirements, such as publishing, multimedia, or communication needs;
Unity is designed to be simple and intuitive, allowing for quick access and execution of
programs and applications;
Unity is designed for the future, with a vision for easy expansion and growth in
applications and capabilities on new releases and upgrades,
Unity is designed with an established set of support protocols; customizing may sidestep
these protocols, leaving you unsupported or under-supported.
1. Did you know that A Cup of Ubuntu is an event created and hosted regularly in Vancouver by the Ubuntu Vancouver Local Communitygroup? You do now! Find out more here: http://meetup.com/ubuntuvancouver
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You may like Unity as it is, may want to tweak it to your liking, or you might just want to get
down straight to the code to modify it. Whatever your needs or wishes, there is a customization
tool that is right for you to Achieve Personal Unity.
There may also be those who may not like at all what they see, and that is alright too! One thing
you will never hear from members of your local Ubuntu Community is Take it or Leave it!.
Ubuntu is a collaborative effort and not a shrink-wrapped piece of plastic: together, we make it
better!
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1.2 Using the Unity Customization Guide
This guide will:
introduce the tools and applications available to you in your quest to customize your
desktop environment to its optimal condition,
provide examples of how these tools and applications can be used,
and assist in finding the right desktop environment for you.
What this guide will not be is a step-by-step procedural manual for all customization options in
Unity. To help you Achieve Personal Unity, our goal is not to tell you what to do, but to help
you gain experience in using Unity and understanding its features and characteristics.
Experience is the best teacher, and the more you use and explore Unity, the easier it will be for
you to Achieve Personal Unity.
Also, your experience in using the customization tools described in this guide is valuable to all
Ubuntu enthusiasts, should you decide to share your knowledge with us by joining your Ubuntu
Local Community!
!!
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Note: At time of writing, Unity was at Version 5.12.0. This guide is
applicable to versions of Unity from 5.10.0 and higher (such as
versions 5.10.0, 5.12.0, 5.14.0, and 5.16.0).
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2. Ubun-Tools of the Trade: Customization Tools
for Unity
To Achieve Personal Unity, you need the right tools to customize your desktop environment
and features to suit your personal tastes. But what are the right tools to use, you ask? This guide
will cover the three most popular applications that are used to customize Unity. They are:
System Settings
CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM)
MyUnity
Now that you know what the tools are , your next question is most likely, Which is the right
tool for me? The answer to this question all depends on your approach to Achieve Personal
Unity.
There are those who simply want to choose a personalized wallpaper, change the colour
schemes of the windows, or tweak the appearance of their desktop environment to their personal
liking. They also want a tool that is easy and straightforward to use. For this group of users, the
perfect tools to Achieve Personal Unity are the System Settings, a one-stop shop for all your
customization needs, and MyUnity, a software utility that lets you customize Unity through a
very user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI).
But there are also a group of users who look beyond the appearance of the desktop environment
and want to change the hot key assignments, shortcut key combinations, and make changes to
the very heart of Unity. For this group of users, the perfect tool to Achieve Personal Unity is
the CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM).
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For the group of users who want to change only the look and feel of their desktop environment,
they are encouraged to use either System Settings or MyUnity, and to avoid using CCSM, as
any changes that are incorrectly done in CCSM may result in disabling Ubuntu 12.04,
rendering your systems inoperable until Ubuntu 12.04 (or Unity itself) is reinstalled. For
people who are confident in their ability in using CCSM, approach this tool with the utmost of
caution: read the instruction manual, familiarize yourself with the tool, and use within specified
safety parameters.
Of course, when in doubt, you can always call for help! Do not hesitate to contact your nearestUbuntu Local Community (or Ubuntu LoCo): in Vancouver:
http://meetup.com/ubuntuvancouver
or elsewhere at:
http://loco.ubuntu.com
if you have any questions or issues using Unity; they will be more than happy to assist you .
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A WORD OF CAUTION! CCSM allows you to deeply
configure Unity's settings. Unless used with great care, it
is possible to be left with an unusable desktop if options
are incorrectly configured.
**Consider setting up a secondary user account on your
computer to test out customization changes before
applying them to your main account.**
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To Ubuntu enthusiasts who do not have access to a Ubuntu LoCo, you can find help from the
Ubuntu online Community at:
https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu
Whether you are new to Ubuntu or are a long-time user, we look forward to having you share
your experience and expertise with the Ubuntu Local Community!
Let's now look at how each application can help you Achieve Personal Unity.
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2.1 System Settings Application
TheSystem Settings application lets you change the system settings and device parameters of
your desktop environment (such as colours, display settings, and keyboard layout) with just a
click of a mouse button. You can call this your one-stop shop for all your desktop customization
needs. The application menu box can be seen in the figure below:
There are two (2) ways you can open the System Settings dialogue box:
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Figure 1: System Settings Dialogue Box
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Option 1:
1. Go to the top right-hand corner of your workspace and click on the Session Indicator. A
drop-down menu will appear.
2. Select System Settings... from the drop down menu, which opens the System Settings
dialogue box.
Option 2:
Click on the Systems Settings icon in the Ubuntu launcher to open the System Settings
dialogue box.
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Figure 3: Opening the System Settings Dialogue Box Usingthe System Settings Icon
Figure 2: Opening the System Settings Dialogue BoxUsing the Session Indicator.
