Freshen Your Ubuntu Desktop with the Ubuntu Studio Theme

If you are an Ubuntu user, then you are already familiar with the brownish background desktop that comes with a default installation of Ubuntu. This desktop theme is pretty unique when compared to other operating systems like Microsoft Windows XP and Apple's OSX.

With Compiz enabled, then the Ubuntu desktop look and feel even rivals the functionality of Windows Vista. A strong argument can be made that the Ubuntu desktop is even better than Vista version since it is more efficient in its operations. For example, a Compiz enabled Ubuntu desktop has a much lower hardware requirement when compared to what is needed for Vista to operate efficiently.

There is a pretty good selection of themes that you can choose from with the Ubuntu default installation that let you switch things up. Occasionally changing wallpapers and desktop themes can make working with a computer a fresh experience. A new look and feel on your desktop may be the spark of creativity you may need to get a project going.

Even with the variety of themes available with the default version of Ubuntu, you may be looking for something new to try. If that is the case, then you may want to take a look a what the Ubuntu Studio theme has too offer. Ubuntu Studio is a multi-media version of Ubuntu that offers video and sound editing packages that are not in standard Ubuntu. The folks at Ubuntu Studio make their themes conveniently available in the Ubuntu repositories. You can use apt-get to do the install for you.

The Ubuntu Studio theme, and login manger can installed simply by opening a terminal in your desktop (Application -> Accessories -> Terminal) and typing in the following commands:

sudo apt-get install ubuntustudio-theme
sudo apt-get install ubuntustudio-gdm-theme
sudo apt-get install ubuntustudio-icon-theme
sudo apt-get install ubuntustudio-wallpapers

You can also cut and past these commands into your window one at a time by highlighting them and using the (copy) and (paste) option that is available with Ubuntu operating system.

The execution of these commands will install the main Studio theme, the Studio login manager, icons, and wallpapers in succession.

Next you can activate the theme by accessing the menu in this manner:

(System -> Preferences -> Appearance) and selecting Ubuntu Studio from the dialog box.

Then select the "background" tab and choose the wallpaper that you like. There should be several new ones to choose from. Or you can accept the wallpaper that the theme suggests from the dialog window.

Next, to activate the login manager you need to access the menu once more:

(System -> Administration -> Login Window)

Since this is an administrative task, you will be prompted for a password. Enter the password and then select "Local" when the dialog appears. Scroll to the bottom of choices and the Ubuntu Studio default welcome theme should appear. Then select the them and then select "close"

Log out of the system, to see the new welcome screen. With the Ubuntu Studio theme installed, it almost seems as if you have a fresh new computer to work with.