I installed CompizConfig Settings Manager. Under the Ubuntu Unity Plugin settings, I set the launcher on the left hand side of the screen to autohide. By default, the launcher hangs out on the left side of the screen on the desktop, moving out of the way only when a window is opened. I found the instructions at askubuntu.
I like the universal menu bar, meaning each application's system bar (with close, minimize, maximize) is integrated into the top panel that contains indicator applets. I've been trying to find ways to autohide the panel, but I haven't found anything yet. I'm hoping the open source nature of Ubuntu means someone will figure it out and post the solution soon enough.
I'm also waiting for someone to figure out how to remove the trash icon from the Unity launcher. It's not like garbage is that high of a priority. I'd also love to be able to remove my login name & the power icon from the panel. I can post to Twitter from Gwibber which already has an applet, and I can push the power button on my netbook--no need for a virtual one, especially with limited space in the universal menu bar.
omgubuntu has a good post on "10 things to do" to break in your new 11.04 install. Web Upd8 has an even better one, complete with terminal codes.
What works so far on my box:
- The Linux build of Hulu Desktop works perfectly.
- Chromium is awesome as always. I took off the default Firefox 4 because frankly I don't need it for 99.99% of my online life.
- I spent most of today streaming podcasts from Banshee while I worked around the house, and had no trouble.
Troublemakers:
- Nook for PC install totally failed. (Still waiting for B&N to do a native Linux app, I mean they have it for just about every other platform!)
- Nothing else so far.
Wishlist
- Map the Quick Start and system recovery buttons to start apps. With Windows, these buttons served actual functions, but with Ubuntu they are so far useless. I'd love to start gedit & Tomboy Notes with the simple press of a button.
- Load an instant-on Linux distro like Moblin or Presto. With Windows, it had Splashtop, a Linux distro not available unless you purchase a machine with it already on, or own a machine with Windows. Installing Ubuntu wiped everything, and I haven't found anything that Ubuntu forums agree on its usability with Natty.
