What to do after installing Ubuntu 20.04

Getting Started After Installing Ubuntu 20.04

Installing Ubuntu 20.04 is a significant step towards enjoying a powerful, versatile, and user-friendly operating system. However, the post-installation phase is where your experience can truly begin to shine. This guide will walk you through essential steps to optimize, configure, and personalize your new Ubuntu environment, helping you get the most out of your system.

Initial system update

Why Update?

After installation, the first step you should take is to update your system. This ensures you have the latest security patches and improvements. Software developers continuously release updates to fix bugs, enhance functionality, and improve security. Failing to update your system makes it more vulnerable to threats and could lead to functionality issues.

How to Update

1. Open the Terminal: You can do this by searching for “Terminal” in the applications menu or using the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T.

2. Update Repositories: Type the following command and press Enter:
   bash
   sudo apt update

3. Upgrade Installed Packages: After updating the repository list, run:
   bash
   sudo apt upgrade

   This command will upgrade all the installed software to its latest versions.

4. Remove Obsolete Packages: To clean up unnecessary packages that are no longer needed, run:
   bash
   sudo apt autoremove

Completing these steps ensures a cleaner, more efficient system from the start.

Installing Additional Drivers

Why Additional Drivers Matter

Typically, Ubuntu automatically recognizes and installs the necessary drivers for your hardware. However, you may find that certain proprietary drivers—especially for graphics and Wi-Fi—are not automatically installed. These can significantly enhance performance and stability.

How to Install

1. Go to “Software & Updates” in the application menu.
2. Click on the “Additional Drivers” tab. Ubuntu will search for any available proprietary drivers for your hardware.
3. If driver options appear, select the recommended proprietary driver.
4. After selecting, click “Apply Changes” and wait for the installation to complete.

After installation, reboot your system to ensure all new drivers are loaded correctly.

Essential Software to Install

While Ubuntu 20.04 comes preloaded with numerous applications, you might find some additional software helpful for your specific needs.

Recommended Software

1. Browser: While Firefox is installed by default, you might prefer Google Chrome or Brave. Download installers from their official websites.

2. Communication Tools: Install messaging apps like Slack, Skype, or Discord to stay connected with your team or friends.

3. Media Players: For a better media experience, consider VLC Media Player, a versatile tool that supports various media formats.

4. Productivity Software: LibreOffice comes preinstalled, but you can also explore alternatives like OnlyOffice or Microsoft Office Online if needed.

5. System Monitoring Tools: Install htop or gnome-system-monitor to keep tabs on system performance and resource usage. Install htop via the terminal:
   bash
   sudo apt install htop

Personalizing Your desktop environment

Changing Appearance

The visual aspect of your OS can significantly impact your user experience. Personalizing your desktop environment makes it feel more like home.

1. Themes: Install Gnome Tweaks by running:
   bash
   sudo apt install gnome-tweaks

   Use it to change your theme, icons, and fonts.

2. Wallpaper: Change your wallpaper by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting “Change Background.” Choose from the available images or upload your own.

3. Icons: Explore icon packs by searching for them online or visiting repositories like GNOME Look for some stunning options.

4. Dock Customization: Move your dock to the bottom or customize its size and behavior via “Settings” -> “Dock.”

Configuring System Settings

Essential Settings to Customize

1. Power Settings: Access these settings through “Settings” -> “Power” to control power saving options.

2. keyboard shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with comfortable keyboard shortcuts for quick access to your most-used apps and functionalities. You can customize shortcuts under “Settings” -> “Keyboard.”

3. privacy settings: Ensure your data privacy by navigating to “Settings” -> “Privacy” and adjusting the settings to your comfort level. Disable any tracking services that you do not find necessary.

Backing Up Your System

Why Regular Backups Are Important

Backing up data is crucial to avoid data loss due to hardware failure, accidental deletion, or any unforeseen issues. Ubuntu 20.04 comes with a built-in backup tool, “Deja Dup,” that makes backups simple and effective.

How to Set It Up

1. Open Deja Dup: Find it in the application menu.
2. Set Up a Backup Schedule: You can choose where to store your backups—locally, on an external drive, or on a cloud service.
3. Manual Backups: You can also run backups manually at any time by clicking “Back Up Now.”

Enabling Firewall

Why a Firewall Matters

A firewall is essential for protecting your system from unauthorized access. Ubuntu comes with ufw (Uncomplicated Firewall) pre-installed, but you may need to enable it first.

How to Set It Up

1. Open the Terminal.

2. Enable the firewall with the following command:
   bash
   sudo ufw enable

3. Check the status by running:
   bash
   sudo ufw status

4. You can allow or deny access to specific ports using:
   bash
   sudo ufw allow sudo ufw deny

Enhancing Security

Additional Security Measures

1. Install Antivirus: Though Linux systems are less prone to viruses, installing ClamAV can provide an additional layer of security against malware.

   bash
   sudo apt install clamav

2. Regular Updates: Ensure that you set a routine to regularly check for updates.

3. User access control: For shared systems, manage user accounts and permissions wisely by navigating to “Settings” -> “Users.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I uninstall a package in Ubuntu?

You can easily remove a package using the following command in the terminal:
bash
sudo apt remove package_name

2. Is it necessary to install antivirus software on Ubuntu?

While Ubuntu is generally secure, installing antivirus software like ClamAV can provide extra protection, particularly if you handle files from other operating systems.

3. How can I change the default applications in Ubuntu?

Navigate to “Settings” -> “Default Applications” to select your preferred choices for web browsers, email clients, and media players.

4. What should I do if my software doesn’t install?

Ensure that your repository lists are up-to-date. You can attempt to fix broken installs using:
bash
sudo apt –fix-broken install

5. Can I run Windows applications on Ubuntu?

Yes, you can use Wine or install a virtual machine tool like VirtualBox to run Windows applications on Ubuntu.

Following these steps will not only enhance your experience as a new Ubuntu user but also lay a foundation for a secure and efficient computing environment. With Ubuntu 20.04, you’re in for a powerful and customizable operating system experience.