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AWN is a compositing dock-like taskbar. It is similar to the dock in OSX, but supports features such as custom themes, applets that can do anything from displaying battery life to showing Dilbert, and much more.

AWN requires a compositor (like beryl or compiz) to work properly.

If you have previously installed some other version of AWN, you should remove it before you begin. In most cases my guide will not have any trouble wiht a previous install, but odd bugs have been known to occur.

Before we begin, make sure you have all the needed ubuntu repositories installed, namely universe and ubuntu-updates. This can be done in System -> Administration -> Software Sources by enabling ‘recommended updates’ under the ‘Updates’ tab, and also enabling ‘Community-maintained Open Source software’ under the ‘Ubuntu Software’ tab.

First, add AWN repo by running the appropriate set of commands

For Hardy Users

echo ‘deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/reacocard-awn/ubuntu hardy main’ | sudo tee -a /etc/apt/sources.list

For Intrepid Users

echo ‘deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/reacocard-awn/ubuntu intrepid main’ | sudo tee -a /etc/apt/sources.list

Update the source list using the following command

sudo apt-get update

Install AWN Using the following command

sudo apt-get install avant-window-navigator-bzr awn-core-applets-bzr awn-manager-bzr

start AWN from Applications->Accessories->Avant Window Navigator.

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