Ignite Your Desktop with These Amazing GNOME Extensions

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. My Previous Opinion About Gnome
3. Gnome 40: A Game Changer
4. The Missing Element: Nostalgia
5. Installing Gnome Extensions
6. Adding the Wobbly Windows Effect
7. Exploding and Burning Windows
8. The Classic Desktop Cube Effect
9. Adding Windows to the Desktop Cube
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the evolution of the Gnome desktop environment and how recent releases have changed the author's opinion about it. We will discuss the enhancements in Gnome 40 and the missing nostalgia factor from the older versions. The article will also guide you through the installation of Gnome extensions and demonstrate how to add various desktop effects, including wobbly windows, burning windows, and the classic desktop cube effect. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the new features in Gnome and how to customize your desktop environment.

My Previous Opinion About Gnome

For many years, I considered Gnome to be a subpar desktop environment. The Gnome 3 series was plagued with bugs, slow performance, and overall disappointment. It was easily one of the poorer desktop experiences available on Linux. However, my opinion changed drastically with the release of Gnome 40. The recent updates have completely transformed the user experience and made Gnome a pleasure to use. But even with these improvements, I still feel like there's something missing—nostalgia.

Gnome 40: A Game Changer

Gnome 40 has been a game changer for many users, including myself. The latest series of releases have introduced numerous improvements that have enhanced the overall desktop experience. The performance has significantly improved, making Gnome faster and more responsive. The design has been revamped, offering a more modern and visually appealing interface. These updates have addressed many of the issues that plagued previous versions of Gnome and have made it a compelling choice for Linux users.

The Missing Element: Nostalgia

While the recent updates in Gnome have been impressive, I can't help but miss some of the old school effects and desktop compositing capabilities that were present in Gnome 2. Around 15 years ago, desktop effects like fancy animations and wobbly windows were popular, thanks to compiz. These effects added a layer of visual flair and nostalgia to the desktop experience. Unfortunately, Gnome 40 is lacking these beloved features, and it's something that I would love to see make a comeback.

Installing Gnome Extensions

Thankfully, Gnome offers an extensive collection of extensions that allow users to customize their desktop environments. To install these extensions easily, we can use the Gnome Extensions Manager. To get started, open the terminal and enter the following command:

sudo apt install gnome-extensions

After installing the Gnome Extensions Manager, exit the terminal and press the Super key to bring up the search menu. Type "Extensions" and open the Extension Manager. This will provide us with a user-friendly interface to search and install extensions seamlessly.

Adding the Wobbly Windows Effect

To bring back the wobbly windows effect, search for "wobbly windows" in the Extension Manager. Look for an extension by Hermes 83 called "Compiz Windows Effect." This extension has over 300,000 downloads and is known to work well with Gnome 40. Install the extension, and you should now have wobbly windows on your desktop. Enjoy the nostalgic feeling of the old Gnome 2 days with this classic effect.

Exploding and Burning Windows

In addition to wobbly windows, there are other extensions that can enhance your desktop experience. If you loved the exploding windows and setting windows on fire effects, you're in luck. Search for the "Burn My Windows" extension in the Extension Manager and install it. With this extension, when you open a window, it will catch on fire and disintegrate when you close it. This effect adds a unique and visually appealing touch to your desktop.

The Classic Desktop Cube Effect

Another iconic effect from the past is the desktop cube. This effect allows you to switch between workspaces by rotating a 3D cube. Search for "desktop cube" in the Extension Manager and install the extension by Simi, the same developer behind the "Burn My Windows" extension. After installation, you can activate the cube effect by tapping the Super key and clicking on the desktop. You can then rotate the cube to switch between workspaces.

Adding Windows to the Desktop Cube

To make the desktop cube effect more interesting, let's add some windows to the different workspaces. Move to a workspace, open a terminal, and then tap the Super key to return to the cube view. Rotate the cube to the desired workspace and add more windows. This way, you will have different windows on each workspace, creating a dynamic and engaging desktop environment.

Conclusion

The latest releases of Gnome have brought significant improvements and transformed the user experience. While Gnome 40 is a much more refined and enjoyable desktop environment, some users may still miss the nostalgic effects from the past. By using Gnome extensions, we can bring back some of those classic effects like wobbly windows, exploding windows, and the desktop cube. These extensions add a personal touch to your desktop environment and make it more fun to use. Give them a try and rediscover the joy of customizing your Gnome desktop.

Highlights

• Gnome 40 has brought significant improvements to the desktop environment.
• The performance of Gnome has greatly improved, making it faster and more responsive.
• The design of Gnome has been revamped, offering a modern and visually appealing interface.
• Despite the improvements, some users miss the nostalgic effects from the older versions of Gnome.
• Gnome extensions allow users to customize their desktop environments and bring back classic effects.
• The wobbly windows effect can be added using the "Compiz Windows Effect" extension.
• The "Burn My Windows" extension provides the ability to set windows on fire and watch them disintegrate.
• The desktop cube effect can be enabled with the "Desktop Cube" extension, allowing users to switch between workspaces with a 3D cube animation.

FAQ

Q: Can I install Gnome extensions on any Linux distribution?
A: Yes, Gnome extensions are compatible with any Linux distribution that uses the Gnome desktop environment.

Q: Are these extensions officially supported by Gnome?
A: Gnome extensions are developed by the Gnome community and are not officially endorsed or supported by Gnome itself. However, they are widely used and can enhance your desktop experience.

Q: Are there any other nostalgic effects that can be added to Gnome?
A: Yes, there are several other extensions available that can bring back more nostalgic effects, such as rain effects and snow effects. You can search for these extensions in the Gnome Extensions Manager and install them to add more visual flair to your desktop.