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Well, you've probably already downloaded and installed the new version of Ubuntu that everyone is talking about. Now what? As is the tradition in most Linux blogs, here is a list of 10 things to do after installing Ubuntu 11.04. |
1. Run the Update Manager
It is likely that after Ubuntu 11.04 has been released, new updates have appeared for the different packages that the ISO image they distribute comes with
For this reason, after finishing the installation it is always recommended to run the Update Manager. You can do it by searching for it in the Dash.
2. Install Spanish Language
In the Dash I wrote Language and from there you will be able to add the language you prefer.
3. Install codecs, Flash, additional fonts, drivers, etc.
Due to legal issues, Ubuntu cannot include by default a series of packages that, on the other hand, are very necessary for any user: codecs to play MP3, WMV or encrypted DVDs, additional sources (widely used in Windows), Flash, drivers owners (to make better use of 3D functions or Wi-Fi), etc.
Fortunately, the Ubuntu installer allows you to install all of this from scratch. You just have to enable that option in one of the installer screens.
In case you haven't, you can install them as follows:
Video card driver
Ubuntu should automatically detect and alert you to the availability of 3D drivers. In that case, you will see an icon for a video card on the top panel. Click on that icon and follow the instructions.
If Ubuntu doesn't detect your card, you can always install your 3D driver (nvidia or ati) by looking for the Hardware Configuration Tool.
Proprietary codecs and formats
If you are one of those who cannot live without listening to MP3, M4A and other proprietary formats, as well as you could not survive in this cruel world without being able to play your videos in MP4, WMV and other proprietary formats, there is a very simple solution. You just have to click on the button below:
or write in a terminal:
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras
4. Install Tools to help you configure Ubuntu
The most popular tool for configuring Ubuntu is Ubuntu Tweak. This wonder allows you to "tune" your Ubuntu and leave it as you like.
To install Ubuntu Tweak, I opened a terminal and typed:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa: tualatrix / ppa sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install ubuntu-tweak
5. Install compression applications
In order to compress and decompress some popular free and proprietary formats, you need to install the following packages:
sudo apt-get install rar unace p7zip-full p7zip-rar sharutils mpack lha arj
6. Install some very useful indicators on the panel
In Ubuntu 11.04 it is not possible to use the traditional GNOME panel applets. However, there are replacements for the more popular applets: system monitor, weather, RSS readers, clipboard manager, etc.
For a complete list of these indicators and how to install them, I recommend you read this article.
7. Find more applications in the Ubuntu Software Center
In case you can't find an application to do what you want or you don't like the applications that come by default in Ubuntu, you can go to the Ubuntu Software Center.
From there you will be able to install excellent applications with just a few clicks. Some popular picks are:
- OpenShot, video editor
- AbiWordSimple, lightweight text editor
- Thunderbird, email
- Chromium, web browser
- Pidgin, cat
8. Change interface
To the traditional GNOME interface
If you are not a fan of Unity and want to use the traditional GNOME interface, please do the following:
- Log out
- Click on your username
- Look for the session menu at the bottom of the screen
- Change it from Ubuntu to Ubuntu Classic
- Click Login.
To Unity 2D - an alternative to Unity based on Qt
Unity 2D is available for users who do not have powerful hardware or those who are not compatible with the 3D used by Unity. It is much lighter than the traditional Unity but provides practically the same functionality.
To GNOME 3 / GNOME Shell
Gnome 3 / Shell is available via PPA, although its installation is not highly recommended as it breaks Unity dependencies.
9. Install Nautilus Elementary
Nautilus Elementary is a replacement for the default file explorer in Ubuntu, Nautilus, which has a large following and adds many cool features.
To install it, I opened a terminal and typed:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa: am-monkeyd / nautilus-elementary-ppa sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade
10. Install Compiz Settings Manager & some extra plugins
Compiz is the one who makes those amazing stationery that leaves us all speechless. Unfortunately Ubuntu does not come with any graphical interface to configure Compiz. Also, it doesn't come with all the plugins installed.
To install them, I opened a terminal and typed:
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager compiz-fusion-plugins-extra
Sources: OMG! ubuntu & Paradise Linux