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Once the application is opened, you will notice that the customizable settings are grouped into
three categories:
Personal
Hardware
System
Why three categories? Think of Unity as a brand new car you have just bought. What are the
main factors that you would have considered before buying the car? The look and feel of the
car? The options packages and accessories included with the car? Or the vehicle specifications
(such as fuel economy), warranty, and ease of maintenance of the car? You probably considered
all of these factors and more. Using the new car analogy, we will look at the three categories of
the Unity System Settings dialogue box.
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Note: If your system has more than one user account, changes made to
the Personal category settings will be unique to each user account.
Changes made in the Hardware and System category settings will be
applied to all user accounts.
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2.1.1 Personal Category Settings:The Look and Feel of Your Desktop
The Personalcategory settings are similar to the look and feel of the car: the exterior and
interior colour, the type of seats, climate control, light dimmer, etc. Unity gives you the ability
to change the look and feel of your workspace to suit your personal taste and preferences.
(Note: If your system has more than one user account, changes made to the Personal
category settings will be unique to each user account.)
Table 1 gives an overall description of the Personal setting functions you can customize in the
System Settings dialogue box.
Table 1: Personal Settings Details
Settings Category: Personal
Icon Name Description
Appearance
TheAppearance option lets you customize yourworkspace by choosing a new background colour,wallpaper, or theme. You can also modify the launcher
parameters, such as the icon size and whether to hide orshow the launcher.
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Figure 4: Personal Settings Categories
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Settings Category: Personal
Icon Name Description
Brightnessand Lock
The Brightness and Lockoption lets you change thescreen brightness levels and the system lock attributes foryour workspace.
KeyboardLayout
TheKeyboard Layoutoption lets you choose or modifythe key stroke capabilities of your system.
LanguageSupport
The Language Supportoption lets you select the primary
language for your workspace menus and windows. Youcan also choose the number, date, and currency formatsyou wish to display for your system.
Privacy
The Privacy option lets you manage and configure thesystem privacy parameters for browser history, files, andother system applications. It also lets you to enable ordisable activity recording for applications and folders, aswell as transmission of error reports for diagnosticpurposes.
Ubuntu One
The Ubuntu One option lets you connect to the UbuntuOne cloud to store and share files with other users.
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2.1.2 Hardware Category Settings:The Options Package and Accessories of Your Desktop
The Hardware category settings are equivalent to the options package and accessories included
with your new car: the alloy tires, wheel locks, GPS unit, air bags, etc. Unity gives you the
ability to add, remove, change and manage the features and properties of the physical hardware
connected to your system. This may involve using third-party drivers but Unity will also have
built-in system drivers available to help you configure any hardware added to your system.
(Note: If your system has more than one user account, changes made to the Hardware
category settings will be applied to all user accounts.)
Table 2 gives an overall description of the Hardware category settings you can customize in the
System Settings dialogue box.
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Figure 5: Hardware Settings Categories
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Table 2: Hardware Settings Details
Settings Category:Hardware
Icon Name Description
AdditionalDrivers
TheAdditional Drivers option lets you add and managethird-party hardware drivers that your system is using. Onclicking theAdditional Drivers icon, the system willautomatically search for new hardware on your systemand install the driver for the new hardware.
It will also provide a list of existing third-party driversinstalled on your system. This is especially useful forfinding drivers that support your specific video chipset,
enabling hardware acceleration that is needed for a fullUnity experience.
Bluetooth
The Bluetooth option lets you install, activate, and manageall Bluetooth-capable devices on your system.
Color
The Color option lets you select and calibrate a colourprofile for devices installed on your system. You can select
either the default colour profile of your system or import anew colour profile to your system.
Displays
TheDisplays option lets you set the display type (monitoror laptop), resolution, and rotation of your desktopenvironment.
Keyboard
TheKeyboard option lets you change the keyboard
sensitivity, keystroke shortcuts, and cursor attributes ofyour system. It also has a quick link to access theKeyboard Layoutoption.
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Settings Category:Hardware
Icon Name Description
Mouse andTouchpad
TheMouse and Touchpad option lets you calibrate themouse and touchpad attributes (such as pointer speed,scrolling, and click sensitivity) on your system.
Network
TheNetworkoption provides you information on yourwired, wireless, and network proxy settings and lets youchange the networking parameters for your system.
Power
ThePower option lets you select and manage power
consumption settings of your system for when yoursystem is running on battery or AC power.
Printing
ThePrinting option lets you add or delete printer driversused on your system. Printer properties and settings canalso be modified by clicking on the printer icon of yourchoice.
Sound
The Sound option lets you manage the input, output, and
sound effects settings of your audio equipment on yoursystem (built-in microphone and speakers or externalmicrophone and headphones).
WacomGraphicTablet
The Wacom Graphic Tabletoption lets you configure theproperties and settings of any Wacom Graphic Tablet inputdevices installed on your system.
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2.1.3System Category Settings:The Specification and Maintenance Package of Your Desktop
The Systemcategory settings are akin to the specifications, warranty, and maintenance schedule
of the new vehicle. Unitygives you the ability to obtain all systems information, as well as to
install, configure and/or modify your system's features and properties to suit your personal taste
and preferences. (Note: If your system has more than one user account, changes made to
the System category settings will be applied to all user accounts.)
