Ubuntu 12.0412.04 LTSLTS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Unity Customization Guide

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Edited by: Charlene Tessier & Randall Ross

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 the following members of Ubuntu Vancouver that assisted with editing, proof-reading, and helpful suggestions:

Kip Warner Joe Liau Sighmon Butterfield Lulu Liam Riedell Gabriel Tan John Asbacher Kim Kulak

Special thanks to Jason Smith, Manish Sinha, Rick Spencer, and Jorge Castro for their 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 and founder of the Ubuntu project. Thank you for making the world a better place. 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

2.1 System 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...... 40 3.1.3 “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

4.1 GNOME Classic Desktop...... 71 4.2 Kubuntu (KDE) and Lubuntu (LXDE)...... 72

5. Final Thoughts...... 73 Achieve Personal Unity Unity. Simplify Your Life.

ACHIEVE PERSONAL UNITY Your Guide to Unity Desktop Customization*

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 with 5 and is higher than 5.10.0. (e.g. 5.10.0, 5.12.0, 5.14.0, 5.16.0)

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 Ubuntu”1. 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 Community group? You do now! Find out more here: http://meetup.com/ubuntuvancouver

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!

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!

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).

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).

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.**

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 nearest Ubuntu 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 .

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.

2.1 System Settings Application

The System 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:

Figure 1: System Settings Dialogue Box

There are two (2) ways you can open the System Settings dialogue box:

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.

Figure 2: Opening the System Settings Dialogue Box Using the Session Indicator.

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.

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.

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.

2.1.1 Personal Category Settings: The Look and Feel of Your Desktop

The Personal category 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.)

Figure 4: Personal Settings Categories

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

The Appearance option lets you customize your workspace by choosing a new background colour, wallpaper, or theme. You can also modify the launcher Appearance parameters, such as the icon size and whether to hide or show the launcher.

Settings Category: Personal Icon Name Description

The Brightness and Lock option lets you change the Brightness screen brightness levels and the system lock attributes for and Lock your workspace.

The Keyboard Layout option lets you choose or modify Keyboard the key stroke capabilities of your system. Layout

The Language Support option lets you select the primary language for your workspace menus and windows. You Language can also choose the number, date, and currency formats Support you wish to display for your system.

The Privacy option lets you manage and configure the system privacy parameters for browser history, files, and other system applications. It also lets you to enable or Privacy disable activity recording for applications and folders, as well as transmission of error reports for diagnostic purposes.

The Ubuntu One option lets you connect to the Ubuntu Ubuntu One One cloud to store and share files with other users.

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.)

Figure 5: Hardware Settings Categories

Table 2 gives an overall description of the Hardware category settings you can customize in the System Settings dialogue box.

Table 2: Hardware Settings Details Settings Category: Hardware Icon Name Description

The Additional Drivers option lets you add and manage third-party hardware drivers that your system is using. On clicking the Additional Drivers icon, the system will automatically search for new hardware on your system and install the driver for the new hardware. Additional It will also provide a list of existing third-party drivers Drivers installed on your system. This is especially useful for finding drivers that support your specific video chipset, enabling hardware acceleration that is needed for a full Unity experience.

The Bluetooth option lets you install, activate, and manage Bluetooth all Bluetooth-capable devices on your system.

The Color option lets you select and calibrate a colour profile for devices installed on your system. You can select Color either the default colour profile of your system or import a new colour profile to your system.

The Displays option lets you set the display type (monitor Displays or laptop), resolution, and rotation of your desktop environment.

The Keyboard option lets you change the keyboard sensitivity, keystroke shortcuts, and cursor attributes of Keyboard your system. It also has a quick link to access the Keyboard Layout option.

Settings Category: Hardware Icon Name Description

The Mouse and Touchpad option lets you calibrate the Mouse and mouse and touchpad attributes (such as pointer speed, Touchpad scrolling, and click sensitivity) on your system.

The Network option provides you information on your Network wired, wireless, and network proxy settings and lets you change the networking parameters for your system.

The Power option lets you select and manage power Power consumption settings of your system for when your system is running on battery or AC power.

The Printing option lets you add or delete printer drivers used on your system. Printer properties and settings can Printing also be modified by clicking on the printer icon of your choice.

The Sound option lets you manage the input, output, and sound effects settings of your audio equipment on your Sound system (built-in microphone and speakers or external microphone and headphones).

