Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks

Install Some Useful Programs

sudo apt-get install byobu remmina gconf-editor

Dual displays don't come up with a single large virtual workspace.  

Run "sudo nvidia-settings" and change both monitors to "Twin view".  Save the config.  Then log out and back in.

Fix annoying dual-screen behaviors:

sudo gconf-editor
set /apps/compiz-1/plugins/unityshell/screen0/options/overcom_pressure=1 to make it possible to pass from one screen to another flawlessly and /apps/compiz-1/plugins/unityshell/screen0/options/stop_velocity=20 to still make it possible to access the hidden launcher on the left screen.

Setting /apps/compiz-1/plugins/unityshell/screen0/options/num_launchers=1 in gconf-editor causes the Unity launcher to be displayed on the primary desktop only.

Logitech Z-5 USB speakers don't workout of the box.

Here's one fix:

1. "sudo vi /etc/modprobe.d/alsa-base.conf", and add these lines to the bottom:
1. alias snd-card-0 snd-usb-audio
   alias snd-card-1 snd-hda-intel
   options snd-usb-audio index=0
   options snd-hda-intel index=1
2. To fix the volume, find the line in /etc/pulse/default.pa with "load-module module-udev-detect" and change it to "load-module module-udev-detect ignore_dB=1d"
3. apt-get install  paman paprefs pavucontrol pavumeter 
4. http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=922860
5. Final settings:
1. alsamixer: 
1. Master: 5
2. Headphone: --
3. Speaker: 0<>0
4. PCM: 0<>0
5. Line: 87<>87
6. Beep: 18<>18
7. Aux: 70<>70
8. Auto-mute: Speaker only
2. sudo alsactl store
3. pavucontrol
1. Output devices: Built-in Audio Analog Stereo
1. Port: Speakers
2. Configuration
1. Built-in Audio: Analog stereo duplex
2. HD Webcam C910: Analog Stereo Input
3. Z-5 Speakers: Analog Stereo Output
4. System Sound Settings:
1. Output: Play sound through: Speakers (built-in Audio)

Focus does not follow mouse, annoying that menus are not in the app window

1. apt-get remove appmenu-gtk appmenu-gtk3 appmenu-qt firefox-globalmenu indicator-appmenu thunderbird-globalmenu
2. gconf-editor
1. /apps/metacity/general/focus-mode --> sloppy
2. /apps/metacity/general/auto_raise_delay --> 800

Install Oracle JRE and Mozilla plugin

Download the Oracle JRE from here: http://java.com/en/download/linux_manual.jsp

sudo apt-get purge openjdk*
sudo mkdir -p /usr/lib/jvm
sudo tar -xvf Downloads/jre-7u7-linux-x64.tar.gz -C /usr/lib/jvm/
cd /usr/lib/jvm
sudo ln -s jre1.7.0_07/ jre1.7.0
sudo  update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/java java /usr/lib/jvm/jre1.7.0/bin/java 0
mkdir -p ~/.mozilla/plugins
ln -s /usr/lib/jvm/jre1.7.0/lib/i386/libnpjp2.so ~/.mozilla/plugins/

Some Icons are hidden in the systray

 sudo apt-get install dconf-tools
dconf-editor
(go to desktop --> Unity --> Panel)
replace the value in systray-whitelist with 'all'

No more taskbar

sudo apt-get install xfce4-panel
Run it. Configure it.
run "Startup Applications", add this to it (/usr/bin/xfce4-panel)