There's no shortage of tools to improve the Linux desktop. But of the many available, a few will actually transform the way you work, says Jack Wallen.
Anyone who has tried the desktop offered by the more recent Linux distributions will know just how good it is. Not only is the default desktop beautiful, it also allows you to add enhancements. From tools that offer better graphics to ones that make your work more efficient, you can expand the Linux desktop to include just about anything you want.
You may know or use some of these tools — but if you find one listed that you haven't tried, install it and let us know what you think.
1. Compiz
Compiz is to the Linux desktop as HD is to the world of television. Is it necessary? Not at all. Will it enhance your experience? Absolutely.
Compiz is a compositing window manager that adds functionality to the desktop — from the stellar Desktop Cube to the various window switchers. Compiz reveals the true potential of the PC desktop.
2. Screenlets
Screenlets are tiny applications that live on your desktop and provide extra functionality. Some of these applets do little and some do a lot. My personal favourites are the ring sensors — various sensors for your PC — and CopyStack, a stack of clipboards that allow you to select from your clipboard history as well as drag and drop a page of your clipboard onto a document.
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3. Emerald
Emerald is a window decorator written for the Compiz compositing window manager. This decorator lets you extend the look and feel of the Compiz manager out to the borders of your windows. You can also use this decorator to fool your users into thinking they're using Windows 7. It will take work, but it's possible.
4. Cairo
If you like the OS X dock, you will love Cairo. The handy Cairo dockbar lets you add plenty of launchers and applets, as well as giving you the option of running OpenGL effects. It can be themed and runs cleanly and smoothly. It is also much more stable than some of the other docks available.
5. Top Shelf
Top Shelf is a great little Gnome panel applet that gives you quick access to files you include in the shelf. With this tool...
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Are the people advertising in the comments being billed? If not, they should be.
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Guake runs across the whole screen. Either Tilda or Yakuake are better alternatives.
Also for those of use that like a lighter destkop such as xfce, blackbox, openbox, fluxbox will often use conky, screenlets AND afterstep style dock apps (see http://dockapps.org )