The other day we told you about some applications that you might want to install on a fresh Lucid Lynx install. Today let’s have a look at some of the tweaks and changes you can apply to Lucid.
Move The Window Control Buttons To The Right Side
A lot of fuss was created when it was decided that Lucid will have the window controls on the left side. The decision has been enforced and Lucid now ships with window controls on the left side of the title bar. Although you get used to it, it definitely is a nuisance for the first few days. You tend to move the mouse to the top right corner almost instinctively.
If that is too big a change for you, you can always switch them back to the right side. Here is how:
- Hit Alt + F2, type gconf-editor.
- Navigate to apps/metacity/general. In the right pane look for an entry for button layout and change it to menu:maximize,minimize,close and you are done.
Configure Broadcast Accounts
Lucid features the new “Me Menu”. One of the things you can do with the Me Menu is broadcast your status across multiple social networks. You can also consolidate all your email and chat accounts and access them easily from the Me Menu.
Set Up Ubuntu One
Ubuntu One, as you might be aware, is Canonical’s offering similar to Dropbox. It offers 2GB of storage and you can sync your files and folders across multiple computers.
You might ask, why would you want to use it over Dropbox? The answer is because Ubuntu One integrates more tightly with Ubuntu than Dropbox does. What this means is that while you have to set up syncs and folders with Dropbox manually, Ubuntu One can sync your contacts and music purchases on the Ubuntu Music store automatically without much set up involved.
These might not be killer features, but you can expect more integration in future releases of the operating system.
Setting up Ubuntu One is easy. Just head over to System > Preferences > Ubuntu One. A new webpage asking you to log in or to create a new account opens up. Click on “New Account” to create a new Ubuntu One account or provide details of an existing account to link your computer with it.
Configure Software Repositories & Download Server
We showed you the ins and outs of packages and software repositories a while back. After a fresh install all the changes you made to “Software Sources” are lost. So you might want to dive into System > Administration > Software Sources and enable the Universe and Multiverse repositories. And while you are here, take some time to set up the server that would be used to download updates and software that you choose to install in the future.
Set Up Windows File & Printer Sharing
Sharing files and printers with Windows machines requires you to have Samba on your computer. You can install it right away if you know you will need it in the future. Or else, Ubuntu prompts you to install Samba the first time you try to share a file.
These are the ones from our side. We are sure you guys have your own picks as well. How about sharing them in the comments?
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