When I launch an app, the focus doesn't move to the opened app

Let's say I have Gthumb open, and then launch Nautilus from the Unity launcher (in 12.04). Why does it sometimes not focus the mouse on Nautilus, which I just launched? Instead, the focus remains on Gthumb while Nautilus opens in front of Gthumb (and not being focused on).

Is this correct behaviour?

Solution 1:

You can configure it with CompizConfig-Settings-Manager.

1) Install it: sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager,

2) Open ccsm (Alt + F2 and type ccsm and hit Enter)

3) Go to "General Options" > "Focus & Raise Behaviour" and set "Focus Prevention Level" to "Off".

4) Enjoy ;-)

If you are feeling lazy, just paste this at terminal and you're done:

gconftool-2  --type=Integer --set /apps/compiz-1/general/screen0/options/focus_prevention_level 0  

Solution 2:

No it is not correct behavior. The answer to the question "why is it happening" is because there is a bug. I suggest submitting a bug report. Surprisingly I cannot find an existing bug report for this, though I can confirm that it does happen. Post a link to the bug when you have done it so I can attach myself to it.

Edit: Found it. Bug #781931 Not sure why this answer has been down voted as it is certainly the answer to the question of why this happens. The work around using ccsm is not an answer to the question, it is a workaround for the bug. That in itself is very useful and worth posting but it does not answer the question that was asked.