new to ubuntu

Updated: Apr 13, 2008 (I found out that screenlets are no longer available to download from http://hendrik.kaju.pri.ee/ so I have updated the post with new links.)

Screenlets are like widgets on Mac. There are screenlets for weather, clock, cpu monitor, sticky notes, and others. Here is a list of screenlets.

You can download the screenlets package and install with the terminal window.

Another option is to install through Synaptic. This allows for easier uninstallation and notifies you of updates.

1. Go to System> Administration> Synaptic Package Manager. (If Synaptic is not installed, you can install it under Applications> Add/Remove.)

2. Select Settings> Repositories> Third Party Software tab then Add. In the APT line field, enter

deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/gilir/ubuntu gutsy main universe

Select Add Source, then Close and Reload.

3. Search for “screenlets”. Click on box next to “screenlets” and select Mark for Installation.

A scary window appears warning that the software can’t be authenticated. I assumed it was safe because other online tutorials get screenlets from the same source. (http://ppa.launchpad.net/gilir/ubuntu)

If you are okay to continue click on Mark then Apply. Another window warns of unauthenticated software. Select Apply.

4. Now go to System> Preferences> Screenlets. This is where you can enable and configure screenlets.

To install additional screenlets, download the file, extract the folder that contains the screenlet. Go to Places> Home Folder and select File System. Navigate to /usr/local/share/screenlets and copy the folder there.

Some screenlets have their own theme. After downloading the theme, extract it, and go to /usr/local/share/screenlets. Open the screenlet’s folder and copy the extracted folder into the theme folder.

Quick Tip: If your widgets disappeared, try clicking on the Show Desktop button. The widgets may have just been minimized.

Related Article: Uninstalling Screenlets