Change Hard-to-Find Ubuntu Settings Easily With Ubuntu Tweak [Linux]

posted on August 10, 2011 by Justin Pot
Ubuntu Software Center by now. Ubuntu Tweak also aims to make installing software a bit easier.
So what’s the difference with Ubuntu Tweak’s software center? Well, only popular software titles are listed. Browse and you’ll quickly find that there is no filler here:

Check any software you want to install; uncheck anything you want to uninstall. Then click the “Apply” button at the bottom-right to make the changes happen.
Then check out the “Package Cleaner“. Various buttons to the right of this interface let you scan your computer for excess files. You can then delete these files by clicking “Cleanup“, though you may need to click “Unlock” before you can do so.

This is similar to BleachBit, a CCleaner alternative for Linux.
It’s also possible to run updates from within Ubuntu Tweak, and to turn off the default Ubuntu update manager from running automatically (some find this annoying).
You’ll find today, as was true in 2008, a variety of tweaking options. For example, do you miss having a recycling bin or computer icon on your desktop? There’s a panel for that:

You can not only re-add icons but also name them whatever you want. You can even have the entire home folder on your desktop, if you want.
Do you want to change how the login screen looks? There’s a panel for that too:

Do you want to change what programs open certain file types by default?

You get the idea: there’s a lot this application can do, so explore to find it all out.
Want to change how your desktop’s 3D settings work? Click the ‘Compiz Settings” button and you’ll have a few options:

Mac users will recognize the “Corners” functionality. Play with it to learn how it works.
There is, unfortunately, very little Unity-specific elements to this. I’m sure this will grow with time, however.
Installing Ubuntu Tweak is simple. Just head to the Ubuntu Tweak home page and click the “Download Now!” button. You’ll have a .deb file; open it and the Ubuntu Software Center will take care of the installation process for you.
Do you like having easy access to these settings? Let us know in the comments below, and feel free to share any other Ubuntu tips and tricks.

Justin Pot
Justin Pot is a freelance journalist, blogger and IT professional based in Boulder, Colorado. Find all his work at JustinPot.com or chat with him on Twitter.



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