Table 3 gives an overall description of the System category settings you can customize in the
System Settings dialogue box.
Table 3: System Settings Details
Settings Category: System
Icon Name Description
Backup
The Backup option lets you create a back-up copy of yourfiles and folders. You can select the location of where youwant to store your back-up files and select how often youwant your system to back-up your files.
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Figure 6: System Settings Categories
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Settings Category: System
Icon Name Description
Details
TheDetails option lets you to view your system'sinformation (software version, RAM size, etc.), chooseyour default applications (for web browsing, email,calendar, music, video, and photo viewer), and configurehow multimedia files should be handled.
ManagementService
The Management Service option installs and configuresthe Landscape systems management tool (software thathelps you monitor, manage and update your entire Ubuntu
infrastructure from a single interface) on your computer.
Generally this is only useful if you will be using yourUbuntu computer at work and with an IT departmentsupporting you.
Time andDate
The Time and Date option lets you set the system timeand date by region. It also lets you select your clock andcalendar display preferences.
UniversalAccess
The Universal Access option lets you configure yoursystem's input devices properties. You can change yourscreen display contrast and font size, turn on visual alerts,modify your keyboard settings and sensitivity, andconfigure your cursor responses.
User
Accounts
The User Accounts option displays profile information forall system user accounts. It also lets you activate password
authentication upon start-up for any user.
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2.2 CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM)
You may find it strange that we introduce the CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM) tool
with a call to get rid of it! But before you jump to conclusions, here is a short history on
CCSM.
In its earliest manifestation, the Ubuntu desktop environment (GNOME) was primarily
customized using CCSM. But because of its unpredictability (and because not all users fully
understood the inner workings of CompizConfig), disastrous results would occur, the most
severe being the total shutdown of the user's system, making it inoperable. The Unity desktop
environment was developed as a way to have a functional and visually pleasing desktop without
having to use CCSM. Nevertheless, CCSM still remains a popular customization tool for
former GNOME users, even with its unpredictability. It was through the battle cry in the quote
above by Jorge Castro (a member of Canonical's Community Team) that the usability of CCSMwas looked at more closely by the Ubuntu Local Community and improvements were made to
make this tool more user friendly.2
2 This is a perfect example of how the Ubuntu Local Community can work together to achieve great open-source
products for everyone. To join the Ubuntu Local Community closest to you, either move to Vancouver BC or go tohttp://loco.ubuntu.com.
Unity Customization Guide v1.0 2012 21
...I'd like to propose the removal of compizconfig-settingsmanager.
I don't mean "stop telling people to use it" or "add a warning", I mean totalremoval from the archive until the tool is either better tested or doesn't breakpeople's configuration.
Jorge O. Castro's, It's time to JettisonCCSM on Ubuntu discussion forum, Jan2012
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CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM) lets you customize the appearance and effects of
Unity by managing and configuring the many plug-ins that Compiz and CompizFusion use to
give Unity its unique look and feel. It is a tool that is favoured by users who want to get into the
inner workings of CompizFusion (the engine that powers Unity) and change it from both a
functional and cosmetic standpoint.
Before we continue on the topic of how to use CCSM, let's look at what exactly Compiz and
CompizFusion are.
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Using CCSM is not for the faint of heart. Any changes to the desktop
environment using CCSM may result in Ubuntu 12.04 crashing and
rendering your system inoperable!
**Consider setting up a secondary user account on your computer to
test out your new customization changes before applying them to you
main account.**
Figure 7: CompizConfig Settings Manager Main Menu
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2.2.1 Understanding Compiz and CompizFusion
Compiz and CompizFusion3 are open-source graphics subsystems that use your system's 3D
graphics hardware to power the desktop effects that you see in Unity (such as opening, closing,
maximizing, and minimizing your windows). According to information found in
wiki.compiz.org/AboutCompizFusion :
It seeks to provide an easy and fun-to-use windowing environment, allowing use ofthe graphics hardware to provide impressive effects, amazing speed and unrivalled
usefulness.
For enthusiasts who are more technically inclined, the same information source offers this
explanation about Compizand CompizFusion:
CompizFusion is:
a hardware-accelerated window management and desktop compositing through
OpenGL, using rendering paths like AIGLX, Xgl and direct rendering
solutions on some hardware.
a powerful and flexible plug-in interface, allowing almost limitless extension
possibilities.
an ARGB rendering, allowing true transparency when the applications supportARGB visuals.
3 Though there is a close relationship between Compiz and CompizFusion, it is important to note that they are not thesame thing. Please visit http://wiki.compiz.org/CompizFusionVsCompiz for more details.
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In short, Compiz and CompizFusion are the engines that makes Unity look and perform the
way it does. By using CCSM to customize your desktop, you directly affect the programming
codes of the very engines that powers Unity.
However, if you feel up to the challenge and are confident in your ability to get down into the
nuts and bolts of what drives Unity, you definitely can Achieve Personal Unity with CCSM!
Unity Customization Guide v1.0 2012 24
As stated earlier, any changes to the desktop environment using
CCSM may result in Ubuntu 12.04 crashing and rendering your
system inoperable.
