You always hear how stable Linux is but one of the great things about Linux is how awesome you can make it look. With a 3D card and Compiz there is no end to the configurations you can make. Compiz has a lot of functionality in it also, but the eye candy is what you really want. Here are a couple of tools to make your desktop look as good as it can.

After you install Ubuntu 8.10 make sure your Compiz is working, by:

1. Clicking on System > Preferences > Appearance. When that window comes up click on Visual Effects tab. The click on the Extra Radio button. Compiz should now be working. Check it by moving a window. It should wobble ( wobbly windows are activated by default).
2. Next install an easy to use Compiz manager.  > sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager
3. Next install a dock-like taskbar. I like AWN. Thanks to Only Ubuntu Linux for the next couple of steps.
4. echo ‘deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/reacocard-awn/ubuntu intrepid main’ | sudo tee -a /etc/apt/sources.list
5. sudo apt-get update
6. Install AWN Using the following command:
   sudo apt-get install avant-window-navigator-bzr awn-core-applets-bzr awn-manager-bzr
7. Now you just have to configure your Task Bar. start AWN from Applications->Accessories->Avant Window Navigator.
8. Log out and log back in you should be set.

After a little bit of configuration and playing, you will have a great looking desktop. I have included some screen shots of my desktop.

The Desktop.

The Cube with 3D Applications.

App Switcher

The Dock.

Sometimes looks are everything!

Enjoy