What Is Ubuntu's Main Screen Called?
Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions in the world, features a main screen that serves as the central hub for launching applications, searching files, and managing workflows. Depending on the version of Ubuntu you are running, this main screen goes by different names. But in modern versions of Ubuntu that use the GNOME desktop environment, the equivalent main screen is known as the Activities Overview. In older releases that used the Unity desktop environment, the main screen was called the Dash. Understanding these interfaces is essential for both new and experienced users who want to work through Ubuntu efficiently and make the most of its powerful features Most people skip this — try not to. That alone is useful..
The official docs gloss over this. That's a mistake.
The Dash: Ubuntu's Main Screen in the Unity Era
When Ubuntu transitioned to its Unity desktop environment starting with version 11.On the flip side, 04, the main screen became known as the Dash. The Dash was accessible by clicking the Ubuntu logo icon located at the top-left corner of the screen or by pressing the Super key (also known as the Windows key) on your keyboard.
Key Features of the Dash
About the Da —sh provided users with a unified interface for several important functions:
- Application Launcher: Users could search for and launch installed applications by typing the name of the desired program.
- File and Folder Search: The Dash integrated with the file manager, allowing users to quickly locate recently used or frequently accessed files.
- Music and Media Integration: The Dash could display recently played music, videos, and even suggest content from online sources.
- Lens System: Unity introduced a concept called Lenses, which were specialized search categories. Here's one way to look at it: the Applications Lens filtered results to show only software, while the Files Lens focused on documents and media. Additional lenses could be installed for web searches, social media, news, and more.
- Scope Integration: Scopes were an extension of lenses that allowed real-time content from external services like YouTube, Wikipedia, and Amazon to appear directly within the Dash.
Here's the thing about the Dash was a defining feature of Unity and set Ubuntu apart from other Linux distributions at the time. Even so, the Unity desktop environment was eventually discontinued, and Ubuntu transitioned to GNOME starting with version 17.10 Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
The Activities Overview: Ubuntu's Main Screen in Modern Versions
Starting with Ubuntu 17.In real terms, 10 (Artful Aardvark), Ubuntu adopted the GNOME desktop environment as its default. Plus, with this change, the main screen was replaced by what GNOME calls the Activities Overview. This interface serves the same core purpose as the Dash but with a different design philosophy and layout.
How to Access the Activities Overview
Accessing the Activities Overview is straightforward:
- Press the Super key on your keyboard. This is the most common and fastest method.
- Click the Activities button located at the top-left corner of the screen.
- Move your mouse cursor to the top-left hot corner. GNOME includes a small hotspot in the upper-left corner that triggers the Activities Overview when you hover over it.
Key Features of the Activities Overview
The Activities Overview is divided into distinct sections, each serving a specific purpose:
- Application Grid: A grid view of all installed applications, organized alphabetically. You can scroll through the list or use the search bar at the top to find a specific application quickly.
- Search Bar: Located at the top of the overview, the search bar allows you to search for applications, files, contacts, settings, and even perform calculations or unit conversions.
- Workspace Switcher: Along the top of the screen, you will see thumbnails representing your virtual workspaces. Ubuntu defaults to a dynamic workspace system that creates additional workspaces as you open more windows.
- Dash Bar: On the left side of the Activities Overview, a vertical bar displays your favorite applications (pinned to the dock) and icons for currently running applications. This dock functions similarly to the Unity launcher but with a cleaner, more minimalist design.
- Date and Time Panel: The top bar displays the current date, time, battery status, Wi-Fi connection, and system notifications.
Comparing the Dash and the Activities Overview
While both interfaces serve the same fundamental purpose, there are notable differences between the two:
| Feature | Dash (Unity) | Activities Overview (GNOME) |
|---|---|---|
| Access Method | Super key or Ubuntu logo click | Super key or top-left hot corner |
| Search Capabilities | Deep integration with lenses and scopes | Unified search bar for apps, files, and settings |
| Customization | Highly customizable with lenses and scopes | Limited customization out of the box, extendable with GNOME extensions |
| Appearance | Vertical launcher on the left side | Horizontal dock at the bottom or left |
| Workspace Management | Basic workspace support | Built-in workspace switcher in the overview |
Many users appreciated the Dash's extensibility through lenses and scopes, while others found the Activities Overview to be cleaner, faster, and more intuitive. The transition to GNOME was initially controversial among long-time Ubuntu users, but it has since been widely accepted as a modern and efficient desktop experience.
Honestly, this part trips people up more than it should.
Customizing the Main Screen in Ubuntu
Although GNOME's Activities Overview is less customizable than Unity's Dash by default, there are several ways to tailor it to your preferences:
Using GNOME Extensions
The GNOME Extensions platform allows users to add functionality and modify the appearance of the desktop. Some popular extensions related to the main screen include:
- Dash to Dock: Customizes the dock's appearance, size, position, and behavior.
- Dash to Panel: Merges the top bar and the dock into a single panel, similar to the Windows taskbar.
- AppIndicator and KStatusNotifierItem: Brings back the system tray icons that some users miss from older Ubuntu versions.
- GSConnect: Integrates mobile device notifications and file sharing directly into the overview.
Pinning and Unpinning Applications
You can easily manage which applications appear in the dock:
- To pin an application: Open the application, right-click its icon in the dock, and select Add to Favorites.
- To unpin an application: Right-click the icon in the dock and select Remove from Favorites.
Adjusting Dock Settings
work through to Settings > Appearance (or use GNOME Tweaks) to adjust the dock's position (left or bottom), icon size, and whether it auto-hides Still holds up..
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main screen of Ubuntu called?
The main screen is called the Dash in older Ubuntu versions using Unity and the Activities Overview in modern Ubuntu versions using GNOME.
How do I open the main screen in Ubuntu?
Press the Super key (Windows key) on your keyboard, or click the Activities button in the top-left corner of the screen.
Can I get the old Dash back in modern Ubuntu?
Yes, you can install the Unity desktop environment alongside GNOME, or use GNOME extensions like Dash to Dock to
replicate some of its functionality. That said, this requires additional setup and may not provide the exact same experience as the original Unity Dash.
How do I customize the appearance of the Activities Overview?
You can modify the GNOME Shell theme, install custom icon themes, and use extensions like User Themes to apply custom stylesheets. Tools like GNOME Tweaks provide additional customization options for windows, icons, and cursors Practical, not theoretical..
Is the Unity desktop still supported?
While Canonical officially ended support for Unity in 2017, the community-maintained Ubuntu Unity flavor continues to be developed and maintained by volunteers. It's available as an official Ubuntu flavor and provides the classic Unity experience for users who prefer it.
Conclusion
The evolution from Unity's Dash to GNOME's Activities Overview represents Ubuntu's commitment to staying current with modern desktop paradigms while maintaining user choice and flexibility. While the transition initially sparked debate among longtime users, both interfaces offer distinct advantages: Unity provided deep integration and extensive customization options, while GNOME delivers a cleaner, more streamlined experience with dependable extension support.
Today's Ubuntu users benefit from this evolution through powerful customization tools, a thriving extension ecosystem, and the ability to choose between different desktop environments entirely. Whether you prefer the traditional application-focused approach of Unity or the activity-centric workflow of GNOME, Ubuntu's flexibility ensures that you can create a desktop environment that perfectly matches your productivity style and aesthetic preferences But it adds up..
