Ubuntu Tweak, as the name suggests, tweaks the settings of Ubuntu in a very easy way. It give you access to all the settings through one simple interface that is very intuitive.

How to install Ubuntu Tweak? Download Ubuntu Tweak ".deb" package and open it with GDebi Package Installer. GDebi comes as a default application to handle ".deb" files which are equivalent to executable files in Windows. Choose install.


Now, go to Applications -> System Tools -> Ubuntu Tweak and make the desired settings.

Using command line to install Ubuntu Tweak: Alternatively, you can use command line to download and install the latest version of Ubuntu Tweak. Before you proceed, just copy the URL of the ".deb" package of the latest stable version of Ubuntu Tweak. As of today, it is "http://ubuntu-tweak.googlecode.com/files/ubuntu-tweak_0.4.6-1~intrepid1_all.deb". Please make sure that when you copy the link, the special character in the URL "~" is not change to something else. Execute the following commands in Terminal (Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal).


You can change also save the ".deb installer" in your Home folder and then install it by using the "sudo dpkg -i ubuntu-tweak_XXXXXX.deb" command in Terminal, where the ubuntu-tweak part in the command is the name of the ".deb" package. If the package is not saved in the Home folder, you will have to change the director to that folder in Terminal before using the "dpkg" command.

Most of the settings are very intuitive but be careful not to change something that you don't understand. Why invite trouble? Also, don't try to change the name of the computer or something in the same tab.

You can use Ubuntu Tweak to install applications, Ubuntu restricted extras that enable restricted media formats, etc. It allows you to customize the look of your Desktop and windows. It also has several features for more comprehensive settings.

Removing Ubuntu Tweak: If you wish to uninstall Ubuntu Tweak, run this command in Terminal.


PS: This is the seventh in a series on switching to Ubuntu from Windows, for non-geeks. At the end of the Ubuntu series, you will be a proud owner of a fantastic Linux system.

Ubuntu series:
Part1: Easy guide to getting started with Ubuntu
Part2: Dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows with common storage drives
Part3: Make Ubuntu mount partitions and drives automatically at startup
Part4: Activating restricted music formats, Java and Flash on Ubuntu
Part5: Installing some basic applications on your Ubuntu system
Part6: How to install and completely remove Wine?
Part7: Easily tweak Ubuntu with Ubuntu Tweak
Part8: Tasque manages to-do list locally or integrates with Remember The Milk
Part9: AllTray: Dock every application in tray
Part10: Install a Web server on Ubuntu home computer