20 Things to Do After Installing Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Focal Fossa)

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish) is the latest long-term support release of Ubuntu, which means that it will be supported for five years with security updates and bug fixes. If you have just installed Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, congratulations! You are now ready to explore the world of Ubuntu and take advantage of its many features and tools.

In this article, we will discuss 20 essential things you can do after installing Ubuntu 22.04 LTS to optimize your new operating system. These include updating your system, customizing your desktop, installing essential software, configuring security settings, and more.

1. Update Your System

The first thing you should do after installing Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is to update your system to ensure that you have the latest security patches and bug fixes. To do this, open the terminal and run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

2. Install GNOME Tweaks

GNOME Tweaks is a powerful tool that allows you to customize the look and feel of your desktop environment. With GNOME Tweaks, you can change your desktop theme, icons, fonts, and more. To install GNOME Tweaks:

sudo apt install gnome-tweaks

3. Install Your Favorite Browser

Ubuntu comes with Firefox web browser installed by default, but you can install your preferred browser. Some popular alternatives include Google Chrome, Chromium, and Opera. To install Google Chrome:

wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
sudo apt install ./google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

4. Install Multimedia Codecs

Ubuntu does not come with support for some proprietary multimedia codecs out of the box, such as MP3 and DVD playback. To install these codecs:

sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extras

5. Install VLC Media Player

VLC media player is a versatile multimedia player that supports a wide variety of audio and video formats. To install VLC:

sudo apt install vlc

6. Install GIMP

GIMP is a powerful open-source image editor that can be used for photo retouching, image composition, and graphic design. To install GIMP:

sudo apt install gimp

7. Install LibreOffice

LibreOffice is a free and open-source office suite that includes a word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation software. LibreOffice usually comes pre-installed, but if it's missing:

sudo apt install libreoffice

8. Install a Code Editor

If you are a programmer, you may want to install a code editor to help you write code more efficiently. Popular choices include Visual Studio Code, Atom, and Sublime Text. To install Visual Studio Code:

sudo snap install code --classic

9. Install Steam

If you are a gamer, you may want to install Steam to access a wide variety of games. To install Steam:

sudo apt install steam

10. Install Wine

Wine is a compatibility layer that allows you to run Windows applications on Ubuntu. To install Wine:

sudo apt install wine

11. Install Synaptic Package Manager

Synaptic Package Manager is a graphical package manager that allows you to browse and install packages from Ubuntu repositories with an intuitive interface. To install Synaptic:

sudo apt install synaptic

12. Install htop

htop is an enhanced process monitoring tool that allows you to view and manage your system's processes in real-time with better visualization than the default top command. To install htop:

sudo apt install htop

13. Configure Your System Settings

Ubuntu offers a variety of system settings that you can configure to customize your system to your preferences. You can access system settings by clicking on the gear icon in the top-right corner of the screen and selecting "Settings." Important settings to customize include:

• Display settings Adjust display resolution, scaling, and orientation for optimal viewing.

• Sound settings Configure system volume, input/output devices, and sound effects.

• Power settings Set screen timeout, sleep mode, and battery optimization options.

• Keyboard shortcuts Customize shortcuts for various system functions and applications.

14. Customize Your Desktop Environment

Ubuntu offers various desktop environments that you can choose from, such as GNOME (default), KDE, and Xfce. Each desktop environment offers a different look, feel, and performance characteristics. To install alternative desktop environments:

sudo apt install kubuntu-desktop    # for KDE Plasma
sudo apt install xubuntu-desktop    # for Xfce
sudo apt install ubuntu-mate-desktop # for MATE

15. Install Snap Packages

Snap packages are a universal packaging format for Linux applications that provide better security and easier updates. Snap support is usually pre-installed, but if needed:

sudo apt install snapd

You can search for Snap packages in the Ubuntu Software Center or install them from the command line using the snap command.

16. Install Flatpak Packages

Flatpak packages are another universal packaging format for Linux applications that provide sandboxed applications. To install Flatpak support:

sudo apt install flatpak
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

17. Configure Your Firewall

Ubuntu comes with a firewall called ufw (Uncomplicated Firewall) installed by default, but it is not enabled. To enable and configure the firewall:

sudo ufw enable
sudo ufw status

You can then configure specific firewall rules to allow or block incoming and outgoing connections as needed for your security requirements.

18. Set Up System Backup

It is essential to set up regular backups to protect your data and settings. Ubuntu comes with Deja Dup backup tool installed by default. To access it, search for "Backups" in the Activities overview and configure automated backups to an external drive or cloud service.

19. Install a Virtual Machine

If you need to run other operating systems or test software in isolated environments, install virtualization software such as VirtualBox or VMware. To install VirtualBox:

sudo apt install virtualbox virtualbox-ext-pack

20. Join the Ubuntu Community

Ubuntu has a large and active community of users and developers who can help you learn more about Ubuntu, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to the development of the operating system. You can join the Ubuntu community by:

• Visiting the official Ubuntu website and forums

• Joining Ubuntu-related subreddits and Discord servers

• Contributing to Ubuntu projects on GitHub and Launchpad

• Participating in local Ubuntu user groups and events

Conclusion

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish) is a robust and versatile operating system that offers extensive customization options and a rich ecosystem of applications. By following these 20 essential steps, you can optimize your Ubuntu installation, enhance security, and create a personalized computing environment that meets your specific needs and preferences.