Welcome to Skills Training by Mohammad Shuaib – your reliable destination for learning how to get the best out of your Linux system.
If you’re new to Ubuntu or have recently installed it on your system, you might be wondering what to do next to get everything running smoothly. This guide is especially useful if you’re switching from Windows or macOS. Ubuntu is powerful, customizable, and secure, but you need to tweak it a bit after installation for the best experience.
Let’s explore the most important things to do after installing Ubuntu, so you can unlock its full potential and make it truly your own.
Step 1: Update Your System
As soon as Ubuntu is installed, it’s important to update all system packages to ensure everything is current and secure.
Open Terminal and run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
You’ll be asked for your password. Enter it to start the update process.
Step 2: Install Multimedia Codecs
Ubuntu doesn’t come with some multimedia codecs due to licensing restrictions. To play videos and music in all formats, install essential codecs.
Run the following:
sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extras -y
This will install MP3 support, Microsoft fonts, Flash, and more.
Step 3: Enable Laptop Mode (For Laptops)
To improve battery life and performance on laptops, enable Laptop Mode Tools.
Run:
sudo apt install laptop-mode-tools -y
After installation, reboot your system to apply the changes.
Step 4: Install Drivers
Ubuntu usually detects and installs drivers automatically, but you can manually check for additional or proprietary drivers.
Steps:
- Open Software & Updates
- Go to the Additional Drivers tab
- Let Ubuntu scan and offer any proprietary drivers (e.g., NVIDIA or Wi-Fi)
Step 5: Enable Write Caching (Optional)
Enabling write caching can improve system responsiveness. However, be cautious, as data loss can occur if there’s a sudden power failure.
To enable write caching:
- Search for Disks
- Select your hard drive
- Click on the gear icon → Drive Settings
- Enable Write Cache
Step 6: Tweak Display Settings for High DPI Screens
If you have a high-resolution display, you may need to adjust scaling for better visibility.
Steps:
- Open Settings → Displays
- Adjust Scale Factor (e.g., 200% for 4K displays)
Step 7: Install Microsoft Fonts
If you work with documents or presentations that require Microsoft fonts (like Arial, Times New Roman), install them by running:
sudo apt install ttf-mscorefonts-installer -y
Step 8: Install a Code Editor (Optional)
If you’re a developer or student, install Visual Studio Code – a popular editor for programming, documentation, and markdown editing.
Run:
sudo snap install code --classic
Step 9: Set Clipboard History
Ubuntu supports clipboard history, which helps you recall and reuse copied text. You can enable this feature using extensions or tools like Clipman or Parcellite.
Install Parcellite:
sudo apt install parcellite -y
Run it from your applications menu.
Step 10: Add and Customize Keyboard Shortcuts
You can personalize Ubuntu by creating your own keyboard shortcuts for tasks you frequently perform.
To do this:
- Open Settings → Keyboard → Custom Shortcuts
- Add a new shortcut with your desired command and key combination
Step 11: Manage Startup Applications
Prevent unnecessary applications from launching at startup to boost boot time.
Steps:
- Open Startup Applications
- Uncheck or remove applications you don’t want running on startup
Step 12: Install System Cleanup Tool
Cleaning unused packages and caches keeps your system fast and responsive.
Install BleachBit:
sudo apt install bleachbit -y
It works like CCleaner for Linux.
Bonus: Install GNOME Tweaks (Customization Tool)
If you’re using GNOME-based Ubuntu, install GNOME Tweaks to personalize themes, fonts, title bars, and more.
Run:
sudo apt install gnome-tweaks -y
Conclusion
Ubuntu is a powerful OS, and by following these steps, you’ll significantly improve usability, performance, and efficiency. Whether you’re new to Linux or transitioning from Windows/macOS, this setup ensures you get the most out of your system from day one.
Feel free to bookmark this article and revisit it any time you install Ubuntu on a new machine.
Tags:
ubuntu setup, post installation ubuntu, ubuntu tips and tricks, linux for beginners, ubuntu customization, ubuntu drivers, visual studio code linux, linux clipboard manager, ubuntu high dpi, ubuntu cleanup tools, ubuntu startup settings
Hashtags:
#Ubuntu #LinuxTips #OpenSource #LinuxForBeginners #UbuntuSetup #UbuntuDesktop #VSCode #LinuxTools #UbuntuCustomization
