Let's face it, the default theme on current Ubuntu releases is more aimed at the (boring) business folks: no transparency, no effects, no shiny icons and cool wallpapers.

That's why I'm going to walk you through some easy steps to customize your Ubuntu Gnome - for better usability and better looks (to impress your windows buddies?).

Ever since I started using Linux, I really enjoyed messing with the settings. I fell in love with Mac OS X Aqua look and, I recreated it on Linux. Some stuff I didn't change - such as the Finder bar, because I liked how Ubuntu handled that functionality. It's pretty easy to customize Ubuntu, there's no need for command line 'magic', just a creative eye and a couple of websites that host icon packages and the likes.

Linux, Ubuntu in this case, I found that is the most versatile when it comes to your needs, almost everything can be customized.

1. So, let's get started!