**Consider setting up a secondary user account on your computer
to test out your new customization changes before applying them toyour main account.**
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2.2.2 Installing CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM)
To use CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM), it must first be installed onto your system
and can be obtained through the Ubuntu Software Centre. To install CCSM:
1. Click on the Ubuntu Software Centre icon in the launcher, which opens the Ubuntu
Software Centre dialogue box.
2. Type CompizConfig Settings Manager in the Ubuntu Software Centredialogue box
search field, located at the top right-hand side of the box.
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Figure 9: Ubuntu Software Centre
Figure 8: Ubuntu Software Centre Icon
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3. Click on the CompizConfig Settings Managersearch result to activate the More Info and
Install buttons.
4. Click on the Install button to install CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM). Type
in your administrator password, if prompted to.
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Figure 10: CompizConfig Settings Manager Search Result
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2.2.3 CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM) Menu Options
CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM) lets you customize Unity by enabling or disabling
plug-ins options that are used by Compiz and CompizFusion to power Unity. The CCSM
interface provides a list of all plug-ins that have been installed and allows for you to view and
edit these plug-in settings. These plug-ins have been grouped into eight (8) categories, as
shown in Table 4:4
Table 4: List of Compiz / CompizFusion Plug-in Categories
CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM) Plug-in Categories
Category Name Description
General
This category contains the core plug-in options for Unity.
Accessibility
This category contains plug-ins to make your desktop easier touse, especially if you have a reading or viewing disability.
4 Information obtained fromhttp://wiki.compiz.org/CCSM)
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CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM) Plug-in Categories
Category Name Description
Desktop
This category contains plug-ins to configure how your desktopbehaves, like the Desktop Cube and Desktop Wall.
Effects
This category contains plug-ins to configure various animationsand effects, such as the 'Wobbly Windows' plug-ins or the'Animation' plug-in.
Unity Customization Guide v1.0 2012 28
The Ubuntu Unity Plugin check box
controls your Unity desktop environment.DO NOT un-check this box as it willdisable and remove the Unity launcher andstatus menu bar on the top right-hand of thescreen, rendering your system inoperable.
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CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM) Plug-in Categories
Category Name Description
Extras
This category contains plug-ins that serve a minor or ambiancepurposes.
Image Loading
This category contains plug-ins that allow various imageformats to be loaded.
Utility
This category contains plug-ins that provide internalfunctionality, or small but useful features, like DBUS andResize Info.
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CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM) Plug-in Categories
Category Name Description
WindowManagement
This category contains plug-ins that provide basic to advancedwindow management functionality, like moving windows togrouping and tabbing windows.
For more information on CCSM, contact the Ubuntu Local Community closest to you
(http://loco.ubuntu.com/) or visit the Compiz wiki at http://wiki.compiz.org/CCSM.
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2.3 MyUnity Application
MyUnity is a third-party utility that was developed specifically to tweak the characteristics of
the Unity desktop environment. This tool provides full customization of Unity features, such as
the Unity launcher, dash, panel, desktop, font, and themes. As described by the Ubuntu
Software Centre:
Here are a few samples of desktops that have been customized using MyUnity:
Unity Customization Guide v1.0 2012 31
This program allows one to configure and tune Unity with a
pleasant and comfortable graphical interface.
Figure 11: MyUnity Customization Example 1
Figure 12: MyUnity Customization Example2
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2.3.1 Installing the MyUnityApplication
To use MyUnity, you must first install the application onto your system. MyUnity can be
obtained free of charge through the Ubuntu Software Centre. To download and install
MyUnity:
1. Click on the Ubuntu Software Centre icon in the launcher, which opens the Ubuntu
Software Centre dialogue box.
2. Type MyUnity in the Ubuntu Software Centredialogue box search field, located at the
top right-hand side of the box.
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Figure 13: Ubuntu Software Centre Icon
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3. Click on the MyUnitysearch result to activate the More Info and Install buttons.
4. Click on the Install button to install the MyUnity application. If prompted, type in your
administrator password to proceed.
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Figure 14: Ubuntu Software Centre
Figure 15: MyUnity Search Result Screen
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2.3.2 MyUnityCustomizationOptions
Once installed, you can launch MyUnity from your desktop launcher. Table 5 provides a list of
options that can be customized using MyUnity, as well as a screenshot of the graphical user
interface.
Table 5: List of Customizable Options for the MyUnity Application
MyUnity Customizable Options
Category Customizable Options Screenshot
Launcher TheLauncher tab letsyou choose the launchercolour, change thelauncher transparencylevel and icon size, andadjust backlight, display,behaviour attributes.
Dash TheDash tab lets youdisplay recent andavailable applications,modify your dash size, aswell as applying a blureffect on your desktop.
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MyUnity Customizable Options
Category Customizable Options Screenshot
Panel ThePanel tab lets youtweak the transparencylevel ofUnity.
Desktop TheDesktop tab lets youadd some basic icons tothe desktop, such as thehome, networking,devices, and trash icons.It also lets you activatewindows animations andconfigure the number ofviewable desktops.
Font TheFonttab lets you setthe font, font size, andformat in Unity forwindow titles,documents, desktop,system and monospace. Italso sets font hinting andantialiasing.
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MyUnity Customizable Options
Category Customizable Options Screenshot
Theme The Theme tab providesyou a list of desktop andicon themes that can beused to customize Unity.