Wacom The Wacom Graphic Tablet option lets you configure the Graphic properties and settings of any Wacom Graphic Tablet input Tablet devices installed on your system.

2.1.3 System Category Settings: The Specification and Maintenance Package of Your Desktop

The System category settings are akin to the specifications, warranty, and maintenance schedule of the new vehicle. Unity gives 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.)

Figure 6: System Settings Categories

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

The Backup option lets you create a back-up copy of your files and folders. You can select the location of where you Backup want to store your back-up files and select how often you want your system to back-up your files.

Settings Category: System Icon Name Description

The Details option lets you to view your system's information (software version, RAM size, etc.), choose your default applications (for web browsing, email, Details calendar, music, video, and photo viewer), and configure how multimedia files should be handled.

The Management Service option installs and configures the Landscape systems management tool (software that helps you monitor, manage and update your entire Ubuntu infrastructure from a single interface) on your computer. Management Service Generally this is only useful if you will be using your Ubuntu computer at work and with an IT department supporting you.

The Time and Date option lets you set the system time Time and and date by region. It also lets you select your clock and Date calendar display preferences.

The Universal Access option lets you configure your system's input devices properties. You can change your Universal screen display contrast and font size, turn on visual alerts, Access modify your keyboard settings and sensitivity, and configure your cursor responses.

The User Accounts option displays profile information for User all system user accounts. It also lets you activate password Accounts authentication upon start-up for any user.

2.2 CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM)

...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 total removal from the archive until the tool is either better tested or doesn't break people's configuration.

Jorge O. Castro's, “It's time to Jettison CCSM” on Ubuntu discussion forum, Jan 2012

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 CCSM was 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 to http://loco.ubuntu.com.

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.

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 your main account.**

Figure 7: CompizConfig Settings Manager Main Menu View

Before we continue on the topic of how to use CCSM, let's look at what exactly Compiz and CompizFusion are.

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 of the 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 Compiz and 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 support ARGB visuals.

3 Though there is a close relationship between Compiz and CompizFusion, it is important to note that they are not the same thing. Please visit http://wiki.compiz.org/CompizFusionVsCompiz for more details.

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.

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 to your main account.**

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!

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.

Figure 8: Ubuntu Software Centre Icon

2. Type “CompizConfig Settings Manager” in the Ubuntu Software Centre dialogue box search field, located at the top right-hand side of the box.

Figure 9: Ubuntu Software Centre

3. Click on the CompizConfig Settings Manager search result to activate the More Info and Install buttons.

Figure 10: CompizConfig Settings Manager Search Result

4. Click on the Install button to install CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM). Type in your administrator password, if prompted to.

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

This category contains the core plug-in options for Unity.

General

This category contains plug-ins to make your desktop easier to use, especially if you have a reading or viewing disability.

Accessibility

4 Information obtained from http://wiki.compiz.org/CCSM)

CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM) Plug-in Categories

Category Name Description

This category contains plug-ins to configure how your desktop behaves, like the Desktop Cube and Desktop Wall.

Desktop The Ubuntu Unity Plugin check box

controls your Unity desktop environment. DO NOT un-check this box as it will disable and remove the Unity launcher and status menu bar on the top right-hand of the screen, rendering your system inoperable.

This category contains plug-ins to configure various animations and effects, such as the 'Wobbly Windows' plug-ins or the 'Animation' plug-in.

Effects

CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM) Plug-in Categories

Category Name Description

This category contains plug-ins that serve a minor or ambiance purposes. Extras

This category contains plug-ins that allow various image formats to be loaded.

Image Loading

This category contains plug-ins that provide internal functionality, or small but useful features, like DBUS and Resize Info.

Utility

CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM) Plug-in Categories

Category Name Description

This category contains plug-ins that provide basic to advanced window management functionality, like moving windows to grouping and tabbing windows.

Window Management

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.

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:

“This program allows one to configure and tune Unity with a pleasant and comfortable graphical interface”.

Here are a few samples of desktops that have been customized using MyUnity:

Figure 11: MyUnity Customization Example 1

Figure 12: MyUnity Customization Example 2

2.3.1 Installing the MyUnity Application

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.

Figure 13: Ubuntu Software Centre Icon

2. Type “MyUnity” in the Ubuntu Software Centre dialogue box search field, located at the top right-hand side of the box.

Figure 14: Ubuntu Software Centre

3. Click on the MyUnity search result to activate the More Info and Install buttons.

Figure 15: MyUnity Search Result Screen

4. Click on the Install button to install the MyUnity application. If prompted, type in your administrator password to proceed.

