7 Things to Do After Installing Ubuntu

Installing Ubuntu is an easy job, but it doesn’t come pre-loaded with all of the software and features many people use on a daily basis. And, though Ubuntu looks nice, there are some small pieces of software that can extend it’s visual qualities without sacrificing functionality. So, after you install Ubuntu, here is what to install next:

1. Mozilla Tunderbird

This mail client, some would argue, is much better than Ubuntu’s default mail client (Evolution). Defineitly worth the wait to download. If you install Thunderbird, make sure you also install Lightning, a calendar extension for Thunderbird.

2. Wine

As many people know, Wine is Linux software that lets you run Windows applications. This is a must have if you depend on Windows based software. It also gives you the flexibility to step away from that Windows machine into the open source universe!

3. Skype

Just as with other operating systems, Skype can be used on the Linux platform. You can download it at http://www.skype.com/download/skype/linux/. Look for too, though, in Ubuntu’s software installer.

4. Banshee

Banshee is a nice open source audio player that takes the place of iTunes on Ubuntu (though you can’t sync your iPod yet on Linux). You can learn more at: http://wiki.banshee-project.org/Main_Page

5. Gstreamer Plugins

Gstreamer plugins are required for media playback. It adds all the right media codecs to the system, allowing you to watch video and listen to audio.

6. Extend Firefox

There are a ton of Firefox extensions out there, and it is worth getting a few of them. Video Helper is a nice plugin that lets you download Youtube videos.

7. Get Flash

Make sure you get the latest version of flash from Adobe. You can get the newset version here: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/otherversions/

That’s It

Mose of these pieces of software can be dowloaded with Ubuntu’s built in Add/remove programs feature. it allows you to do quick searches for new software. Have fun!

Comments

1. Kuchiki Rukia(November 27, 2008)

   Quick question there… Do you know if Wine has been updated to allow for integration of Photoshop CS4? Hate the Windows platform but the nascent state of cross platform integration keeps our team locked into M$ products.

   I know that there used to be a project involving PhotoShop & Wine, but never knew if it came to fruition.

   PS – Love your template. Awful lot like ours, wonder where you got it lol.
2. Zac(November 28, 2008)

   Hi Kuchiki Rukia–I’m not too sure if Wine has been updated for the new Adobe products. I know that Adobe is developing a wider each into open source OS (take Adobe AIR for example). I’ve been able to run pretty heavy duty programs through Wine, but have not tested a CS4 or CS3 product. I know you’d have to have a pretty beefy machine. At least 2GB RAM. Do you know the minimum requirements for CS4?
3. Kuchiki Rukia(November 29, 2008)

   Thanks for your quick post. Um, officially Adobe is telling us that 512 MB is enough to run it. Our machines have 4 – 8 GB ram depending on task. We have a 3ds Max server that may be higher, I dunno…

   Anyway, ram shouldn’t be a problem.
4. Zac(November 30, 2008)

   Well, if RAM isn’t a problem, I think it should work fine through Wine, barring no other problems. If Wine will need an upgrade, I think the new CS4 products will push it.