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3. Achieving Personal Unity
Now that you have been introduced to the tools that can help you Achieve Personal Unity,
there are many ways you can go about customizing your Unity desktop environment. But as
mentioned in the Introduction section, the purpose of this guide is not to give you a set of
comprehensive, step-by-step procedures for all customization options in Unity; the goal is to
help you gain experience in using the tools to customize Unity and to help you understand its
features and characteristics.
Therefore, in order to help you Achieve Personal Unity, this section of the guide will give you
several examples of how to use the three customization tools (System Settings, MyUnity, and
CCSM) through a series of customization scenarios or case studies. The customization
scenarios presented are considered the most frequently asked questions when it comes to
customizing Unity. Solutions provided for each scenario are not the only solutions; again, our
goal is to have you understand and gain experience in using the tools that can be used to
customize Unity.
So, if you are ready, buckle your seat belts and lets get ready to Achieve Personal Unity!
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3.1 Customization Scenarios
3.1.1 Beauty is Screen Deep: Changing Desktop Background(Wallpaper)
Scenario:
Lulu is a new Ubuntu user and she is impressed with how the new Unity desktop environment
looks and feels. She is happy with how everything is set up, except for one thing: she always
uses the same picture of her pet Spades as her desktop background and she want to use it
again for her Unity desktop environment.
Solution:
Lulu can import her favourite picture to use as her desktop wallpaper in the Look tab of the
Systems Settings toolAppearance option.
Customization tool: System Settings
Path:
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(Look Tab)
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In this screen, Lulu can choose the Pictures Folderoption in the drop-down menu to import
her favourite picture to use as her wallpaper.
If her favourite picture is not in the pictures folder, Lulu can click on the + button to
search for the folder containing the picture of her choice.
If Lulu should change her mind about using a personal picture as her wallpaper, she can also
choose any available system default wallpaper, or choose to create a colour gradient for her
desktop background using theAppearanceoption.
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Figure 16: System Settings Appearance Option
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3.1.2 Icon-Cure!: Adding Desktop Icons
Scenario:
Joe is also a new Ubuntu user and decided to try Unity after attending an Ubuntu Loco Meet-
up. Joe generally likes what he sees but not the fact that the desktop environment does not
contain desktop icons as shortcuts to his folders. Joe, being a creature of habit after using
Microsoft Windows for so long, wants to find a way to add desktop icons.
Solution:
Joe can add desktop icons to his environment by using the MyUnity desktop interface.
Customization tool: MyUnity
Path:
The desktop option has six (6) different icons that can be activated: home, networking, devices,
trash, show desktop, and panels icons (as shown in Figure 17).
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Desktop Option
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Toggle
Switches
By sliding the toggle switches towards the right to the ON position, Joe can add icons to his
desktop environment as shown in the following illustration (Figure 18):
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Figure 18: Adding Desktop Icons Using MyUnity
Figure 17: MyUnity Desktop Option
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In Figure 18, the home , network servers , installed devices , and trash icons
were added to the desktop environment.
With the MyUnitydesktop option, Joe can also modify the windows animation and the number
of desktops that can be viewed in Unity (the default number of desktops that can be viewed is 4
in a 2x2 configuration).
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3.1.3 Launching... Out?:Modifying Unity Launcher Attributes
Scenario:
Genny has been using Ubuntu for a few months and is enjoying the features and applications
that Unity offers. But Genny feels that the Unity launcher takes up too much space on the
desktop and wants to find a way to hide the launcher until she needs to use it, or change the size
of the launcher icons to make them smaller.
Solution:
Genny can use either of the three tools (System Settings, MyUnity, or CCSM) to change the
behaviour or the icon size of the launcher. Which tool Genny chooses will depend on how
comfortable Genny is in using each tool. In order to help Genny make her decision, let's
summarize how each tool can be used to complete Genny's customization need.
1. Genny can select the System SettingsAppearanceoption and change the launcher behaviour
in the Behavior tab:
Customization tool: System Setting
Path:
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(Behavior Tab)
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The launcher auto-hide feature is activated when the toggle switch is set to the ON position .
Genny can also set the launcher reveal location and reveal sensitivity level .
2. Genny can also use the MyUnitylauncher interfaceto change the launcher behaviour:
Customization tool: MyUnity
Path:
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Figure 19: Setting the Unity Launcher to Autohide inSystems Settings
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The launcher auto-hide feature is activated when theAutohide option is selected from the
Display drop-down menu .
With the MyUnitylauncher interface, Genny can also select the launcher background colour,
transparency level, launcher icon size, launcher backlights, behaviour, and configure the
launcher to show attached devices as icons items.
3. Finally, Genny can modify the launcher behaviour by reconfiguring the Ubuntu Unity
Plugin options in CCSM.
Customization tool: CCSM
Path:
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Figure 20: Setting the Unity Launcher to Autohide inMyUnity
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The launcher auto-hide feature is activated when theAutohide option is selected from theHide
Launcherdrop-down menu in Figure 21.
To change the launcher icon size, Genny needs to click on the Experimental tab and
modify the value of theLauncher icon size parameter , as shown in Figure 22.
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Figure 21: Setting the Unity Launcher to Autohide in CCSM
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NEVER uncheck the Enable Ubuntu Unity Plugin check box!
