I'm using Cairo-Dock 2.4 on Ubuntu 11.10 with the Gnome Classic UI. Is there any other desktop UI I can use that will allow me to just have Cairo-Dock as the main/only panel? I just need an all-in-one simple panel.
3 Answers
Cairo dock can be "logged into" replacing the gnome-session, this would be a custom Cairo Dock session.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:cairo-dock-team/ppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install cairo-dock cairo-dock-plug-ins
http://www.webupd8.org/2011/09/cairo-dock-240-released-with-custom.html
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Yea that's what I figured. The problem with this was that the "menu" bar still appeared on the top of the desktop. (This bar doesn't really serve a purpose). However, I found a fix to that; using advanced settings, I disabled the option to "have file manager handle the desktop." Thanks though. I think I'm sticking to this custom Cairo session.– KoVoFeb 25, 2012 at 20:51
I use KDE. It's so much more easy and customizable than Gnome. It allows you to have complete control over the panels (removing, resizing, etc.), so that's what I would recommend (Kubuntu). Just open software center, install kubuntu-desktop (you have to click "show hidden files" to be able to see it, and then you can have a desktop with only cairo-dock. Install "lancelot" for Cairo-Dock, to have a menu, and I think that's all you need.
I tried doing this with Gnome before, but after I disabled the Ubuntu Unity plugin in Compiz-Config, I still had an ugly bar at the top with File, View, Edit, and a whole bunch of other junky stuff. Too bad, because I was actually enjoying CCSM more than Kwin, but in the end, I think moving was a good decision--you won't regret it! In fact, you can even user Compiz as your window manager instead of Kwin if you want, although I've never found a need for that.
However, I do have to admit, although I did try pretty hard and researched quite a bit, there still might be a way that I don't know about, so if you don't want to give up Gnome, then keep searching.
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After a little tinkering around, I found this dock called Cinnamon. It's very similar to the Windows task-bar and it is very simplistic and customizable. Somehow, while toggling the "Have file manager handle the desktop" option in advanced settings, that "ugly top bar" disappeared.– KoVoApr 27, 2012 at 22:27
Off Topic of Cairo-
Docky with Cardapio Mini mode
http://www.webupd8.org/2010/11/cardapio-menu-update-brings-docky.html