7. Install a New Desktop Theme
Numix: a popular GTK theme
Ubuntu is pleasant enough to look at, but it pales when compared to other modern desktop operating systems and Linux distributions.
The good news is that it is easy to change themes on Ubuntu (and almost all other Linux distribution).
Check out the ‘Appearance‘ section in Ubuntu System Settings for some basic options, including:
- Pick a new desktop wallpaper
- Switch to a light or high-contrast theme
- Adjust the size of icons on the Unity launcher
For a greater set of customisation options you can install a free app called Unity Tweak Tool:
Install Unity Tweak Tool from the Ubuntu Software app
With Unity Tweak Tool you can change font on Ubuntu, change icon theme, move the Unity Launcher to the bottom of the screen, enable hot-corners, workspaces, and so much more.
You can give Ubuntu a brand new look if you install a new GTK and icon theme. Some of the very best themes created by the community are available in the Software app of Ubuntu 16.10, including the Arc GTK theme and Numix:
Install Arc GTK Theme from the Ubuntu Software app
Install Numix GTK Theme from the Ubuntu Software app
Install Numix Icon Theme from the Ubuntu Software app
8. Enable App Menus
Locally Integrated Menus
Application menus appear in Ubuntu’s top panel by default, and auto-hide after a couple of seconds.
If this behaviour doesn’t suit your workflow there are few things you can do.
To see menus inside the window of the app they belong to you can enabled ‘Locally Integrated Menus’:
- Go to ‘System Settings > Appearance’
- Select the ‘Behavior’ tab
- Find the section headed: ‘Show the Menus for a Window’
- Check (click) the circle next to ‘In the window’s title bar’
To make app menus ‘Always Show’ on Ubuntu:
- Go to ‘System Settings > Appearance’
- Select the ‘Behavior’ tab
- Find the section headed: ‘Menus visibility’
- Check (click) the circle next to ‘Always displayed’
9. Install Apps from Ubuntu Software
A number of apps come ready-installed on Ubuntu, including a music player (Rhythmbox), office suite (LibreOffice) and e-mail client (Thunderbird).
But it doesn’t have everything.
You can use the Ubuntu Software app to find and install more applications.
Among the most popular free and open-source software on offer through the Store
- GIMP – Image editor similar to Photoshop
- Corebird – Desktop Twitter client
- Geary — A lightweight desktop e-mail client
- VLC – Versatile media player
- Chromium – Open-source web browser
- Shutter – Screenshot tool
- Virtualbox — free virtual machine software