Beautify your GNOME desktop

There seems to be couple of ways you can make your gnome desktop look fancy and pleasing to the eyes without actually using compiz effects. I do not personally prefer those desktop effects since they suck in a lot of battery on my laptop. They might be well suited for desktops.

1) Install MAC like window manager.

Installation: sudo apt-get install awn-manager awn-applets-c-core awn-applets-c-extras



You do require to activate composite manager on your desktop for this to work.
Open gconf-editor --> apps --> metacity --> general --> compositing manager (select this option).

2) Another nice addition would be gnome screenlets.

Installation: sudo apt-get install screenlets



The editor is straight forward to use and the screenlets add a nice feel to your desktop