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How to change the default Ubuntu login screen - Update

Updated 5/24/08

The default Ubuntu login screen leaves something to be desired in the way of aesthetics (just my personal opinion, you may love it). But thankfully, like almost everything else in Ubuntu, it can be changed (welcome to the wonderful world of Linux). Here's how:

1. Click on System>Administration>Login Window
2. Enter your administrative password (your login password)
3. Click on the Local tab
4. Select one of the available themes (make sure the radio button is selected beside the theme you want - you may have to click twice for this)
5. Click the Close button
6. Log-out of Ubuntu, and you will be presented with the new themed login screen to log back in




If you don't like any of the default themes, head over to art.gnome.org (look in the Login Manager category) or gnome-look.org (look under GDM Screens) for plenty more choices. You can drag-n-drop a downloaded GDM (Gnome Desktop Manager) login theme into the Login Manager. Just make sure it is selected after you drop it in.

Update 5/24/08



After you change the login theme, you'll still be left with an ugly orange screen just before and just after you login. To change this, look on the Login Manager Local tab, just under the available themes list, for a small colored box labeled Background color. Click on the box, pick the color you want, and close the login manager.

What next?
If you have a problem or question, leave a comment, I'll be glad to help. I'm still new at Ubuntu, too - but it may be that I've already been where you're at.
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