The Great Desktop Effects FAQ of 2010 [help needed]

[dot2kode]

Awesome guide! Thanks for putting this together! =D>

[amisdar]

Really useful tips. I always hang around at http://www.gnome-look.org/ and now I understand whats the meaning of Metacity, Compiz and Beryl!

Thanks for this awesome info

[sayakb]

You may also have a sphere instead of a cube.

Goto System->Administration->Software Sources
Click Third party software tab and add this: deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/compiz/ubuntu hardy main
Then close the window and press Reload when prompted to. You shall be notified by update manager that there is an update for compiz. Install the update and reboot your computer.
Then goto Advanced desktop effects settings and you will have a Cube reflection and deformation and 3D Windows plugin there.

[billgoldberg]

I recently wrote a guide to customizing Ubuntu.

Some might find it useful.

http://linuxowns.wordpress.com/2008/...look-and-feel/

The following subjects are covered:

1. Setting a different wallpaper
2. Installing a new theme
3. Changing the panel size, transparency
4. Installing a new icon set
5. Setting up Compiz Fusion (and it’s effects, like the rotating cube)
6. Setting up transparent windows borders
7. Setting up true panel and menu transparency
8. Installing/changing system fonts
9. Installing/using new system sounds
10. Installing “widgets” and adding new ones
11. Making root applications use your theme/icons
12. Installing a dock
13. Installing a different login screen
14. Use a splash screen/install a new splash screen
15. Install a different grub theme
16. Install a new mouse theme

[ba5e]

ver nice post!

[Exsecrabilus]

What is Emerald? - _DD_

Emerald is a replacement window decorator which supports many more effects than Metacity, Gnome's built-in window manager.

This section is wrong. Like you said, Emerald is a window decorator, not a window manager. Therefore, you should compare it to gtk-window-decorator, a window decorator, not Metacity, a window manager.

[jpeddicord]

This section is wrong. Like you said, Emerald is a window decorator, not a window manager. Therefore, you should compare it to gtk-window-decorator, a window decorator, not Metacity, a window manager.

Didn't catch that when posted. Thanks.

[Ingenue]

Wow, very helpful thread. Thanks.

[overdrank]

How do I install cairo-dock
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=878603

[Mgiacchetti]

howto install cairo dock

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/CairoDock

Plus here's a little nugget of gold for all you who like eye candy...

attached you will find a zip file with 4 gradients.
unzip these to ~/Pictures/gradients (you will need to create the folder 'gradients')

to use, right click cairo dock and go to cairo-dock > configure

in the first view find "activate autohide" check this box

in the background tab, under callback zone:

set your size, (i used 500 X 15 )
in the filename, use whichever gradient corresponds to the placement of your dock

I set my transparency to 0.748 you can fiddle around to find what you like.
make sure the rotate image option is unchecked

click apply
click ok