TualatriX keeps improving Ubuntu Tweak with each new release. For version 0.4.4, the theme is definitely the number four with four areas of improvement.

This Ubuntu Tweak 0.4.4 makes it easier to find the option of turning on Metacity’s compositing feature for those people who either don’t like Compiz or can’t get 3D support (*cough* ATi *cough* fglrx *cough*) to turn it on. Metacity provides a subtle amount of desktop effects like transparency and shading that can make the desktop a little less…. plain.

This new version also brings thumbnail management in easy reach. Nautilus makes thumbnails for a large variety of media files that, over time, can waste hard drive space. For those concerned with privacy, they can also show what you’ve been looking at and when. Being able to reduce the sizes of the thumbnails, and dictating how long they’re allowed to exist, can be a big help.

File Type Manager has been added to make it easier to assign applications to different file types. Unfortunately, this feature isn’t available to Hardy Heron users. Intrepid Ibex users can bask in the glow that they have one more option that us lowly LTS supporters don’t have.

But that’s not all. Intrepid users will also enjoy the benefit of an expanded selection of available Scripts and Third-Party Sources. Scripts now have image controls such as one-click conversion and set as wallpaper. There are also more Move To, Copy To, and Link To options. The Third-Party Sources also include the highly sought after OpenOffice.org 3.0.0 for Intrepid PPA.

When I install a new system, I usually spend my time making tweaks the old fashion way since I know where to find them. However, there are times when it’s nice to have most of the tweaks I make gathered together in one place. My process for a new install these days are: 1) Install Ubuntu; 2) Update; 3) Install Ubuntu-Tweak.

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