Ubuntu Tweak


If you want to tweak some things in your Ubuntu OS with out having to edit any "configuration files", I recommend "Ubuntu Tweak" a program created by an Ubuntu community member. It brings to the surface usually hidden GNOME desktop settings to allow for good customization.

To install it, click System > Administration > Software Sources, make sure Third-Party Software tab is selected, click on the Add button.

Then type the following into the dialog box:

deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/tualatrix/ubuntu hardy main

then hit reload, next use Synaptic to search for and install the ubuntu-tweak and compizconfig-settings-manager packages.

Once installed, Ubuntu Tweak can be found on the Applications > System Tools menu.

The tweaks are split-up into 5 categories: Applications, Startup, Desktop, Personal, and System

Applications:
This section lets you install and remove some of the most popular Ubuntu software, including adding of third-party APT repositories to add-in useful third-party applications. It’s well worth investigating the lists of software provided because they filter out much of the dross available in the package archives.
you can also edit your software sources in this section to fit your needs

it also has a Package Cleaner which works very well

Here you can control what happens when the Ubuntu desktop appears, such as what programs automatically run, or whether the splash screen appears. Much of the same functionality can be accessed using the System > Preferences > Sessions
program, youy can also add a splash screen jus by dragging a picture to the splash image section.

also under this section is the autostart menu, here you can check off some of the things you don't want starting when Ubuntu boots so it boots a little faster.

Desktop:
This option gives control over the desktop and windows appearance, such as whether desktop icons appear, or what happens when you double-click the title bars of windows.

This option gives control over the desktop and windows appearance/operation, such as whether desktop icons appear, or what happens when you double-click the title bars of windows.

You can also configure some of the desktop effects functions (select the Compiz Fusion option), to see a few of the most popular compiz effects.

next click on Gnome, you can adjust your panels and menus

Personal:
This options are related to your useraccount, you can alter the location of your document folders.

next click on templates, here you can manage your documents templates

scripts can be very useful and time saving.


shortcut commands

System:
Here you can change options relating to how the GNOME desktop used by Ubuntu functions, including the Nautilus file manager and also some specific power management settings.
file type is not available, click on nautilus. here you can adjust all kind of settings

next under power management you can change cpu and power settings

security: This option lets you “lock down” some features of the Ubuntu desktop, such as stopping people hitting Alt+F2 to run programs and others

thats it I recommend exploring all the settings in this program if you like tweaking your system.