Preferences

Ubuntu provides a wide range of easy-to-use applications that enable users to customize the desktop to their exacting preferences. All these applications are available from Desktop->Preferences .

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology Main Window

Use the Assistive Technology preference tool to enable Assistive technologies in the GNOME Desktop. You can also use the tool to specify which Assistive technology applications start up when you log in: Screenreader, Magnifier, or On-line Keyboard.

CD Database Server

CD Database Server Main Window

The CD Database preference tool enables you to configure a CD database that your system can query. A CD database contains information about CDs, such as the name of the artist, the title, and the track list. When an application plays a CD, the application can query the CD database about the CD, then display the information.

Desktop Background

Desktop Background Main Window

The Desktop Background Preferences dialog allows you to choose from a preset list of graphics, or you can set a custom graphic (such as a photo, or art work) with the Add Wallpaper button. You can also choose to set a single color, a two-color vertical gradient, or a two-color horizontal gradient.

File Management

File Management Main Window

Use the File Management preference tool to set your Nautilus file manager preferences.

Font

Font Main Window

Use the Font preference tool to select the fonts to use in your applications, windows, terminals, and desktop.

Keyboard

Keyboard Main Window

Use the Keyboard preference tool to modify the autorepeat preferences for your keyboard, and to configure typing break settings.

You can also set the keyboard layout for your country and language, on the Layout tab of the dialog.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard Shortcuts Main Window

A keyboard shortcut is a key or combination of keys that provides an alternative to standard ways of performing an action. Use the Keyboard Shortcuts preference tool to display the default keyboard shortcuts, and to customize the shortcuts.

Login Photo

Login Photo Main Window

The Login Photo preference tool enables you to change the picture that is displayed in your login screen.

Menus and Toolbars

Menus and Toolbars Main Window

You can use the Menus & Toolbars preference tool to customize the appearance of menus, menubars, and toolbars for GNOME-compliant applications.

Mouse

Mouse Main Window

Use the Mouse preference tool to configure your mouse for right-hand use or for left-hand use. You can also specify the speed and sensitivity of mouse movement.

Multimedia System Selector

Multimedia System Selector Main
                            Window

The Multimedia System Selector enables users to select configure parameters related to the installed multimedia hardware and software systems.

Network Proxy

Network Proxy Main Window

The Network Proxy preference tool enables you to configure how your system connects to the Internet. You can optionally configure your system to connect to a proxy server, and specify the details of the proxy server. A proxy server is a network service that intercepts requests from client computers and attempts to fulfill them on their behalf. In doing so, the contents of pages requested are cached. When the proxy receives another request for the same content, it checks if the content on the remote server has been updated. If not, then it sends the cached page to the requesting client computer. If yes, then it renews the cached copy and sends the new content to the client. In this way proxy servers reduce the time it takes to fetch pages across the network.

Specify the proxy server for each of the network protocols by entering a Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) or IP-address of the proxy server into the fields provided. In most cases the same server can be used for all network protocols. A FQDN name is a unique alphabetic identifier for a computer on a network. An example FQDN for a proxy server would be "proxy.myisp.com." An IP-address is a unique numeric identifier for a computer on a network. An example IP-address would be "192.168.0.1."

[Tip]

Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) provide proxy services on their networks in order to improve response times for their customers and to reduce bandwidth consumption on their domestic and international network pipes. If you are uncertain about how to configure your system to use a proxy, ask your ISP or Network Administrator for more information.

Palm OS Devices

Palm OS Devices Main Window

Use the Palm OS Devices option to start the GNOME Pilot Settings application that enables management of communication settings to Palm OS™ devices that support HotSync™ technology.

Preferred Applications

Preferred Applications Main Window

Use the Preferred Applications dialog to set the default browser, mail reader and command-line terminal applications for your system.

Remote Desktop

Remote Desktop Main Window

The Remote Desktop option displays a dialog that enables users to share their desktop with remote users. Remote desktop connections can be made using Virtual Network Connection (VNC) technology. A VNC Viewer application permits users on remote computers to connect to, access and interact with a user desktop as though they were physically sitting infront of the computer to which they are connected. One of the main purposes of this feature is to allow a remotely located system administrator or help desk operator to make changes to your system for you. You would normally not have this option enabled.

Removable Storage

Removable Storage Main Window

Removable storage options allow specify how the system will respond when removable media types are connected. For example, to automatically play audio CDs when inserted or to open a window when external storage media such as a USB Flash or digital camera is connected.

Screen Resolution

Screen Resolution Main Window

The Screen Resolution enables users to easily manage the resolution and refresh rate of the users screen.

Screensaver

Screensaver Main Window

Here you have the option to set whether or not to have a screensaver when you are away from your computer. There are many variations to choose from. Choose one screensaver, or choose to have a random screensaver in the Display Modes.

In advanced options, you can use your own images or movies as a screensaver.

Display power management enables you to change the power status of your PC within a time frame of your choice.

Sessions

Sessions Main Window

Use the Sessions dialog to define preferential session behavior and programs that will automatically be started at the beginning of a session.

Sound

Sound Main Window

From here you can choose to have, or not to have, sounds for interaction or system events. Sound events is where you can change what kind of sounds to use.

System bell allows you to change the option to have bells only or to have your windows flash to get your attention.

Theme

Theme Main Window

Here is where you can make your windows pretty. There are several pre-made packages that you can choose from. Selecting a package will change how your windows look. You can install new themes that you have downloaded. A good place to download themes is GNOME Art.

Windows

Windows Preferences

The Windows application enables users to set their specific interface interaction preferences. Window preferences are set in three interaction groups:

Window Preferences

Use these options to define how Windows react when opened. Window and dialog focus can be changed by moving the pointer over the Window or dialog. There is an option to have it active within a time frame if you so require it to be that way.

Titlebar Action

Use the options provided to associate reactions to the action of doubled-clicking a title bar. Available reactions include, roll up so that only the titlebar is showing, minimize the Window, or maximize the Window.

Movement key

Use the options provided to set shortcut combinations that allow rapid relocation of a Window within the desktop real-estate. Select an option, and then click anywhere within the active window to move that window. Useful if your window is bigger than your desktop resolution.