10 Things To Do After Installing Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a great operating system, especially the version 10.10. It comes with most needed software pre-installed. However, owing to licensing issues some packages are not installed by default. I recommend a few tweaks to polish your fresh installation. It takes lesser time and effort to prepare Ubuntu for a ride than it takes Windows 7 or Apple Mac.
1. Set up the repositories. Administration>Synaptic Package Manager>Settings>Repositories
a. Under Ubuntu Software enable all, except for Source Code
b. Other Software, select all. Here you can add needed [trusted] PPAs to install many more software.
c. Updates. Do not enable pre-release or unsupported updates, unless you are a dare-devil.
d. Reload.

Avoid using the search Box, instead use the Search button and select "Name" in the Look In. Now search for "restricted". Select Ubuntu-restricted-extras and addons. Mark Apply. This step will install all needed codecs and drivers which were otherwise restricted due to licensing issues.

2. Ubuntu comes with Brasero CD burner, but you can install a much more advanced K3B, which will enable you to get many more options of burning DVDs and CDs.

3. Install GIMP. Even if Ubuntu comes with Shotwell photo manager, GIMP is a powerhouse and can fight with Photoshop, shoulder to shoulder. Install GIMP through Synaptic or Ubuntu Software Center.

4. If you are a big fan of desktop effect and 3D desktop, you may want to enable the additional desktop effects. Please install "Compiz configuration settings manager". Search for compiz in Synaptic and install it. Once installed, you can find it under System>Preferences. Enable the effects you want.

5. You might have noticed some vertical lines in videos playing under Ubuntu. Just go to "CompizConfig Settings Manager" and under 'General Option' go to Display Settings and tick "Sync To VBlank'.
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