Just like Windows, there are many tweaks you can make to the way a Linux system looks and feels. Here we discuss some of the main features of a Linux environment that you can change, how to do so, and whether it's worth the effort.
Linux Wallpaper
In most Linux-based systems, it's very simple to change the image you use as your wallpaper. The quickest option is to simply right-click on the desktop: in most versions this will allow you to change the desktop background (the term usually used in place of wallpaper).
If this doesn't do the trick, check out our article on changing wallpaper in different Linux systems (http://www.brighthub.com/computing/linux/articles/18969.aspx). Note that this guide refers to the different types of graphical user interface used by a Linux system, so if you are not sure which applies to you, just try the first set of instructions and work your way through.
Of course, you can use any image as wallpaper, so unlike screensavers there's no problem downloading images from sites which offer wallpaper designed for Windows (as long as you can bear being overloaded by pop-up ads on many such sites!)
Linux Docks
If you are a big fan of the Mac, you may like its Dock system which displays your currently open windows with attractive icons. There are several different takes on the dock available for Linux, as detailed in our article on the subject (http://www.brighthub.com/computing/linux/articles/13030.aspx)
While you can install each dock by visiting the creator's webpages, you'll find most of the leading ones available through the Add/Remove Programs feature (also known as the repository). It's worth searching this for 'dock' as you'll then be able to easily try out the different versions without too much hassle.
If you like a dock and decide to keep using it, you won't need the existing pane at the bottom of the screen. To remove it, just right-click in an empty space on the pane and select 'Delete this panel'
Linux 3D effects
There are several programs which can bring three-dimensional effects to your desktop. These can look amazing, though installing and configuring them may be a little more complicated than dealing with many programs.
One of the most spectacular is Compiz, which takes each of your windows and turns it into a face of a three-dimensional cube. Rather than simply replacing one set of windows contents with another when you switch windows, you can have transformation effects such as fading or the cube spinning round.
Linux Screensavers
There are literally dozens of screensavers already built into most Linux-based systems. You'll usually find them under System > Preferences > Screensaver.
It is possible to download and install new screensavers, but the installation process can vary greatly and is often quite complicated. Given this, you may want to reconsider whether a screensaver is really worth having, particularly if you read my article at http://www.brighthub.com/computing/windows-platform/articles/2578.aspx.
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