How to setup Ubuntu 13.10 with a better desktop environment. Better than Unity.

How to setup Ubuntu 13.10 with a proper desktop environment.

I just installed Ubuntu 13.10 and I had to update the package repositories. This is essential to install software.

homer@deusvult:~/Documents$ sudo apt-get update

After this I could install the initial set of packages to setup my system.

homer@deusvult:~/Documents$ sudo apt-get install me-tv vlc ubuntu-restricted-extras smplayer banshee audacious

Then I installed the Gnome Shell desktop to replace Unity.

homer@deusvult:~/Documents$ sudo apt-get install gnome-shell

I also had to install some extra themes and wallpapers to make it even better.

homer@deusvult:~/Documents$ sudo apt-get install mc ubuntu-wallpapers-karmic ubuntu-wallpapers-maverick gnome-themes-extras 
gnome-themes-ubuntu gnome-tweak-tool

Installing the wallpapers from older releases of Ubuntu allows more customisation. This on top of the already attractive Gnome Shell desktop is a bonus.

There are extensions for the Gnome Shell desktop here: https://extensions.gnome.org/.

if you want a cool diversion whilst you are using your Ubuntu deskop; there is a copy of Mario here that you can play in your browser: http://www.fullscreenmario.com/index.html?nochrome. This works well in Firefox.

Another cool feature in Gnome Shell 3.8.4 is the ability to change the background of the lock screen. This is shown below.