Tags: leopard | mac | os_x | ubuntu

Overview

I won't try to hide the fact that I like to use Macs where-ever possible. But at work the budget won't stretch to buying me a Mac Pro. Instead we rely (foolishly or not) on Dell hardware. Since we're using Ubuntu Intrepid Ibex, here's a quick guide to making Ubuntu Intrepid a bit more Mac like...

Alter Keyboard Settings

Follow this guide to get the keyboard working correctly : https://help.ubuntu.com/community/AppleKeyboard

F3 should be mapped to expose. Launch Compiz configuration widget with

 ccsm

And then search for "Scale" and make sure the key is F3.

Make sure F4 is mapped to the widget layer, and the Widget Layer is active. Also, set "Widget Window" to "(name=Screenlet & type=Utility)".

Widgets

apt-cache search screenlets

sudo apt-get install  screenlets

And then from the Widget  Program in Accessories -> >Screenlets choose the Widgets you want. You need to check the "Treat as Widget" box on each widget. It will disappear, and reappear when you press F4. There's more detail at http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=687752

Adding a Dock

Install Gnome Do and enable the Docky Theme. Then launch Gnome Conf with:

gconf-editor 

Then navigate apps->gnome-do-preferences->Docky->Utilities->DockPreferences and configure. I have it with:

AutoHide: Check

IconSize: 32

Say No to Task Bars

Switch of the Taskbar at the bottom of the screen by Deleting it.

Switch Window Controls to the Right

Finally, to switch Window controls(the close, maximise and minimise buttons) to the left, do this:

gconf-editor

On the left side, click app -> metaCity -> General

Now take a look at the right side. Find the one with the name button layout, and change it to "close,maximize,minimize:menu"

Double-click on it and a new window will pop up. Change it accordingly.

Some parts adapted from UbuntuForums