HOW-TO: Build Unity with 'Dodge Windows' and minimize/unminimize behavior

[isaacj87]

Since this isn't the most user-friendly tutorial, I've decided to figure out how to setup and start a PPA (I didn't realize it was so complicated). In any case, I've tried my best to create "proper" packages and I'm awaiting the build farm to complete the builds.

I'll test the packages and make sure there aren't any harmful side-effects before I publish them. Hopefully, they'll turn out okay so others can go ahead take advantage of the PPA.

[isaacj87]

Alright, guys...

Now, I realize that for novice users (or even those who abhor the terminal), building Unity just for a couple features seems kind of silly. So, I decided to sit down last night and try to figure out packaging and PPAs...

So, if you were hesitant about trying this before, you can now add my PPA if you feel more comfortable doing that.

NOTE: Since I'm running 32-bit, I've only tested the i386 packages. I'll need someone running 64-bit to let me know if it works okay.

NOTE: If you followed the tutorial originally, please remove ~/.compiz-1 and the 'staging' folder before you do this.

Add my PPA by doing this:

sudo apt-add-repository ppa:ikarosdev/unity-revamped

...then, simply run an update:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

...That's it!

If you'd like to revert back to the offical Ubuntu packages, simply use PPA-purge. First, ensure it is installed:

sudo apt-get install ppa-purge

...then, remove my PPA:

sudo ppa-purge ppa:ikarosdev/unity-revamped

I've tried this on a fresh install of Ubuntu 12.04 32-bit. Like I said, my PPA contains 64-bit packages, but they have not been tested. I attempted my best to make "proper" packages, but I'm no expert. Use my PPA at your own peril!

I'll try my best to keep these builds up-to-date with the official Unity packages, but I can't make any promises. Good luck, guys!

[mgt2000]

It works perfect on 64 bit too. Thanks

[Jack']

Ack, it works on 64 bit

[isaacj87]

Thanks for testing it for me, guys. I'm glad that it's working.

[fooman]

oh man, works perfectly on 64bit!!

thanks so much, i really was missing this!

[isaacj87]

Thanks for reporting back. The original post has been updated to recommend the PPA installation method.

[LividLindy]

Has anyone tried this in VirtualBox? I haven't been able to get it to work. The scripts for the dodge window feature didn't work either, but then it also didn't work on my Netbook.

You can see here it's not working. Also the minimize from clicking the launcher icon didn't work either.

I'm using the 12.04 desktop 64 bit version in VirtualBox.

[isaacj87]

Has anyone tried this in VirtualBox? I haven't been able to get it to work. The scripts for the dodge window feature didn't work either, but then it also didn't work on my Netbook.

You can see here it's not working. Also the minimize from clicking the launcher icon didn't work either.

I'm using the 12.04 desktop 64 bit version in VirtualBox.

From what I can tell, you're not using Unity-3D in that picture; it looks like Unity-2D is running. This is probably because 3D acceleration isn't enabled for your virtual machine.

AFAIK, 'dodge windows' only works on Unity-3D.

[mc4man]

unity-2d does still have it's own version of dodge that works quite poorly at times (new windows on a empty workspace always open under the launcher which doesn't dodge them

It does appear that LividLindy is on unity-2d, in unity 3d the launcher would be colored among other things

This would show plainly

echo $DESKTOP_SESSION

(- 12.10 will display quite plainly whether on unity (3d) or unity-2d, made a suggestion for 12.04 that involved a simple 3 character source edit to unity-2d but was rejected - wanted a unity-2d to show ubuntu-2d in the left corner of the panel panel instead of ubuntu like unity 3d