How can I change default settings for new users?

Question

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?

Answer 1

1. Install the package 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:

   

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/