How can I change default settings for new users?

Every key in the DConf database has a default value that is used when user accounts are created. How can I change these default values?


Solution 1:

  1. Install the package dconf-toolsInstall dconf-tools. <--click or run:

    sudo apt-get install dconf-tools
    
  2. Run dconf-editor and navigate to the key you want to change the default for. Note the Schema name, in this example that is com.canonical.Unity.Launcher:

    enter image description here

  3. Now we need to create an override file. Run the following command:

    gksu gedit /usr/share/glib-2.0/schemas/my-defaults.gschema.override
    

    You can use any name you want for the file, it just needs to end in gschema.override

  4. Write your new defaults in this file in standard INI format, using schemas for groups names:

    [com.canonical.Unity.Launcher]
    
    favorites=['nautilus-home.desktop', 'google-chrome.desktop', 'banshee.desktop', 'gnome-terminal.desktop', 'ubuntu-software-center.desktop', 'ubuntuone-installer.desktop', 'gnome-tweak-tool.desktop', 'gpodder.desktop', 'shutter.desktop']
    
  5. Save the file and close it. Now run the following command from a terminal to apply your changes:

    sudo glib-compile-schemas /usr/share/glib-2.0/schemas/