application-switchergnome-shell
I use Ubuntu 18.04 and I want to switch between two terminals.
Since it is impossible to switch between two terminals with ALT–TAB , I use ALT–ESC.
This works. But once per day the window manager seems to hang.
I can't get a focus to the windows again.
I can only restart the PC and things work again.
Is this a bug or a feature?
You can revert back to the older style of window switcher by enabling the Static Application Switcher plugin in CompizConfig Settings Manager:
Steps:
CompizConfig Manager is gotten through sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager (thanks to @donbright)
sudo apt-get install compiz-plugins to get the static application switcher to show up. (thanks to @Milimetric)
CompizConfig Manager is started by typing ccsm in terminal (thanks to @donbright)
Disable the keyboard shortcuts for Unity's switcher by unchecking CompizConfig Settings Manager ▸ Desktop ▸ Ubuntu Unity Plugin ▸ Switcher ▸ Key to start the switcher ▸ Enabled and Key to start the switcher in reverse ▸ Enabled
Enable the Static Application Switcher by checking CompizConfig Settings Manager ▸ Window Management ▸ Static Application Switcher ▸ Enable Static Application Switcher
Given the recent demise of Unity desktop, another option for non-Unity desktops (such as the new default Gnome*) is to use the app launcher Kupfer, which has a plugin Window list, that allows to switch between windows by typing their name. I just tested with two terminal windows opened in different folders and it worked as expected by the OP.
Given that Kupfer has many more feature than just this, if you plan to use it only for switching between windows, I recommend turning off all the other unwanted plugins, so that Window list results end up on top and are usable directly.
*note - Gnome has some limited functionality for switching to opened window by typing. In the activities overview (opened by e.g. the Super key) you can type e.g. Terminal to switch to already opened terminal. However as of version 3.18 (which is used as default on my 16.04 LTS box) you can't differentiate between different windows of the same app. EDIT: You can even switch to particular windows by typing, but it's not as convenient as in Unity, because it also shows all other results above the window list, so you have to move down with arrows a lot.
Best Answer
This is a Gnome oddity that I dislike as well. I think it's considered a "feature" which I'll call application stacking. Hitting Alt-TAB brings up the terminal showing both terminals and you have to click the one you want to get to it. Quite annoying (at least for me). I got around this in 18.04 by installing Unity which defaults to the behaviour you and I seem to expect/desire.
This process is very easy.
sudo apt install unityNote that installing unity will install a rather large number of packages (~59)required to support it. However if having the system work as you desire is worth the space (~30MB) it takes for you it's well worth it.
Another alternative possibility is the use of extensions shuch as Coverflow or AlternateTab However I have not tested those as of this writing.
You could also customize the keybindings as discussed here.
As far as the display manager hanging you might find this Q&A useful.