Use WinKey as "Start Menu" in Ubuntu 10+ [How To]

Most Windows users are used to press winkey to start the "Start Menu" but what if this Windows user has switched to Ubuntu? By default, Ubuntu didn't set the winkey to start the "Start Menu" or the "Applications Menu"

The first thing you do is go to System  >  Preferences  >  Keyboard Shortcuts  to set the winkey to start the "Start Menu" but unfortunately, Ubuntu won't allow you to assign the Show panel's main menu to winkey.

What you need to do is open a Terminal by going into Applications  >  Accessories  >  Terminal or you may hit Ctrl+Alt+T on your keyboard. On the Terminal, copy this command:

For Desktop:
gconftool-2 --set /apps/metacity/global_keybindings/panel_main_menu --type string "Super_L"

For Laptop:

gconftool-2 --set /apps/metacity/global_keybindings/panel_main_menu --type string "Meta_L"

After hitting the Enter Key, the Show panel's main menu will be set to "Super L" or "Meta L" which means the left winkey.  Then you might want to check it for yourself.

Finally, you may now use the winkey.

If you have other jedi tricks, please feel free to leave a comment or drop me an email to chip dot cerio at gmail dot com.