Tuesday, November 27, 2007

After the Install: setting up a desktop Ubuntu box (Gutsy 7.10)

This is roughly the procedure I use to set up a box for someone new to Ubuntu who'd like to use it right away.
Estimated time: 1 hour on fast DSL connection. Anyone who knows automation procedures would be my friend.

Software Sources:

  • Ubuntu Software tab: Untick CD as a source
  • Tick all other sources
  • Third Party tab: Tick partner
  • Updates tab: change Automatic updates to Download all updates in the background
  • Statistics tab: tick Submit statistical information

Add/Remove:

  • ubuntu-restricted-extras
  • kubuntu-restricted-extras
  • Amarok
  • DeVeDe
  • Xine
  • VLC
  • Flickr Uploader
  • Gmail notifier
  • Audacity
  • Bluefish (Quanta Plus installs confusing extras into other menus)
  • Mplayer
  • Streamcast
  • Scite text editor
  • KmyMoney
  • Inkscape
  • Scribus
  • Dia
  • Wine
The above will take care of multimedia plugins, KDE, msttcorefonts, and enabling any other necessary repositories beyond Canonical.

Medibuntu:


Peripherals:

  • System → Administration → Restricted Drivers Manager
  • Check monitor settings in System → Administration → Screens and Graphics
  • Check wireless if applicable
  • Set up any nearby printers, print test page
  • test nearby USB devices
  • Make sure System → Preferences → Keyboard is configured for proper keyboard

Themes:

sudo apt-get install blubuntu-look peace-look tropic-look

Appearance:

  • Change Theme to Blubuntu (note ramifications for OpenOffice)
  • Change Application/Document/Desktop/Window title fonts to DejaVu Sans Condensed
  • If monitor known, alter Rendering accordingly
  • Test Visual Effects

Time and Date Settings:

  • Set Time Zone
  • Configuration: Keep synchronized with Internet servers (install NTP)

Wine:

  • In Firefox, find vcredist_x86.exe on microsoft.com and install
    (this 2Mb download adds a handful of runtime libraries not handled by Wine)

OpenOffice:

  • View: change icon set back to Human
  • Java: make sure OOo finds JVM
  • Fonts: substitute the following:
    • HelveticaFreeSans
    • BookmanURW Bookman L
    • Avant Garde → URW Gothic L
    • Century GothicURW Gothic L
    • OptimaMgOpen Cosmetica
    • Zapf ChanceryURW Chancery L
    • PalatinoURW Palladio L
    • Palatino LinotypeURW Palladio L
    • Book AntiquaURW Palladio L

GRUB:

  • If dualboot, edit /boot/grub/menu.lst accordingly to correct default boot, hiddenmenu on

File Sharing:

  • Create temp folder on desktop, turn on sharing and install both NFS/Samba sharing

Passing it on:

  • Go to ubuntuforums.org and bookmark it to toolbar
  • Use CD burning app to copy install disc to desktop, check MD5 sum:
    9a4ae3cfd68911a861d094ec834c9b48 *ubuntu-7.10-alternate-i386.iso
    d2334dbba7313e9abc8c7c072d2af09c *ubuntu-7.10-desktop-i386.iso

Final checklist:

  • GRUB hides menu
  • Firefox (internet works)
  • Sound card plays
  • Audio CDs autoplay in correct player
  • Audio CD burning app works
  • DVDs autoplay in correct player (may have to be changed to VLC)
  • Trash emptied