2.3.2 MyUnity Customization Options

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 The Launcher tab lets you choose the launcher colour, change the launcher transparency level and icon size, and adjust backlight, display, behaviour attributes.

Dash The Dash tab lets you display recent and available applications, modify your dash size, as well as applying a blur effect on your desktop.

MyUnity Customizable Options Category Customizable Options Screenshot Panel The Panel tab lets you tweak the transparency level of Unity.

Desktop The Desktop tab lets you add some basic icons to the desktop, such as the home, networking, devices, and trash icons. It also lets you activate windows animations and configure the number of viewable desktops.

Font The Font tab lets you set the font, font size, and format in Unity for window titles, documents, desktop, system and monospace. It also sets font hinting and antialiasing.

MyUnity Customizable Options Category Customizable Options Screenshot Theme The Theme tab provides you a list of desktop and icon themes that can be used to customize Unity.

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!

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 tool Appearance option.

Customization tool: System Settings

Path:

(Look Tab)

Figure 16: System Settings Appearance Option

In this screen, Lulu can choose the Pictures Folder option 1 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 2 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 the Appearance option.

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:

Desktop Option

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).

Toggle Switches

Figure 17: MyUnity Desktop Option

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):

3 1 2 4 3 4

Figure 18: Adding Desktop Icons Using MyUnity

In Figure 18, the home 1 , network servers 2 , installed devices 3 , and trash 4 icons were added to the desktop environment.

With the MyUnity desktop 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).

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 Settings Appearance option and change the launcher behaviour in the Behavior tab:

Customization tool: System Setting

Path:

(Behavior Tab)

Figure 19: Setting the Unity Launcher to Autohide in Systems Settings

The launcher auto-hide feature is activated when the toggle switch is set to the ON position 1 . Genny can also set the launcher reveal location and reveal sensitivity level 2 .

2. Genny can also use the MyUnity launcher interface to change the launcher behaviour:

Customization tool: MyUnity

Path:

Launcher Option

Figure 20: Setting the Unity Launcher to Autohide in MyUnity

The launcher auto-hide feature is activated when the Autohide option is selected from the Display drop-down menu 1 .

With the MyUnity launcher 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:

Figure 21: Setting the Unity Launcher to Autohide in CCSM

The launcher auto-hide feature is activated when the Autohide option is selected from the Hide Launcher drop-down menu 1 in Figure 21.

To change the launcher icon size, Genny needs to click on the Experimental tab 2 and modify the value of the Launcher icon size parameter 3 , as shown in Figure 22.

3 4

Figure 22: Changing Launcher Icon Size Using CCSM

NEVER uncheck the Enable Ubuntu Unity Plugin check box! 4 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.

3.1.4 “Plug-in Away At IT!”: CCSM Unity Customization

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 Plugin icon in the Desktop category:

Customization tool: CCSM

Path:

Figure 23: CCSM Desktop Category plug-ins

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.

1. Behavior Tab:

Figure 24: Ubuntu Unity plug-in 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.

2. Switcher Tab:

Figure 25: Ubuntu Unity Plugin Switcher Tab

In the Switcher tab, Myra can customize the switcher properties, such as:

• switcher window expand timer,

• application sorting,

• and application views.

3. Experimental Tab:

Figure 26: Ubuntu Unity Plugin 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.

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.

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 MyUnity font interface to change the system fonts in Unity.

Customization tool: MyUnity

Path:

Font Option

Figure 27: MyUnity Font Customization Interface

With the MyUnity font 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).

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:

Unity can secure Liam's desktop in two (2) ways using the System Settings tool:

1. the User Accounts option,

2. and the Brightness and Lock option.

Customization tool: System Settings

Path 1: User Accounts Option

Figure 28: System Settings User Accounts Option

Liam can set log-in options for all users of his system using the User Accounts option.

The Account type option 1 sets permission level for users of the system, while the Login Options 2 configures system access using passwords (if the Automatic Login option 3 is in the OFF position, users are required to use a password to access the system).

Path 2: Brightness and Lock Option

1 2 3

Figure 28: System Settings Brightness and Lock Option

Using the Brightness and Lock option, Liam can also set his desktop to lock when it is left

unattended for a period of time by setting the Lock option 1 to the ON position.

Liam can also set the duration for screen lock 2 from between 30 seconds to 1 hour.