This plug-in controls your Unity desktop environment:
unchecking this box will disable and remove the Unity launcher
and status menu bar on the top right-hand of the screen,
rendering your system inoperable.
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Figure 22: Changing Launcher Icon Size Using CCSM
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3.1.4 Plug-in Away At IT!: CCSM UnityCustomization
Scenario:
Myra is very particular when it comes to the setup of her desktop environment. Myra expects
that when she places her hand on the keyboard, every keystroke or mouse click command
entered is completed with a specific action. So when Myra started using Ubuntu, she
immediately looked for ways to customize Unity to her personal preferences. Myra is not
nearly as concerned with wallpaper, icons sizes, and launcher attributes as she is with menu and
windows animation and responses, ease of switching between windows, and the ability of
modifying shortcut keystrokes.
Solution:
The best tool for Myra to use is CCSM. To customize Unity, Myra will use the Ubuntu
Utility Plugin option to customize Unity to her personal preferences. Myra can access this
option by clicking on the Ubuntu Unity Pluginicon in the Desktop category:
Customization tool: CCSM
Path:
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Make sure that the Enable Ubuntu Unity Plugin check box is
always checked! This plug-in controls your Unity desktop
environment: unchecking this box will disable and remove the
Unity launcher and status menu bar on the top right-hand of
the screen, rendering your system inoperable.
The Ubuntu Unity Plugin customization dialogue box contains three (3) tabs (Behavior,
Switcher, and Experimental), each containing parameters that modifies specific functions
within Unity.
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Figure 23: CCSM Desktop Category plug-ins
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1. Behavior Tab:
In the Behavior tab, Myra can customize and define:
shortcut keys for the panel menu,
search commands,
the key to start the launcher application switcher,
the key to show the Heads-up-Display (HUD),
and launcher applications and behaviour.
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Figure 24: Ubuntu Unity plug-in Behavior Tab
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2. Switcher Tab:
In the Switcher tab, Myra can customize the switcher properties, such as:
switcher window expand timer,
application sorting,
and application views.
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Figure 25: Ubuntu Unity Plugin Switcher Tab
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3. Experimental Tab:
In the Experimental tab, Myra can customize options such as:
desktop background attributes,
icon animation behaviour (for window launch and warning indication),
menu fade-in and fade-out characteristics,
and the display of keyboard shortcut overlays.
There are many more plug-ins in CCSM that Myra can experiment with to customize Unity.
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Figure 26: Ubuntu Unity Plugin Experimental Tab
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As stated earlier, we are not here to provide a comprehensive set of step-by-step procedures, but
our goal is to help you with your first steps in gaining experience with the different
customization tools. We encourage you to experiment with CCSM (using great care!) to gain
both experience and understanding of the tool, hoping that once you become well versed in
using CCSM, you would be willing to share your knowledge of this tool to all Ubuntu
enthusiasts (both new and long-time users) at the Ubuntu Local Community closest to you.
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3.1.5 I Shot the Serif: Changing System Fonts
Scenario:
Wayne believes that the spice of life is variety! Wayne abhors anything ordinary or run-of-the-
mill; he needs something exciting and eclectic! So when Wayne first laid eyes on Unity, his
first thought was, Let's change the fonts!.
Solution:
Wayne can use the MyUnityfont interface to change the system fonts in Unity.
Customization tool: MyUnity
Path:
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Figure 27: MyUnity Font Customization Interface
Font Option
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With the MyUnityfont interface, Wayne can customize the font for the following applications
and features:
Window Titles
Documents
Desktops
System
and Monospace.
Wayne can also adjust the display of the outline font (Hinting) as well as how smooth the fonts
are displayed (Antialiasing).
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3.1.6 Locked and Loaded!: Securing Unity
Scenario:
Liam is concerned with security, and likes everything under lock and key. This also applies to
his desktop, as he is paranoid of anyone looking into his system without his permission or
knowledge. Before Liam commits to using Ubuntu, he wants to be assured that Unity will
provide the desktop security he wants.
Solution:
Unitycan secure Liam's desktop in two (2) ways using the System Settings tool:
1. the User Accounts option,
2. and theBrightness and Lockoption.
Customization tool: System Settings
Path 1: User Accounts Option
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Liam can set log-in options for all users of his system using the User Accountsoption.
TheAccount type option sets permission level for users of the system, while theLogin
Options configures system access using passwords (if theAutomatic Loginoption is in
the OFF position, users are required to use a password to access the system).
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Figure 28: System Settings User Accounts Option
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Path 2:Brightness and Lock Option
Using theBrightness and Lock option, Liam can also set his desktop to lock when it is left
unattended for a period of time by setting theLockoption to the ON position.
Liam can also set the duration for screen lock from between 30 seconds to 1 hour.
Finally, by placing a check in theRequire my password when waking from suspendoption ,
Liam can be assured that password access is required when returning to the desktop.
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Figure 28: System Settings Brightness and Lock Option
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3.1.7 For The Record, I Want it Off the Record!- Disabling UnityEvent Log (Zeitgeist)
Scenario:
Gabriel enjoys using Unity, but his one dislike is the Ubuntu dash. Why is it logging all
applications that I have used, and all recent files that I have accessed?, he asks. Although
Gabriel understands that this is a feature in Unity aimed at providing easy access to
applications and personal files, he cannot get over the fact that someone, or something, may be
monitoring all his desktop activities. Gabriel wants to deactivate this option as part of his Unity
desktop customization.
