Each time I set up Ubuntu, whether or not it is a recent setup or an improve—I comply with a guidelines of tweaks I instantly apply. It is a set of modifications I at all times make to make sure the system feels snug, acquainted, and environment friendly for me.
Earlier than digging in, let me be clear: this is not a “You Should Do This” checklist. Whereas these settings work completely for my workflow, your preferences might fluctuate. Possibly you may get some inspiration, or possibly you may disagree totally—and that is completely effective! Linux, particularly Ubuntu, is all about making it your individual.
7
Replace My System
The very very first thing I do earlier than anything is replace every thing. Why do I prioritize this? Effectively, these updates include safety fixes, bug patches, and typically even shiny new options.
Additionally, typically, between the time the set up picture was created and the time I truly put in it, new updates have been launched. So, operating the replace not solely ensures I’ve the newest options, but in addition retains my system safe.
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You may replace your system simply by way of the graphical Software program Updater instrument, which regularly pops up robotically. If not, or should you choose the command line, run this in your terminal:
sudo apt replace -y
sudo apt improve -y
Right here, apt replace refreshes the checklist of accessible packages, and apt improve installs the brand new variations. The -y simply robotically says sure to the prompts.
Might I skip this? Certain. However these notification bubbles reminding me to replace would simply hang-out me till I did it anyway.
6
Customise the Look
The default Ubuntu theme is sweet {and professional}, however I nonetheless choose to personalize my atmosphere to make it extra snug and acquainted. For instance, I stare at my display for 8+ hours each day, so having a visually pleasing atmosphere is not nearly aesthetics—it is also about decreasing eye pressure and making my workspace pleasing.
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Here is how I begin: I instantly head to the Look settings to alter the wallpaper, swap to darkish mode, and regulate the accent colours, however that is just the start. For deeper customization, I typically set up themes and icon packs, which require putting in GNOME Tweaks (extra on that later). I usually choose the darkish theme as a result of it is simpler on my eyes, and the colourful icons present simply sufficient visible distinction to make navigation intuitive.
5
Set up GNOME Tweaks and Extensions
Need to unlock an entire new degree of customization? Attempt putting in GNOME Tweaks and GNOME Extension Supervisor. GNOME Tweaks is a separate utility you may want for the GNOME desktop atmosphere that Ubuntu makes use of. I take advantage of it for altering fonts (system-wide or for particular parts), including decrease/maximize buttons again to window title bars, and tweaking look settings.
You may get it instantly from the Ubuntu Software program Retailer or through the terminal with this command:
sudo apt set up gnome-tweaks
Equally, the GNOME Extension Supervisor enables you to handle GNOME Shell extensions. These extensions are like little add-ons in your desktop. You’ll find ones that add climate forecasts, system displays, various utility menus, superior window administration, and rather more. I will additionally typically seize the Wallpaper Changer extension to rotate by way of my favourite pictures all through the day.
Get the Extension Supervisor utility with this:
sudo apt set up gnome-shell-extension-manager
Now you may set up, handle, and browse any GNOME extension immediately throughout the app. After set up, navigate to the Put in tab to toggle or allow the just lately added extensions.
My must-have extensions embody Sprint to Dock, which transforms your sidebar right into a persistent dock for fast app entry, and a System Monitor extension for monitoring useful resource utilization.
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Whereas extensions add nice performance, utilizing too many, or ones which might be poorly maintained can typically trigger instability. So, it is best to stay with a lean, well-regarded choice.
Ever downloaded a video file or tried to play an MP3 and located that Ubuntu simply cannot play it? That’s often as a result of it’s lacking the mandatory codecs—small bits of software program that decode numerous audio and video codecs.
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You’ll have heard the time period codec used when discussing media codecs and compression, however what does it imply and the place did it come from?
The Ubuntu installer does immediate you to put in codecs throughout setup, and you’ll verify a field to put in them immediately. Nonetheless, more often than not the installer does not embody many video codecs by default because of licensing restrictions. So, we regularly set up them afterward by including the ubuntu-restricted-extras bundle through the Multiverse repository.
To do that, merely open a terminal and run:
sudo apt set up ubuntu-restricted-extras
This bundle bundles many widespread codecs (like for MP3, MP4, AVI) and helpful extras like Microsoft fonts. It simply makes life simpler when coping with media information.
A neater manner is to simply obtain and set up the VLC media participant in your Ubuntu system. VLC has many of the media codecs you should play movies with none issues.
3
Disable Characters From GNOME Search
Okay, this one is a private choice—possibly even a bit area of interest—however it bugs me! Once I search in GNOME, it pulls up emoji and particular characters by default. Why do I want emoji cluttering my search outcomes after I’m simply looking for Firefox? So, I head into Settings > Search and toggle off Characters.
Now I can seek for settings or some other issues with out getting irrelevant characters within the search consequence.
Past disabling character search, I additionally modify file search places. By default, Ubuntu searches all over the place, which may gradual issues down and floor outcomes from folders I hardly ever use. I am going to Settings > Search > Places and uncheck directories like Photos and Music, since I hardly ever seek for media information by title.
2
Set Up the Firewall
Ubuntu comes with a firewall tool called UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall), however it’s often not enabled by default on desktop installations.
For most individuals, leaving the firewall turned off is okay. Nonetheless, should you’re like me and typically run particular providers like SSH or an internet server, you may must open ports, which may doubtlessly expose you to dangerous actors. In that case, you must activate and handle the firewall.
Enabling it’s tremendous easy. Simply open a terminal and run:
sudo ufw allow
That’s often it—it units up wise defaults. You may verify its standing anytime with:
sudo ufw standing
1
Set up Backup Software program
Backing up your stuff is not precisely a settings tweak, however putting in and configuring backup software program is totally on my important post-install guidelines. Like with some other working system, it is essential for safeguarding in opposition to {hardware} failure, consumer error, cybersecurity threats, and system-specific points.
Ubuntu comes with a built-in backup instrument known as Backups. It is easy, integrates effectively, and may again up your essential house folder information to an exterior drive or cloud storage (like Google Drive).
Nonetheless, after attempting quite a few backup options, I choose Timeshift for system backups. It gives a clear interface whereas utilizing rsync below the hood when working in RSYNC mode. To put in Timeshift, run:
sudo apt set up timeshift
Timeshift is completely different from instruments that simply again up your private information. It primarily saves your system settings and essential system information. That is actually helpful if you wish to experiment together with your system or set up updates that may trigger issues.
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And there you’ve got it! These are the principle issues I often tinker with proper after a recent Ubuntu set up. What I really like about Linux is that there is not any single appropriate configuration—it is all about what works greatest in your wants and workflow.