Tweak the way Ubuntu behaves, easily. Whether you want to stop Ubuntu from locking your screen or change your 3D desktop settings, Ubuntu Tweak is the easy way to access the Ubuntu settings that are otherwise buried in hard-to-reach places. We profiled Ubuntu Tweak back in 2008, but a lot has changed since then. Ubuntu is over three years older, and even sports a new user interface now called Unity.

Ubuntu Tweak has changed too. Not only is there a great application manager embedded into the program but there are a lot of new tweaks to explore and use. If you wish Ubuntu gave you more control over your system I highly recommend you check out this app. There’s too many individual switches here to highlight, but let’s take a look at some of the biggest features.

Application Management

You know, and perhaps love, the Ubuntu Software Center by now. Ubuntu Tweak also aims to make installing software a bit easier.

So what’s the difference with Ubuntu Tweak’s software center? Well, only popular software titles are listed. Browse and you’ll quickly find that there is no filler here:

Check any software you want to install; uncheck anything you want to uninstall. Then click the “Apply” button at the bottom-right to make the changes happen.

Then check out the “Package Cleaner“. Various buttons to the right of this interface let you scan your computer for excess files. You can then delete these files by clicking “Cleanup“, though you may need to click “Unlock” before you can do so.

This is similar to BleachBit, a CCleaner alternative for Linux.

It’s also possible to run updates from within Ubuntu Tweak, and to turn off the default Ubuntu update manager from running automatically (some find this annoying).

Various Tweaks

You’ll find today, as was true in 2008, a variety of tweaking options. For example, do you miss having a recycling bin or computer icon on your desktop? There’s a panel for that:

You can not only re-add icons but also name them whatever you want. You can even have the entire home folder on your desktop, if you want.

Do you want to change how the login screen looks? There’s a panel for that too:

Do you want to change what programs open certain file types by default?

You get the idea: there’s a lot this application can do, so explore to find it all out.

3D Desktop Settings

Want to change how your desktop’s 3D settings work? Click the ‘Compiz Settings” button and you’ll have a few options:

Mac users will recognize the “Corners” functionality. Play with it to learn how it works.

There is, unfortunately, very little Unity-specific elements to this. I’m sure this will grow with time, however.

Get Ubuntu Tweak

Installing Ubuntu Tweak is simple. Just head to the Ubuntu Tweak home page and click the “Download Now!” button. You’ll have a .deb file; open it and the Ubuntu Software Center will take care of the installation process for you.

Do you like having easy access to these settings? Let us know in the comments below, and feel free to share any other Ubuntu tips and tricks.