20 Things To Do After Installing Ubuntu 22.10 'Groovy Gorilla'

Ubuntu 22.10 'Kinetic Kudu' brings exciting features and improvements to the Linux desktop experience. After installation, there are essential configurations and applications to install that will optimize your system and enhance productivity. This guide covers 20 important steps to get the most out of your fresh Ubuntu installation.

1. Install System Updates

The first priority is updating your system to ensure you have the latest security patches, bug fixes, and feature improvements. Open the Software Updater application or use the terminal

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

2. Install Additional Hardware Drivers

Ubuntu includes open-source drivers, but proprietary drivers often provide better performance for graphics cards and wireless adapters. Navigate to Settings ? Additional Drivers and select the recommended driver for your hardware.

3. Install Media Codecs

Enable playback of proprietary media formats like MP3, H.264, and DVD by installing restricted extras

sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extras

4. Install Advanced Text Editors

While Gedit serves basic needs, developers and power users benefit from more feature-rich editors

• Visual Studio Code Feature-rich editor with extensive extension support

• Sublime Text Fast, lightweight editor with powerful features

• Vim/Neovim Terminal-based editors for advanced users

sudo snap install --classic code
sudo snap install sublime-text --classic

5. Install Alternative Web Browsers

Firefox is excellent, but you might prefer alternatives for specific workflows

• Google Chrome Industry-standard browser with Google services integration

• Brave Privacy-focused browser with built-in ad blocking

• Chromium Open-source foundation of Chrome

sudo apt install chromium-browser
sudo snap install brave

6. Install GNOME Tweaks

GNOME Tweaks provides advanced customization options beyond the standard Settings application

sudo apt install gnome-tweaks

7. Install System Monitoring Tools

Monitor system performance and resource usage with these tools

• htop Enhanced terminal-based process viewer

• Stacer System optimizer and monitoring tool

sudo apt install htop
sudo apt install stacer

8. Install Advanced Archive Tools

Handle more archive formats beyond the default Archive Manager

sudo apt install p7zip-full p7zip-rar

9. Install Enhanced PDF Readers

For advanced PDF functionality, consider these alternatives to the default Document Viewer

• Okular Feature-rich document viewer with annotation support

• Master PDF Editor Professional PDF editing capabilities

sudo apt install okular

10. Install Multimedia Applications

Enhance your media experience with powerful players and editors

• VLC Media Player Plays virtually any media format

• Audacity Audio editing and recording

• GIMP Professional image editing

sudo apt install vlc audacity gimp

11. Install Screenshot and Screen Recording Tools

Capture and share content more effectively

sudo apt install flameshot
sudo apt install obs-studio

12. Set Up Cloud Storage Integration

Integrate popular cloud services into your file manager

• Google Drive Access via GNOME Online Accounts

• Dropbox Download from official website

• Nextcloud Open-source alternative

sudo apt install nextcloud-client

13. Install a Password Manager

Secure your digital life with encrypted password storage

sudo apt install keepassxc

14. Set Up Development Tools

Essential tools for developers and system administrators

sudo apt install git curl wget build-essential
sudo snap install --classic node
sudo apt install python3-pip

15. Install Communication Applications

Stay connected with colleagues and friends

sudo snap install discord slack
sudo apt install thunderbird

16. Configure Firewall

Enable Ubuntu's uncomplicated firewall for basic security

sudo ufw enable
sudo ufw status

17. Install Virtualization Tools

Run virtual machines for testing and development

sudo apt install virtualbox
sudo apt install gnome-boxes

18. Set Up Backup Solutions

Protect your data with automated backup tools

sudo apt install deja-dup
sudo apt install timeshift

19. Install Productivity Applications

Boost productivity with office suites and note-taking apps

sudo apt install libreoffice
sudo snap install notion-snap
sudo apt install zim

20. Customize Your Desktop Environment

Personalize your Ubuntu experience with themes, extensions, and customizations. Install GNOME Shell extensions through the Extensions app or browser, apply custom themes via GNOME Tweaks, and configure your dock and panels to match your workflow preferences.

Conclusion

Following these 20 post-installation steps will transform your Ubuntu 22.10 system into a powerful, secure, and personalized computing environment. From essential system updates to productivity applications and customization options, these configurations ensure optimal performance and user experience. Take time to explore each tool and customize settings to match your specific workflow needs.