by Matt Remley

Created on: October 07, 2010

Ready to take Ubuntu to the next level with some tweaking or expand the abilities of an older PC? Ubuntu is full of surprises and is extremely customizable, allowing for users to change system settings that would otherwise be locked in other operating systems. Ultimately users of Windows switching to Ubuntu will find that once they try open source, they stay off the closed course.

Strange jokes aside, Ubuntu really is a great operating system with loads of tweaking potential. For example, if a user wanted they could set the system to log in within three seconds of turning the computer on. Alternatively, the user could also change the log in screen or make the desktop look as if the computer was really running Mac OSX.

♣Visual Effects♣

Perhaps the easies way to tweak or speed up the Ubuntu experience is to turn off the visual effects seen on the mouse pointer. This is done by clicking on System, Preferences and then Appearances. This will speed up a users experience with Ubuntu quite a bit, and works especially well on older computer models with less RAM.

♣Startup Programs♣

Extremely similar to Windows, the Ubuntu operating system has a list of programs that it loads when the session is started. This typically includes programs like messengers, Ubuntu One, file sharing programs and so on. These programs can honestly slow down a computer or make it extremely unstable if not kept in check.

To edit these click System, Preferences, and then Startup Applications. However, users need to be careful of what applications they select to take from the list.  Programs such as Ubuntu One can be taken off and started at any time, and others such as file sharing programs should always be turned off. Users must make sure to use their best judgment.

♣Transparent Control Panel♣

Looking for something new when it comes to the common boring control panel? Right clicking on the control panel's in Ubuntu brings up a menu in which the users can click Properties to bring up the options for that particular control panel. From there the user can change the size, and even the background of the control panel.

The background of the control panel can be changed to a customized picture or be given a transparent effect. Of course the transparent effect will allow for the wallpaper of the Ubuntu desktop to show through the control panel.

♣Ubuntu Tweak♣

This program is a powerful and easy way to quickly customize many features of the Ubuntu operating system. Ubuntu Tweak can unlock hidden system settings with the click of the mouse, and even help users switch around the login screen and picture when the computer session is first booted up.

Ubuntu Tweak also automatically updates programs and itself if allowed to, which can be extremely helpful. Beginners options are easy to understand but there are advanced options for those seeking to farther tweak Ubuntu. This program is surely a must have for anyone using the Ubuntu operating system or wanting to tweak it.

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