PDA

View Full Version : [ubuntu] "Windows-like" layout ?



RotorRick
April 14th, 2011, 06:11 PM
I'm not sure if this is the right forum for my question. A friend is interested in Ubuntu, based on what I've told him about it (most of what I know myself, which is not much, I'm a total n00b at Linux/Ubuntu). If it will run from my USB install, there's a good chance he'll install it on his desktop.

Thing is, he's a Windows guy. And easily frustrated. A bit set in his ways. If the general layout of the GUI, meaning the basic controls and icons locations, are in similar or same locations as we would expect in a Windows environment, he'd probably love it right away, instant convert.

Example: when I first installed 10.04LTS, the individual windows icons (minimise, window/fullscreen, close application) were on the top left side of each window. That I found to be especially difficult to navigate quickly between applications. Nothing wrong with it, I'm just coming from 18 years of Windows brainwashing! Now, for that I found the simple setting to put it over on the top right, SYSTEM>PREFERENCES>APPEARANCE PREFERENCES>NEW WAVE. Worked great for me, and everything else was easily learned quickly...frankly I like this layout better than default Windows (how do I figure out which desktop type I'm using? I think it's some Gnome, but I don't know how to check version, or how to try out other types)

He wouldn't need or want it to look identical in the artwork/appearance, (probably good to be reminded that it's Ubuntu and not Windows) but rather the day to day basic functionality. I assume that this can be modified or have a package installed, having seen many different and interesting screenshots of customized GUI's in Linux.

But I don't know which ones to look for, what would be an easy or straightforward install? Is there a "one stop shop" for this? And how would I install it?

Thanks!

false truths
April 14th, 2011, 06:23 PM
Here is a simple guide to doing it with the panels, without removing either one. First, install MintMenu, DockBarX, and the window applets.

After you've done that, move the window buttons to the left (Ubuntu Tweak is the best way to do this IMO).

Once that is finished, remove your window list from the bottom panel, move the Show Desktop button to the rightmost edge, just right of the workspace switcher. While you're working in that area, change the switcher to a 2x2 grid since it will take up less space on an enlarged panel. Next, add MintMenu to the left of the bottom panel, and DockBarX in place of the window list.

Next, since it is no longer needed, you can remove the main menu in the left of the top panel.

Finally, to keep the top panel without it taking up space, install and configure the window applets. Make sure your window buttons theme matches the actual Metacity theme you're using.

You will find DockBarX here:
http://gnome-look.org/content/show.php/DockbarX?content=101604

You will find MintMenu here:
http://www.webupd8.org/2010/05/install-linux-mint-main-menu-mintmenu.html

You will find the window applets here:
http://gnome-look.org/content/show.php/Window+Applets?content=103732

RotorRick
April 14th, 2011, 06:30 PM
Thank you, I will try that!:D

SeijiSensei
April 14th, 2011, 07:20 PM
Show him Kubuntu (http://www.kubuntu.org/getkubuntu). I bet he'll find that more similar to Windows that Ubuntu with GNOME is.

Frogs Hair
April 14th, 2011, 07:22 PM
This is another menu option that can be added to the top or bottom panel . There are many themes and orbs at the second link.

http://www.webupd8.org/2010/07/probably-best-5-gnomenu-themes.html
http://gnome-look.org/index.php?xsortmode=new&logpage=0&xcontentmode=189&page=1

kn0w-b1nary
April 14th, 2011, 07:53 PM
Look at the transformation pack at www.lhlinux.org