How to enable the Ubuntu super key on Dell OEM Ubuntu installations

The Dell OEM Ubuntu operating system allows for the set-up of a "super" key, which will function similar to the Windows key or start menu button on the Windows oerating system. This article walks you through enabling and configuring the use of this super key on computers with the Dell OEM Ubuntu operating system installed.

How to enable the Ubuntu super key

You may find that the "super" key on the keyboard which is generally used to open the Start Menu on windows machines or the Ubuntu Dash (menu) on Dell OEM Ubuntu installations does not function upon boot. Dell is unable to ship OEM Ubuntu systems with the "super" key enabled on non-Windows operating systems.

The guide below provides one method to enable the menu button and map its function to open the dash.

1. Open a Terminal (Figure 1):

   
   Figure 1: Open Terminal

2. Remove the package named "dell-super-key" with the following command: sudo apt-get remove dell-super-key –y (Figure 2). Enter the user password when prompted and confirm the install by pressing y on the keyboard.

   
   Figure 2: Remove dell super key package

3. Next install a utility that will map the super key’s function to open the Dash menu by typing in the following command: sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager -y (Figure 3).

   
   Figure 3: Map the open Dash menu

4. Remove the input rule that blocks the super key from being mapped with the following command: sudo rm –rf /usr/share/gconf/defaults/40_oem-superkey-workaround (Figure 4).

   
   Figure 4: Remove input rule

5. Reboot the computer and log in.
6. Open ccsm by searching for it in the Dash the same way we opened the terminal in step 1.
7. In CCSM, also known as Compiz Config Settings Manager, find the Ubuntu Unity Plugin under the Desktop category as shown (Figure 5):

   
   Figure 5: CCSM Ubuntu Unity Plugin

8. Next, disable the launcher’s current mapping by following the steps below (Figure 6):
   • Click on the Launcher tab.
   • Click on the button to the right of the first option labeled key to show the dash.
   • On the Edit Key dialogue box, un-check the Enabled setting.
   • Click OK.

   
   Figure 6: Disable launcher current mapping

9. Finally, to enable the super key’s Dash function, follow the steps below (Figure 7):
   • Click on the button to the right of the first option labeled key to show the dash.
   • Re-check the Enabled setting in the Edit Key dialogue box.
   • Click on the Super button so that it is highlighted green.
   • Confirm the example mapping displayed shows < Super >.
   • Click OK.

   
   Figure 7: Enable super key dash function

10. Now test the super key to see that it opens the Dash Menu.