10. Install Apps From Elsewhere
Not every app you may want to use is available to install through the Ubuntu Software tool.
In fact, a wealth of awesome Linux software exists outside of the main Ubuntu repositories.
Among the popular Linux apps that won’t find in the Ubuntu software store:
- Google Chrome – Web browser with built-in, up-to-date Flash for Linux
- Dropbox – Cloud storage service
- Telegram — Messaging app
- Skype for Linux (Alpha) — The latest version of Skype for Linux
- Rambox – All your favourite messaging services in one app
- Spotify Web Player for Linux – A great music streaming app
- Vivaldi – Developer focused web browser
For more awesome app suggestions check out our dedicated Apps section:
11. Set Up Your Cloud Account(s)
Most of us work across multiple devices and operating systems and use cloud storage services to keep our favourite files, folders and documents in sync and readily accessible.
Whether you use Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive or roll your own personal cloud using NextCloud, don’t overlook setting up or logging in to your preferred cloud service provider on your fresh Ubuntu install.
You can use Google Drive on Ubuntu though the Nautilus file manager; while Dropbox has a native Linux desktop app available to download.
12. Install a System Cleaner
All operating systems will collect cruft as you use it. Ubuntu is no exception. With that in mind install a system cleaning app now and remember to run it from time to time.
BleachBit (free, open source). BleachBit can tackle menial tasks, from clearing your browser’s cache to deleting packages left over from installation, all at the push of a button.
If you upgrade from an earlier version of Ubuntu using a system cleaning tool (or command) is a foolproof way to claw back some precious space. You’ll also keep your system running lean ‘n mean — which is always bonus!
Just be careful about what you clean: don’t remove anything you’re unsure of.
13. Add Some Useful Indicators
Three indicator applets in the panel
Indicator applets are nifty little tools that live in the system tray area at the top of the screen.
A diverse array of Indicator Applets have been released over the years, ranging from weather apps and RSS readers to clipboard managers, screen-saver inhibitors and system monitors.
Here’s a list of some of the best indicator applets available:
- Sound Switcher
- Simple Weather Indicator —see the current conditions
- Unity Launcher Lists — switch between different sets of apps on the launcher
- System Load Monitor — real-time graph of resource usage
- Twitch.tv Indicator — get notified when your fave streamers go live
14. Get Firefox To Integrate With Unity
Firefox Unity Integration
Ubuntu uses the Mozilla Firefox web-browser by default, and for good reason: it’s a fast, modern and well supported browser.
But there are few things the browser doesn’t do by default, like integrating with the Ubuntu desktop to deliver native notification bubbles or progress bars on the Unity launcher.
The good news that you can quickly and easily get Firefox to play nicely with Ubuntu by installing a couple of free extensions:
3 Firefox Add-ons Every Ubuntu User Needs