Has Ubuntu Gone Too Far? How to Remove the Ubuntu Amazon Ads!

I have been pondering the integration of Amazon into Ubuntu (which we saw during the demo install that I did on the last Netcast, number 261.) I am OK with an additional icon, but showing recommendations for purchase when you do a search on your desktop for applications? That is a step too far! Don’t get me wrong. I am all for Canonical making money, and monetizing an Open Source project is a challenge, but there comes a point that it is just TOO obtrusive! So, in the interest of preserving my sanity, and yours… here’s how to remove the Dash ads in Ubuntu 12.10:

1) Open a Terminal Session
2) Type in:

sudo apt-get remove unity-lens-shopping

3) Enter your password
4) Poof! The ads are gone!

So there, Canonical! Let’s be a bit more discerning out there, huh? Linux geeks will only put up with so much!