How To Install Qt Written Unity 2D Desktop in Ubuntu 10.10?

Like me, if you're having problems while trying to run Unity shell (the default 3D interface) on you Laptop/PC because of Compiz (Ubuntu has heavily customized it) and your GPU but still would like to run Unity without the "fancy" graphic effects (some like it though) under Ubuntu 10.10 then this post is for you.

Although it's quite easy to run Unity 2D interface in Ubuntu 11.04 Natty Narwhal since they support it officially (might come installed by default in the future releases) but with version below 11.04 of Ubuntu did not support the 2D interface.

But thanks to a cool developer called Roiban & his Cat, Oliver (who also plays a major role :P), now we can easily install Unity 2D in your Ubuntu 10.10 Linux PC/Laptop using a dedicated PPA channel (long live PPA :P).

Remember, unlike the default Unity 3D version, the 2D is written using Qt (there's nothing wrong with it in my point of view) and you won't get any "Compiz" graphic effects either.

2D interface...

Roiban gave his reasons for creating this PPA by saying that...

"I have tried and tested Ubuntu 11.04 during its development cycle and also after the final release and I really liked Unity 2D. It was the first shell that I did not felt the need for major customization. The fact that external monitor support is again broken, middle click emulation is no longer a default ... blocks me from using Ubuntu 11.04... I just want to use my computer now..."

Alright, enough talking, let's get busy :). If you want to install the fast loading Qt written Unity 2D interface in Ubuntu 10.10, then open your Terminal and enter the below command.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:adiroiban/unity-2d-maverick
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install unity-2d

The above command is for the stable PPA, but if you want daily builds (could be slightly unstable) then use the below command instead.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:unity-2d-team/unity-2d-daily
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install unity-2d

After the installation completes, make sure to log-out and from the GDM (log-in screen) menu, choose "Unity 2D". That's it, enjoy!.