Finally, by placing a check in the Require my password when waking from suspend option 3 , Liam can be assured that password access is required when returning to the desktop.

3.1.7 “For The Record, I Want it Off the Record!” - Disabling Unity Event 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.

Unity incorporates 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 Privacy option.

5 http://zeitgeist-project.com/experience/

Customization tool: System Settings Path:

Figure 29: System Settings Privacy Option

As long as the Record Activity toggle switch 1 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.

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.

Figure 30: System Settings Privacy Option - Files Tab

Figure 31: System Settings Privacy Option: Applications Tab

3.1.8 “If You Build It, He Will Come-plain”: Contributing to the Evolution of Unity

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:

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: unity-dev@lists.launchpad.net

3.2 “I've Customized Too Far; What Do I Do?!”: Undoing Customizations

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 customization endeavour.

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:

3.2.2 CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM)

Every CCSM plug-in option has 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 MyUnity graphical user interface has a default settings button that lets you restore any options you have changed back to its default value, as shown below:

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.

4.1 GNOME Classic Desktop

To change from Unity to 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.

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 to http://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.

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. Of course, 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!

Alphabetical Index

A General ...... 27 Additional Drivers...... 17 Image Loading ...... 29 Appearance...... 14, 38p., 43 Utility...... 29 Window Management...... 30 Customize your Desktop Environment ...... 7 B D Backup...... 19 Default Setting...... 65 Bluetooth...... 17 Desktop Icons...... 40 Brightness and Lock...... 15, 56, 58 Desktop Security...... 56 Details...... 14, 17, 19p. Displays...... 17 C CCSM...... Behavior Tab...... 43, 50 G CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM)...... 21 GNOME...... 21, 66p. Experimental Tab...... 46, 52 Installing CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM)...... 25 H Switcher Tab...... 51 Hardware Category Settings...... Color...... 17 Third-party Drivers...... 17 Compiz and CompizFusion...... 22pp., 27 Heads-up-Display (HUD)...... 50 CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM) Menu Options...... 27 Accessibility...... 27 K Desktop...... 28 Keyboard...... 15, 17 Effects ...... 28 Keyboard Layout...... 15, 17 Extras ...... 29 Kubuntu (KDE)...... 68

L Language Support...... 15 S Login Options...... 57 Screen Lock...... 58 Lubuntu (LXDE)...... 68 Shortcut Keys...... 50 Sound...... 18 System Fonts...... 54 M System Settings Application...... 11 Management Service...... 20 System Settings dialogue box...... 11pp., 16, 19 Mouse and Touchpad...... 18 System Settings Application Menu Options...... MyUnity...... Hardware Category Settings...... 16 Installing the MyUnity Application...... 32 Additional Drivers...... 17 MyUnity Application...... 31 Bluetooth...... 17 MyUnity Customization Options...... 34 Color...... 17 Dash...... 34 Displays...... 17 Desktop...... 35 Keyboard...... 17 Font...... 35 Mouse and Touchpad...... 18 Launcher...... 34 Network...... 18 Panel...... 35 Power...... 18 Theme...... 36 Printing...... 18 Sound...... 18 N Wacom Graphic Tablet...... 18 Network...... 18 Personal Category Settings...... 14 Appearance...... 14 Brightness and Lock...... 15 P Keyboard Layout...... 15 Password...... 20, 26, 33, 57p. Language Support...... 15 Plug-in...... 22p., 27pp., 47pp., 52, 65 Privacy...... 15 Power...... 18 Ubuntu One...... 15 Printing...... 18 System Category Settings...... 19 Privacy...... 15, 59, 61 Backup...... 19

Details...... 20 Unity Design Mailing List...... 63 Management Service...... 20 Unity Launcher...... Time and Date...... 20 Auto-hide Feature...... 44pp. Universal Access...... 20 Icon Size...... 46 User Accounts...... 20 Launcher Icon Size...... 46 Universal Access...... 20 User Accounts...... 20, 56p. T User Permission Level s...... 57 Third-Party Drivers ...... 16p., 31 Time and Date...... 20 W Wacom Graphic Tablet...... 18 U Wallpaper...... 38 Ubuntu Local Community..7, 9p., 21, 30, 53, 62, Windows Animation...... 42, 48 66 Ubuntu One...... 15 Undoing Customizations...... 64 Z CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM)...... 65 Zeitgeist...... 59 MyUnity...... 65 Record Activity Toggle Switch...... 60 System Settings...... 64 Unity Event Log...... 59, 61