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Ubuntu Linux is feature rich and comes with a curated selection of preinstalled software.
Dig just a little bit deeper though, and you’ll find some features you ought to be using.
The Ubuntu Experience
Ubuntuneeds no introduction.
It’s the most popular Linux distribution for home users, hands down.
It’s the distribution many Linux users cut their teeth on.
Arch gives you a plain vanilla, minimalist, workingLinux Installation.
it’s crucial that you roll out the software that you want, and only what you want.
Ubuntu comes fully loaded with a wide range of applications.
The motivation for this is convenience andeasing new users into the Linux world.
Having instant access to all manner of applications suits them just fine.
These are features and applications you really should be using to improve your Ubuntu experience.
Because some of them are GNOME-based, they’ll work on other distributions too.
Related:What’s New in Ubuntu 22.10 ‘Kinetic Kudu’, Available Now
1.
GNOME Desktop Extensions
Setting your system up so that it functions the way you want is important.
GNOME Extensions take this a step further.
They provide functionality that isn’t built into GNOME.
To use extensions you’ll need to set up the Ubuntu Extension Manager.
The “Super” key is usually located between the right-hand “Ctrl” and “Alt” keys.
As you jot down, the Extension Manager icon appears.
The Extension Manager will launch.
you’re able to toggle all extensions on or off with a single slider.
Each of the preinstalled system extensions has its own slider.
Until you’ve installed some additional extensions, the “User-Installed Extensions” section is empty.
tap the “Browse” button to browse through a list of extensions.
There are a lot of extensions.
Using the search bar at the top of the window can be an easier way to locate extensions.
We searched for “LAN IP address”, and clicked the Install button to install it.
We then had to snag the “Install” button in a confirmation dialog.
This extension displays theIP addressof the computer in the top bar, near the system menu.
There are hundreds of extensions to choose from.
Installing and uninstalling them with the Extensions Manager is easy.
When the GNOME Tweaks icon appears, hit it.
The options in the GNOME Tweaks sidebar are:
3.
Desktop Themes
One of the most impactful things GNOME Tweaks does is let you select a theme.
Ubuntu comes with some preinstalled themes, and defaults to its Yaru theme.
But there are thousands of free themes to choose from.
TheGNOME Lookwebsite is a good place to start looking.
you’re gonna wanna download your chosen theme.
Note that there might be several downloads.
GTK and GNOME shell themes need to go into your “~/.themes” directory.
Icon themes need to go into your “~/.icons” directory.
If these directories don’t exist, it’s possible for you to create them.
There’s nothing special about them.
Unzip the files into “~/.themes” and “~/.icons” directories.
Weextractedthe icons TAR file and moved the extracted folder to the “~/.icons” directory.
We extracted the theme TAR file and moved the extracted theme folder to our “~/.themes” directories.
As easy as that, we’d changed the appearance of our Ubuntu installation.
Related:How to Install Desktop Themes on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
4.
Custom Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts let you define keystroke combinations to carry out actions for you.
initiate the “parameters” system and navigate to Keyboard > View and Customize Shortcuts > Custom Shortcuts.
nudge the “Add Shortcut” button.
We’re going to set up a keyboard shortcut to fire up the file surfing app.
jot down in a name for the shortcut.
We’re using “Open Files.”
In the command field, enter the command that you want to have executed when you invoke the shortcut.
In our case, it’s “nautilus.”
grab the “Set Shortcut” button.
GNOME waits for input.
confirm you press the keys you want to use at the same time, not one after the other.
Press the key combination you want to associate with the keyboard shortcut.
We’re using the Super key and the E key.
GNOME shows you the name, command, and keystrokes that you have entered.
smack the “Add” button to store your shortcut.
Now, whenever you press the Super and E key together, your file online window will open.
Related:How to Be More Productive in Ubuntu Using Keyboard Shortcuts
5.
Deja-Dup Backups
Backups are vital.
If you have a disaster and you don’t have backups, you’re going to lose data.
That might be important documents or cherished photographs.
The demons offailed hard drivesdon’t care.
And yet on Ubuntu it is so simple to create backups.
The simpler it is to back up, the more likely you are to do it.
And if you could set your backups to happen automatically, even better.
you might also back up to Google Drive or to Microsoft OneDrive.
As you throw in, the Deja Dup icon appears.
The Deja Dup utility launches.
tap the “Create Your First Backup” button.
Deja Dup is a personal backup tool.
It backs up your personal data, it isn’t a system restore tool.
So by default, Deja Dup backs up your home directory.
smack the “Forward” button.
Select a location to for your backup.
We’re going to select Google Drive.
you’re gonna wanna authorize Deja Dup to access your Google Drive.
smack the “Grant Access” button.
Your default web web app opens and prompts you to log into Google Drive.
When you’ve done this, Deja Dup continues.
you might set up automatic backups, or choose to back up now.
nudge the “Back Up Now” button to back up immediately.
Related:What’s the Best Way to Back Up My Computer?
Stretch Your Wings
Ubuntu is great, straight out of the box.
Removing operation friction is always a win.
Related:5 Linux Alternatives for Windows PowerToys
