Top Things to Do After Installing Ubuntu 12.10

You just installed new Ubuntu and you can start work, right? Not quite. Of course it's possible but we usually like to install few additional apps or simply change some settings. So below you can find the most popular changes you can apply to new Ubuntu 12.10.


Install Ubuntu restricted extras

Just to use MP3 files, Java, Flash plugin or TrueType fonts, you have to install in Ubuntu addional packages. Thankfully they are all in one package called ubuntu-restricted-extras, which you can install by typing into console:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras

Also, you can install that package from Ubuntu Software Center.

Compiz and Unity

Unity configuration is in some parts very limited. Still, you can install CompizConfig Settings Manager that allows you to change Unity Compiz plugin settings. Just type into console:

sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager

Then find "Ubuntu Unity Plugin" on the home page and you are done. From here you can easily change basic Unity desktop settings.

Unity configuration. Fot. UbuCentrum.net

Download Chrome

In my opinion it's just the best internet browser out there. Of course you can agree with me or not, but I'm using Firefox installed by default only for downloading Chrome or Chromium (which you can find in Ubuntu Software Center).

Install Ubuntu Tweak

Ubuntu Tweak in Ubuntu 12.10. Fot. UbuCentrum.net

Why isn't that tool installed in Ubuntu by default? I think many users ask themselves that question. This app can help you tweak for example settings of sound or Unity look. You can also manage your repository list or clean old unused packages.

You can install Ubuntu Tweak in Ubuntu 12.10 by typing into console:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:tualatrix/ppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-tweak

Install Gimp

GIMP w Ubuntu 12.10. Fot. UbuCentrum.net

Unfortunately Gimp isn't included in default Ubuntu install. Why, when it still didn't fit into 700 MB CD disc? I guess you have to ask Canoncial ;)

In meantime you can install GIMP in Ubuntu simply by typing into console:

sudo apt-get install gimp

I'd also recommend to install a few additional plugins:

sudo apt-get install gimp-plugin-registry
sudo apt-get install gimp-resynthesizer

Install GNOME 3.6 (and Nautilus 3.6)

Nautilus 3.6.0 in Ubuntu 12.10. Fot. UbuCentrum.net

In new Ubuntu 12.10 you still can't find latest version of Nautilus. It's too bad because it has a lot of positive changes (faster search, new icons, simpler look). I think it's great step ahead and it's worth to try new Nautilus 3.6.0. You can do that by typing into console:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gnome3-team/gnome3
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
At the end you just have to restart your session or simply close all opened Nautilus windows.

Install VLC

New VLC 2.0.2 in Ubuntu 12.04. Fot. UbuCentrum.net

When it comes to video players, there's VLC, MPlayer, and... very long tail of not so great tools. If you just want to watch movies, install VLC and forget about problems with video files :)

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:n-muench/vlc
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install vlc

Install Synaptic

Popular package manger disappeared form Ubuntu but not for a long time. If you'd like to install that great tool, simply type into console:

sudo apt-get install synaptic