Silly Settings Modification Errors

[capt-zero]

I'm rather embarrassed about placing this post. I have 12.04 precise loaded on a Emachine 3300+ with an AMD semipron processor running at 2ghz with 1gb memory. Earlier today I tried to play around with my system settings and got carried away. Willy-nilly changing settings without checking them out one by one like a smart person would do. There were two settings I made that I can't seem to undo. I've spent a couple of hours looking for the places I've changed these settings and can't find them again. Frustrated, I decided to check in here and see if I could find some help. First I've managed to make the buttons in the upper right corner of open aplications (maximize, minimize, and close buttons) disappear. Like lost kittens they've just wandered away and won't come home. The funny thing is, I don't remember changing any setting that concerned these buttons.
The other missetting I've accomplished is that I have somehow set the opacity of my drop down menus so light that I almost can't read them any more. I've been through every setting menu several times and I'm unable to find a place to reset these. Is there a place I can reset ALL my settings to default and start over or does someone know the settings navigation well enough to point to the right place. At least now I'll know better than to start changing things too much without at least making a log of my changes to refer to later. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

capt-zero
now demoted to deckhand

[bra|10n]

First I've managed to make the buttons in the upper right corner of open aplications (maximize, minimize, and close buttons) disappear. Like lost kittens they've just wandered away and won't come home.

You can reset your windows buttons by clicking Defaults button found at SystemsSettings > Workspace Appearance > Configure Buttons

I have somehow set the opacity of my drop down menus so light that I almost can't read them any more.

Similarly option to reset to Defaults found at SystemSettings > Desktop Effects > All Effects > Translucency

capt-zero
now demoted to deckhand

The Court finds the facts surrounding the minor offenses allegedly committed by the member warrant the charges be reduced to an infraction and as such recommends that command be fully re-instated

[SteveRiley]

The Court finds the facts surrounding the minor offenses allegedly committed by the member warrant the charges be reduced to an infraction and as such recommends that command be fully re-instated

sudo apt-promote capt-zero

[capt-zero]

bra|10n, and Steve,

Thanks a bunch for the help. My kittens have been found and my desktop returned to usability. I love Kubuntu and the ways it's given me to fully integrate with my system. However, it's depth of control also gives one the opportunity to err greatly and change something without realizing it. I've learned to always log my course when changing my settings so I can find my way back when I've changed something I don't understand. Once again, many thanks for your valuable assistance.
As for my erstwhile promotion, I'll believe I'm still on swab duty on the Texas deck for a while yet. At least untill I learn to chart my way properly out of a swamp on my own choosing.

steersman-zero

[Snowhog]

...it's depth of control also gives one the opportunity to err greatly and change something without realizing it. I've learned to always log my course when changing my settings so I can find my way back when I've changed something I don't understand.

I keep two logs (simple text files). One for package changes (all my package management is done from the CLI) and another for system changes I make. An invaluable (and very responsible) habit that I recommend everyone get into. Having what you have done/are doing written down beats ones memory hands down.

[jlittle]

I keep two logs (simple text files). One for package changes (all my package management is done from the CLI) and another for system changes I make. An invaluable (and very responsible) habit that I recommend everyone get into. Having what you have done/are doing written down beats ones memory hands down.

I stayed on Lucid for a long time, preferring stability, then resolved to install Oneiric and keep a log keeping compiling each and every customization I made, basically combining your logs. I did really well, for a while, recording packages installed, firefox add-ons, vim plugins, system settings, and so on, with their various customizations. Then, I discovered QtCurve, and lost it altogether. QtCurve rocks. System settings - application appearance - widget style: QtCurve - Configure, and I was lost. One day I'll learn CSS and get lost in Stylish, a firefox add-on.

[bra|10n]

This thread is a perfect example of why I like these forums.
Being the opportunity to continue the discussion regardless of where it might have started.