Solution:
First, let us give you a little bit of background on the Unity event log.
Unityincorporates within its Dash function an activity journal that uses the Zeitgeist
framework for classifying files using metadata (such as time and date of previous accesses,
location of files, file type, and tagging). The purpose of using Zeitgeist was to provide Unity
users with easy access to its most and recently used data (files/folders/applications), as well as
an ability to perform searches over the Zeitgeist FTS (Full Text Search) extension5.
While many would agree that having this event logger does Simplify Your Life in terms of
accessing system files and applications, we do appreciate the fact that some people may not
want to have their desktop activities logged at all. As a result, the event logger can be disabled
using the System Settings Privacyoption.
5 http://zeitgeist-project.com/experience/
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Customization tool: System Settings
Path:
As long as theRecord Activity toggle switch is in the ON position, all desktop activities will
be logged into the Dash. To deactivate this logging activity, slide the Record Activity toggle
switch to the OFF position.
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Figure 29: System Settings Privacy Option
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If later on down the road you feel you want to activate the Unity event logger but do not want
all your files and activities to be logged, the Privacy option lets you choose which files, folders,
and applications to log, as shown in Figure 30 and Figure 31.
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Figure 31: System Settings Privacy Option: Applications Tab
Figure 30: System Settings Privacy Option - Files Tab
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3.1.8 If You Build It, He Will Come-plain: Contributing to theEvolution ofUnity
Scenario:
Roscoe knows what he likes, and he does not like Unity! It's too plain!, It's not functional
enough!, and It's nothing more than a poor man's Windows! are the complaints that you will
hear from Roscoe. But criticism aside, Roscoe does see potential in Unity, and feels that his
involvement in the further evolution of Unity will help make it better.
Solution:
We look forward to hearing from people like Roscoe! Although we may agree to disagree when
it comes to Unity (we think Unity is the best!), we always welcome new ideas and insights from
everyone who feels they want to contribute to make Unity the best desktop package there is out
in the market! We encourage Roscoe to get involved with Ubuntu in the following ways:
1. Join Ubuntu through In-Person Meetings
In-person meetings are a great way to meet other Unity users who also have ideas on improving
the overall package of Unity and are ready to share their knowledge. These meetings are with
real people like Randall, Joe, Charlene, Kim, Allison, Roscoe, and Stefan, who have real
experience and expertise in using Unity, instead of reps on the other side of a toll free number
reading pre-scripted responses. If you live in Vancouver, please visit:
http://www.meetup.com/ubuntuvancouver
to join the Ubuntu Local Community closest to you.
If you do not live in Vancouver, you can find the Ubuntu Local Community closest to you by
visiting:
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http://loco.ubuntu.com/
2. Join the Unity Design Mailing List
By joining the Unity design mailing list, Roscoe can get first-hand, up-to-date information of
new developments in Unity, as well as being part of a select group of designers and
programmers who are dedicated to the Ubuntu spirit.
Prerequisites to joining the mailing list are:
i. Go to https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Unity for more information on Unity and its on-going
projects.
ii. Read the Code of Conduct in regards to joining the Unity design mailing list.
iii. Have your email address added to the Unity design mailing list6.
6 Mailing list address:[email protected]
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3.2 I've Customized Too Far; What Do I Do?!: UndoingCustomizations
You have now customized Unity and you have realized one thing: you still have not Achieve
Personal Unity. And why? Because you have done too much and over-customized your
desktop environment!
Luckily for you, what's done CAN be undone. Each of the three customization tool contain
safeguards to return you to default settings, should you go overboard in your customizationendeavour.
3.2.1 System Settings
Within the System Settings tool there contain many areas in which will let you return options to
default settings. Look for the following indicators or buttons in System Settings:
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3.2.2 CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM)
EveryCCSM plug-in optionhas a Reset setting to the default value button that lets you
restore the plug-in option to its default setting. The button is located at the end of the option
line, as shown below:
3.2.3 MyUnity
Every MyUnitygraphical user interface has a default settings button that lets you restore any
options you have changed back to its default value, as shown below:
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4. Achieve Personal Unity, But Not With Unity
Unity is a shell for GNOME, even if it isn't GNOME
Shell. We're committed to the principles and values of
GNOME.
Mark Shuttleworth, Ubuntu Founder
For many in the Ubuntu Local Community, Unity is the future. But there are some within the
community who are nostalgic for the past, and feel more comfortable with earlier versions of
Ubuntu desktop environments. Though we look to the future, many are aware of the fact that
Unity is built on components of the GNOME desktop environment, and thus we are still
committed to principles and values of GNOME, as per the above quote from our Founder,
Mark Shuttleworth.
Therefore, for those who long for previous versions of the Ubuntu desktop environments, or
wish to use open-source desktop environments other than Unity, here is how you can do it.
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4.1 GNOME Classic Desktop
To change from Unityto the GNOME desktop environment:
1. Start up your computer.
2. Click on the Ubuntu logo at the Ubuntu login screen. A drop-down menu will
appear.
