Looking for a nifty screensaver for Ubuntu? Check out Gluqlo, a Linux version of the popular Fliqlo screensaver for Windows and Mac OS X.
You might be looking for one because Ubuntu no longer includes screensavers in its default install. If you leave your computer idle for a set period the distro blanks the display to conserve power, rather than use it to show anything pretty.
On a laptop that’s smart, but I use a desktop PC most of the time and I like having a screensaver on show. If you do too you’ll likely have already installed XScreenSaver and configured it. Helpful, as this flip clock screensaver for Linux uses that.
If you don’t it, first install xscreensaver from Ubuntu Software, or use apt. As we’ll be using the terminal to install Gluquo theme itself, it’s easier to start there and continue”
sudo apt-get install xscreensaver xscreensaver-gl-extra screensaver-data-extra
You will need to remove gnome-screensaver:
sudo apt-get remove gnome-screensaver
Install Gluqlo
To install Gluqlo on Ubuntu Ubuntu 14.04 LTS through 18.04 LTS, add the application’s official PPA to your system’s list of software sources:
sudo apt-add-repository ppa:alexanderk23/ppa
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install gluqlo
Once installed, launch the ‘screensaver’ app from the app launcher. There, choose to make Gluqlo your default screensaver when prompted.
Don’t see it listed? Run:
gedit ~/.xscreensaver
Add the following line to the programs: section
gluqlo -root \n\
Save the file.
Reopen Screensaver and you should now be able to select the Gluqlo screensaver within the app.
Don’t forget to add XScreenSaver to autostart on logging (via Startup Applications) to ensure it launches after each and every reboot.