Ubuntu - Use Centered Windows

Ubuntu defaults to having your applications launch in different locations of your screen based on unused screen space, rather than to consistently appear in the center of your screen. I can see how this is useful for some, but it frustrates me. Here is how to change that.

Open Compiz.
Open up the "Place" plugin under "Window Management".
Set Placement Mode to "Centered"

Ubuntu - Applications Launching Behind Active Window

Problem

In Ubuntu distros after 12.04, I started noticing that some applications, such as nautilus and calculator, would appear behind the active window when launched using keyboard shortcuts. This was especially noticeable for people like me who set their windows to always appear in the center of the screen rather than being "smart" and just using any free window space.

Solution

Launch compiz

Navigate to the "general options" area.

the third tab, "focus and raise behaviour", and set "focus prevention level" to "Off".

References

• Ask Ubuntu - Windows that pop up appear behind active window?