Linux img editor (gimp) and how to change the unity laucher bar on ubuntu 11.04 (Natty Narwhall)... oh and conky

So I've finally installed Ubuntu on my main machine, and my slow transition to Linux has been coming along nicely. My first Linux install was the 11.04 (Natty) which was the first Ubuntu version to come with the unity shell interface. This has a lot of users kind of upset. Since I didn't really know much about the previous gnome interface I didn't find it too bad. The only problem I faced in my first install was the fact that unity was fairly resource intensive for my crappy laptop. Let me clarify this, it was more intense than the GNOME interface but it was still a major improvement from my Windows XP install in that same computer. After I discover I could easily change my laptop to the "classic interface" I decided to do that. This made my Ubuntu so much smoother on that computer that I am definitely happy to give up the interesting layout that comes with Unity. If you don't know how to do that, it's very easy... when you boot your Ubuntu and come to the login screen, select your user and you will notice a few things change in the bottom bar, and it should say "Ubuntu" there. Click on it and change it to the "Ubuntu Classic" option, that's all. If you need even more RAM it may even be better to pick the "no effects" option.

Anyhow, I have now installed Ubuntu on my desktop as well and on this one I will keep the unity interface, just cause it looks nice and I can afford the resources it will eat up. The only issue I have with it at this point is the fact that I think the bar is a bit too bulky, and I want a bigger looking workspace. So I just found out how to get around this issue.

First download and install the compizconfig-settings-manager
$ sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager

Then open the compizconfig-settings-manager by clicking on the Ubuntu button on the top left of your desktop and type:
compiz

At this point you should see the CompizConfig Settings Manager icon, click on that. A Screen similar to the system monitor will pop open. There will be some categories like General, Accessibility, Desktop and so forth (picture below). From there look for "Ubuntu Unity Plugin" which is under Desktop.

At this point look for the tab experimental and look for launcher icon size which should be set to 48 from default, I ended up picking 36 which made the icons to a nice size, but test it out and see what works for you.

Conky: I'm also trying out another system manager program called Conky. It's similar to the other one I've posted before but may be a bit more customizable and more lightweight, I'll try it out and let you guys know how it is. Here is a link to it and the command to get it from the terminal:

http://conky.sourceforge.net/documentation.html
$ sudo apt-get install conky

GIMP: On a completely different topic, I just wanted to mention GIMP Image Editor. It is a image editor like Adobe Photoshop. The beauty is that this is an open source project and it is cross platform, so I can easily use it on my windows and my linux without any hassle. To get this gem you can either use your Synaptic Package Manager and look for gimp or you can pick it up through the terminal (Ctrl + Alt + t) by typing:

These two just update your repo lists (not a bad idea to do that every now and then)

$ sudo apt-get update

$ sudo apt-get upgrade

Then to install GIMP

$ sudo apt-get install gimp

In general I do like using Synaptic cause I'm a Linux noobie, but I am trying to get into terminal use as much as I can. For some more brushes and plugins if you want you can also type:

$ sudo apt-get install gimp-data-extras

$ sudo apt-get install gimp-plugin-registy

Just as an extra here is a nice link with some suggestions for basic applications for fresh ubuntu installs, worth taking a look if you want more stuff on your linux. Also while writing this I've been listening to this great guy playing some music on youtube, his name is Viktor Cepeda. He does an awesome song for minecraft too, check it out.