Help!: Ubuntu Video Series- Installing Unity 2D & Switching to Ubuntu Classic in 11.04

If you have been following along with our video series on Ubuntu, than you should be ready for our latest video!  In our latest video we will cover how to download and install Unity 2D and how to switch between Unity, Unity 2D, and Ubuntu Classic.

So, why would you want/need to install Unity 2D?  Simple, by default Ubuntu 11.04 includes Unity as it's default Desktop Environment.  It requires OpenGL to be run and can slow things down somewhat (especially boot times).  Not to mention you need a machine with decent hardware specs to run it without too much trouble.  And as we all know, a lot of people turn to Linux to breath new life into older hardware.  So default Unity may not be the best choice.

For example, you install Ubuntu and one of three things will happen:
1- You will meet Unity and immediately fall in love.
2- Your machine can't run it and will be thrown into Ubuntu Classic mode.
3- You absolutely dislike it.


Let's say you fall into either the first two cases listed above.  Let's say you like to idea and look of Unity but you're computer just can't seem to pull it's weight as fast as you'd like with Unity as default.  That's when you should look into Unity 2D.  Unity 2D gives you the functionality and appearance of Unity but without OpenGL being required to run.  In other words, Unity 2D runs from Qt and cuts some of the bloat away from standard Unity.

If you happen to fall into the third scenario; where you log into Ubuntu 11.04 for the first time and aren't too thrilled with Unity.  Relax, don't freak out and start looking for other Linux distributions to use.  There is a little something here for you too.  It's really easy to switch back to Ubuntu Classic.  Ubuntu Classic is the new name for the desktop look and feel everyone has come to know and love from Ubuntu including every release prior to 11.04 (Natty Narwhal).  Personally, this is my choice.  Just because I have always like how Ubuntu looks.  And I feel that Unity may be better suited for a touchscreen situation (my personal opinion).

So, without further delay; check out our latest video on how to download and install Unity 2D and switching between desktop environments.







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