Optimize Ubuntu for Netbooks

Here is a way to get the most out of your netbook's screen on Ubuntu.

Install Cairo Dock from the Ubuntu Software Center. Cairo Dock is a Mac-like dock with loads of customization options. With the dock set correctly, you will no longer need your top or bottom panels, which will free up some valuable space.

Once you have it installed you'll want to set it to start at boot. To do so, go to "Preferences > Startup Applications." Click on "Add." For name, put "Cairo Dock" and the command to should be "/usr/bin/cairo-dock." If you want it to run with OpenGL (if you like an attractive UI then you do) you will want to add a space and then "-o" to the end of the command path. Click "save." Now the dock will start with Ubuntu.

Now that the dock running, let's add the features that you need in order to eliminate the top and bottom panels. Right-click on the dock and click "Cairo-Dock > Configure." At the bottom click "Advanced Mode." Put a check mark beside the following applications.

• Clock
• GMenu
• Log-Out
• Shortcuts
• Switcher
• Systray
• Dbus

With all of these things checked you should have a clock complete with calendar, all of the menus that were on the upper panel, a log out button, desktop switcher for rotating desktop, your recycle bin and the systray (explained below).

Now with the essentials of your gnome panel in Cairo Dock, we'll make it a little more attractive. First we'll add icons in your Gmenu. Right-click on Gmenu and configure the applet. Go to the configure tab and put a check mark in "Display icons in the menu." Save the settings and exit. Now press Alt+F2 and run gconf-editor and go to desktop > gnome > interface. There is an option on the list  for "menus_have_icons". Put a check mark in that box. Now your Gmenu should look good.

You may notice that your systray is floating awkwardly in the upper left. It is the panel that tells your battery life, wifi signal, dropbox status, and bluetooth. The panel should be floating about 40 pixels down from the upper left corner of your screen. To fix this, go into Cairo Dock preferences, find "systray" and edit the desklet settings so that the x,y position is 0,0. The change may not reflect immediately, but it will look good after reboot.

Finally, any applications that you want to add to your dock can be dragged and dropped from your applications menu.

Once you have your dock set the way you like it and feel comfortable with we can remove the panels. Press Alt+F2 and run gconf-editor and browse to desktop > gnome > session > required components. Right-click on "panel"  and select "edit key" and remove the value. Press OK and now your top panel should be gone. If it is not gone right now, the change should be reflected on reboot. To remove the bottom panel, simply right-click on it and remove it.