Ubuntu 12.04
 

Does anyone know how to change the power settings in 12.04 to shutdown as soon as the power button is pressed, without any prompt, as you could in 10.04? Thanks in advance!

Dear RML1992,
you can use dconf-tools(also known as dconf editor):
install it by
sudo apt-get install dconf-tools (in terminal) or get it from ubuntu softwARE center .
Press alt+f2 and open dconf-editor (or in a terminal type dconf-editor)
Navigate to Navigate to org>>gnome>>settings-daemon>>plugins>>power and set your default button-power action there.
I hope this will help you.