Araz Gray

Essential Steps After Installing Ubuntu 20.04

12 May 2020

I’ve had my issues with Ubuntu for a long time, but after trying many other distributions, it unfortunately remains my first choice if you don’t want to deal with the thousand-and-one problems of other distros. From non-working shortcut keys when your keyboard language isn’t English on Deepin, to Mint’s outdated kernel and other junk, you can also try remixes, but experience shows you can’t rely much on community-driven distributions. Anyway, Ubuntu is the current solution, and my goal is to personalize it to a tolerable level.

Key features of this version include:

• A not-so-exciting 5.4 kernel (hopefully we’ll all be excited for version 5.6)
• Gnome 3.36, still junky, though much faster and more usable than before
• Support for fractional scaling (previously only 100% or 200%; now, e.g., 125%)
• Faster boot with the laptop manufacturer logo displayed (like Windows)
• A cleaner and improved login screen
• A more flexible and better dark mode
• GameMode to boost performance for running games like GTA5 (Just Kidding)

0) Update packages to the latest versions
Do this once a day. It won’t hurt.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

1) Install restricted extras for default non-open-source media playback (mp3 and friends)
Although you could skip this entirely by using VLC, sometimes it’s handy.

sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extras

2) Install the GNOME Shell integration to browse and install ideal extensions from here

3) Install Dash to Panel
Some may be fine with Ubuntu’s default dock, but I find it disruptive to my workflow. I prefer the classic “Windows-style” panel. If you feel the same, this GNOME extension is for you and makes life much easier.

4) Replace Desktop Icons with Desktop Folders
I have no idea what went through the minds of GNOME developers when they removed desktop icons by default, but starting with version 19, the default GNOME desktop lacks them. Ubuntu added a workaround via their own extension, but since it’s outside the file manager structure, many simple features are missing, for example, drag-and-drop between desktop and apps. The partial solution is to remove Desktop Icons and install Desktop Folders to address some of the problems.

sudo apt install desktop-folders

5) Install useful applications via SnapStore
SnapStore is the easiest way to install apps on any system. Browse its categories and install anything you need with a single click. If you can’t find your apps there, Flatpak provides an extensive repository as well. Some essential apps include:

• Spotify (music hero)
• Skype (popular, updated video calling tool)
• Telegram (essential)
• VLC (plays almost any media)
• Mailspring (email client)
• Audacity (complete podcasting tool)
• GIMP (Photoshop alternative)
• Calibre (book management)
• Kazam (easy screen recorder for tutorials)
• Kdenlive (video editor)
• Sublime Text (powerful code editor)
• All JetBrains software if you’re a developer

6) Install Persian keyboard in Region and Language settings and adjust the shortcut keys for language switching as desired

This post got a bit angry and tired. I’ll tidy it up later.

Araz Gray — 12 May 2020

Forward: arazgray.com/things-after-install-ubuntu-20-04.ink