Modify the Ubuntu Menu

The Desktop menu in Ubuntu 9.04 provides a way to customize it so that you see only what you need on your system. One of the strong features of Ubuntu is simplicity. You can work with the concept of simplicity by modifying the menu. Or you can add to the simplicity which is available as a base to create a custom menu. If you right click the Ubuntu icon in the upper left corner, on the panel, you will see the option to modify the menu. When you select Edit menus this window will appear.

The window shows categories of software on the left and individual programs on the right. If you select a category you can then add and subtract programs listed in the menu by checking or unchecking the applications on the right.

You are able to eliminate categories simply by unhecking the category and then viewing the new menu. For example, if you select “Applications” and uncheck “Games” it will be removed from the menu.

Or if you select a sub-category like Applications/Accessories you can add or remove individual applications. These simple aspects allow you to make quick modifications that make your Desktop what you want it to be.

There are additional options for more advanced users. You can create your own menu. Choose New Menu and then name the menu as well as select an icon to use for the menu. Position the menu by selecting it and moving it up or down in the list.

Next select the new menu that you created in the left window and choose new item. The Create Launcher will appear so you can add the name of the application, choose an icon and then enter the path for the command to start the program.

If you do not know the path to use you can the command which:

which vinagre

The path will then be provided if it is installed.

/usr/bin/vinagre

Enter this path into the command section are you have just created a new menu with new items.