[ubuntu-za] Configuring Ubuntu 11.10

[Peter Nel]

On Sat, Dec 17, 2011 at 8:46 PM, Jan Greeff <jan at verslank.net> wrote:
> Hi Peter, I have used my new-found knowledge (courtesy of yourself) to
> upgrade my old 10.10 to 11.10 and to transfer my whole Thunderbird profile
> within seconds. Wow! What a breakthrough for me. Simple copy and paste the
> whole .thunderbird folder from the old version into the new home folder.
>
> Now I have a few questions, please. I have opted to use the Gnome Classic
> desktop, but it is also quite different from  the old one.
>
> The system does not seem to allow me to put links (or shortcuts) to the
> various applications on my desktop or menu bar. I used to right-click to get
> options to place these links.
>
> Another question: can I (and if so, how do I) move the X, - and full screen
> buttons from the top LH corner to the right-hand?
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Jan

Hi Jan,

Desktop shortcuts, and moving the "title-bar" buttons to the right are
questions I've seen answered on the web.
I will leave this for you as an exercise in googling for answers :-)

I've moved to Unity, so I can't really answer anyway. I also tripped
over the buttons-on-the-left issue in the beginning, but became quite
used to it after a short while. Now the exact opposite happens on pc's
with the buttons on the other side.
I coerced myself to adapt, because I saw sense in the design choice to
move the buttons to the left (as explained by the design team) - i.e.
the optimization of screen space by collapsing the menus into the
title-bar, including date/time and other indicator widgets on the top
right...

One's brain actually adapts quickly and somewhat automatically,
because in my opinion, the new design (including Unity itself) is
ergonomically efficient:
- less mouse travel distance between active zones on the screen,
- less clicks or navigation (actions) to access particular files or programs,
- consistent handling and searching of both files and programs,
- quick access to often used items (as zeitgeist learns your behavior)
- less moving hand between mouse & keyboard
- etc.

Anyway, I don't want to preach.
About your performance issue... you mentioned problems with your
NVidea graphics drivers earlier - I've seen performance improve
several orders of magnitude after fixing the graphics driver.
Have you checked availability of- & tried enabling the restricted driver?

Regards
-- 
Péter Nel