Coding – Step 14.5 – Ubuntu – Customizing the Desktop Environment

What is a Desktop Environment?

It’s the graphical interface you see after booting: top bar, dock, windows, icons, settings. Ubuntu uses GNOME by default, but you can choose others:

Comparison: Windows has a fixed interface (Desktop + File Explorer + Start Menu), while Ubuntu lets you switch and reshape everything.

Basic Customizations (GNOME)

Change wallpaper and lock screen

• Go to Settings → Appearance
• Choose built-in images or upload your own
• Dynamic wallpapers available via extensions

Install GNOME Tweaks

Essential tool to modify themes, fonts, window behavior:

bash

sudo apt install gnome-tweaks

Modify themes and icons

• Download from gnome-look.org
• Place files in ~/.themes and ~/.icons
• Activate via GNOME Tweaks

Examples:

• Dark theme: Adwaita-dark
• Modern icons: Papirus, Tela

Fonts and scaling

• GNOME Tweaks → “Fonts”
• Improve readability or switch to Ubuntu Mono for terminal

GNOME Extensions

Extensions add features and behavior. To use them:

1. Install browser plugin from extensions.gnome.org
2. Install shell support:

bash

sudo apt install gnome-shell-extensions

Recommended extensions:

• Dash to Panel – transforms dock into a Windows-style taskbar
• Clipboard Indicator – clipboard history
• Caffeine – prevents screen sleep
• User Themes – enables custom themes

Workspaces and Multitasking

Ubuntu supports virtual workspaces: separate zones to organize windows.

• Switch with Ctrl + Alt + Arrow
• View all with Super + S (Super = Windows key)
• Assign apps to specific workspaces with Auto Move Windows

Comparison: Windows 10/11 has “Virtual Desktops,” but they’re less integrated with app behavior.

Switching Desktop Environments

Try KDE Plasma:

bash

sudo apt install kde-plasma-desktop

Choose it at login screen after reboot.

Other options:

bash

sudo apt install xfce4
sudo apt install ubuntu-mate-desktop

Note: Each environment affects performance and compatibility. GNOME is best supported for beginners.