Customize Your Ubuntu Desktop Appearance
Changing Desktop Background
You can change the appearance of your Desktop background in a similar way as you did for MS Windows. There are two methods to do this:
- Right-click on desktop and select "Change Desktop Background from the content menu
- Select SYSTEM -> PREFERENCES -> APPEARANCE
Regardless of the method, the "Appearances Preferences" dialog box will appear. Make certain that the "Background" tab is selected. You now have the option to select a background, or add a background you may have created. You can also later install various "artwork" if you desire. Refer to the previous menu on "How to Install Software" for additional help...
Changing Themes
Just like when using MS Windows, the user can select different themes to change the behaviour and characteristics of application windows.
To change a theme, you select SYSTEM -> PREFERENCES -> APPEARANCE . When you do this a "Appearances Preferences" dialog box will appear. Make certain that the Themes tab is selected. Then you can select the theme that appeals to you. You can also "customize" your theme to select specific characteristics (i.e. "pick and choose")...
If you are interested in having various parts of your application window behave more like Windows Vista (eg. transparent or "glassy" titlebars, glowing buttons, etc..., then you should install the application called "Emerald" that allows the user to "tweak" those features. Please refer to the previous menu on "Setup Special Desktop Effects "...
Setting Font Type / Font Size
One of the first things you may want to do is set the font family and font size of icons on your desktop, or in applications.
To set the font family and size, you select SYSTEM -> PREFERENCES -> APPEARANCE . When you do this a "Appearances Preferences" dialog box will appear. Click on the "Fonts" tab. The section labelled "Application Font" will affect the type and size of the font for applications and application menus (including the top menu for "Applications", "Places", and "System". When you make a selection, the changes will quickly take effect.
You can play with these settings to customize the font appearance of your system. The rendering section allows the user to adjust or "tweak" the font display settings in case you have an older computer display. It is recommended to leave those default settings...