Can I customise my Ubuntu desktop?

Q I got an Ubuntu disc and it worked fine as a Live CD. My worry before installing was the text, icons and cursor would be too small. I used the setup utility supplied with my Logitech mouse to increase the pointer size but is there anything similar in Ubuntu?
Eric Readwin

A You will be pleased to hear there are lots of ways in which Ubuntu can be customised to make it easier to use.

Right-click on the Desktop and then left-click on Change Desktop Background. Click on the Theme tab at the left to see the different themes available. Left-click on one and the changes will be applied instantly. If you want to return to the default appearance, it is the one called Human. Each of these themes can be adjusted. Once you have selected one, click on the Customise button.

The colours tab can be used to make text easier to read. Click on the Pointer tab to adjust the size of the cursor. The cursors called DMZ, redglass and whiteglass can be adjusted. Click and drag the Size selector to the right to increase the size. As before, the changes are applied instantly. Click on the Close button when you are happy with the changes.

The font size is chosen in the Fonts tab. Click on the button next to each category to select a font and size. The window should be familiar from selecting a font in a word processor. The change is applied as soon as you press the OK button.

The Rendering options are similar to the Cleartype font smoothing in Windows. It adjusts the fonts to compensate for the way the LCD monitors are made. Pick whichever looks best.

There are other accessibility options in Ubuntu such as adjusting the speed of the mouse or how double-clicks are recognised. Click on the System menu at the top of the Desktop, then Preferences and Assistive Technologies. A window will appear with four buttons for the different ways Ubuntu can be adjusted, including options for the mouse and keyboard.