3. Select GNOME Classic option in the drop down menu to change to the GNOME
desktop environment.
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4.2 Kubuntu (KDE) and Lubuntu (LXDE)
Kubuntu (KDE) and Lubuntu (LXDE) are alternative, open-source operating systems whose
core is based on Linux and Ubuntu.
To download Kubuntu, go tohttp://www.kubuntu.org/.
To download Lubuntu, go to
http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/lubuntu/releases/12.04/release/.
N OTE: While you can still run Unity-based applications
on both Kubuntu and Lubuntu, the applications may not
operate or appear as it would if operating on the Unity
platform.
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5. Final Thoughts
Customizing Unity to Achieve Personal Unity can be a one-time task or a never-ending work-
in-progress, but with the right tools and a good understanding on how to use the tools, your
customization goals will be achieved.
We hope that this guide is able to help you in your first steps to Achieve Personal Unity. With
the System Settings, CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM), and MyUnity applications,
we are confident that you have all the tools to address your Unity customizations needs. Ofcourse, there is always the chance that you will find other useful Unity customization tools and
applications in the wonderful place we call cyberspace, and we hope that you will share your
knowledge of this tool or application with us at the Ubuntu Local Communities or at our online
community. Together, we can make things better for all Ubuntu enthusiasts.
Whatever your customization needs are, and whatever path you decide to choose, we sincerely
hope that you realize all your goals in your quest to customize your desktop environment and
indeed, Achieve Personal Unity!
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Alphabetical IndexAlphabetical Index
AA
Additional Drivers..............................................17
Appearance..........................................14, 38p., 43
BB
Backup.................................................................19
Bluetooth..............................................................17
Brightness and Lock...............................15, 56, 58
CC
CCSM......................................................................
Behavior Tab..............................................43, 50
CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM)......21
Experimental Tab.......................................46, 52
Installing CompizConfig Settings Manager
(CCSM)............................................................25
Switcher Tab....................................................51
Color....................................................................17
Compiz and CompizFusion....................22pp., 27
CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM)
Menu Options..........................................27
Accessibility.....................................................27
Desktop............................................................28
Effects .............................................................28
Extras ..............................................................29
General ...........................................................27
Image Loading ................................................29
Utility...............................................................29
Window Management......................................30
Customize your Desktop Environment ..............7
DD
Default Setting.....................................................65
Desktop Icons......................................................40
Desktop Security.................................................56
Details...................................................14, 17, 19p.
Displays................................................................17
GG
GNOME.....................................................21, 66p.
HH
Hardware Category Settings.................................
Third-party Drivers.........................................17
Heads-up-Display (HUD)...................................50
KK
Keyboard.......................................................15, 17
Keyboard Layout..........................................15, 17
Kubuntu (KDE)..................................................68
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Language Support..............................................15
Login Options......................................................57Lubuntu (LXDE)................................................68
MM
Management Service..........................................20
Mouse and Touchpad..........................................18
MyUnity...................................................................
Installing the MyUnity Application.............. ...32
MyUnity Application........................................31
MyUnity Customization Options......................34
Dash.................................................................34
Desktop............................................................35
Font..................................................................35
Launcher..........................................................34
Panel................................................................35
Theme..............................................................36
NN
Network...............................................................18
PP
Password.........................................20, 26, 33, 57p.
Plug-in............................22p., 27pp., 47pp., 52, 65
Power...................................................................18
Printing................................................................18
Privacy.....................................................15, 59, 61
SS
Screen Lock.........................................................58Shortcut Keys......................................................50
Sound...................................................................18
System Fonts.......................................................54
System Settings Application...............................11
System Settings dialogue box..........11pp., 16, 19
System Settings Application Menu Options.........
Hardware Category Settings...........................16
Additional Drivers.......................................17
Bluetooth.....................................................17
Color............................................................17
Displays.......................................................17
Keyboard.....................................................17
Mouse and Touchpad..................................18
Network.......................................................18
Power...........................................................18
Printing........................................................18
Sound...........................................................18
Wacom Graphic Tablet................................18
Personal Category Settings.............................14
Appearance..................................................14
Brightness and Lock....................................15
Keyboard Layout.........................................15
Language Support.......................................15
Privacy.........................................................15
Ubuntu One.................................................15
System Category Settings................................19
Backup.........................................................19
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Details.........................................................20
Management Service...................................20
Time and Date.............................................20Universal Access.........................................20
User Accounts.............................................20
TT
Third-Party Drivers .................................16p., 31
Time and Date.....................................................20
UU
Ubuntu Local Community..7, 9p., 21, 30, 53, 62,
66
Ubuntu One.........................................................15
Undoing Customizations....................................64
CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM)......65
MyUnity...........................................................65
System Settings................................................64
Unity Design Mailing List..................................63
Unity Launcher.......................................................
Auto-hide Feature.......................................44pp.Icon Size...........................................................46
Launcher Icon Size..........................................46
Universal Access..................................................20
User Accounts............................................20, 56p.
User Permission Level s.....................................57
WWWacom Graphic Tablet......................................18
Wallpaper............................................................38
Windows Animation.....................................42, 48
ZZ
Zeitgeist................................................................59
Record Activity Toggle Switch.........................60
Unity Event Log.........................................59, 61