Top 10 Ubuntu 10.10 Tips For New Users

1. Run Ubuntu 10.10 Update Manager

Although you have installed the latest Ubuntu, Ubuntu 10.10 on your Computer, it dosen't mean there is no update or patch that you need update for your Ubuntu machine. You should run the update managerfirst on Ubuntu 10.10 to get the latest fixes and features.

2. Enable Ubuntu 10.10 Graphics Card Drivers for 3D Fun

You can enable the "official" drivers for your graphics to make your Ubuntu 10.10 get an advanced desktop effects.
Ubuntu should detect and alert you to make 3D drivers available automatically. There will be a circuit board' icon on the top panel. Just follow the prompts.
If your Ubuntu 10.10 cannot detect any hardware, you should manually go to hardware configuration tool from the System > Preferences menu.


3. Set Up Ubuntu One File Sync
Ubuntu One can offer 2 GB free online storage space to all Ubuntu users to ler them back up and sync important files, bookmarks, notes and Evolution contacts between computers - as well as any other file or folder you wish.
Go to Applications > Internet > UbuntuOne to begin to use it.

4. Install Ubuntu Tweak to Your Ubuntu 10.10

Ubuntu Tweak is a one-stop shop for managing and installing extra applications, tweaking your desktop (such as putting the window controls back on the right and choosing which icons show on the desktop) and allowing you to keep your system in tip-top shape with the built in system cleaning options.

5. Visit Ubuntu 10.10 Software Centre to Find Great Apps

One size certainly does not fit all so if you're wanting to add VLC, install Photoshop rival The GIMP or play some awesome games then look no further than the Ubuntu Software Centre which can be launched from the Applications menu.
Everything is one-click install so browse around - make sure you check out the cool new featured applications section, too!

6. Integrate Ubuntu 10.10 Browser

By default most browser look pants in Ubuntu so wrap a band-aid around the sore thumb of no-integration and apply a matching theme to your browser of choice

7. Install Indicators to Ubuntu 10.10

Ubuntu's Indicator-Applet project - which aims to make panel application entries behave consistently - is pretty neat.
So neat, in fact, that there are a tonne of really neat and useful indicator applets you can add and use.
Everything from screenshot and system load monitoring tools to workspace switchers and USB ejectors.

8. Add Gmail, Thunderbird, Google Voice and more to the Messaging Menu to Ubuntu 10.10

Make the messaging menu (the green envelope) work for you by adding notification support for Gmail,Thunderbird and other applications.

9. Install Nautilus-Elementary to Ubuntu 10.10

Ubuntu's default file-browser - Nautilus - is, by default, is a bit of a mess. Add some file-browsing simplicity to your set-up by installing the paired-down, and quite frankly beautiful, Nautilus-Elementary.
Better still the refined replacements comes with many great features not present in normal-Nautilus including a "cover-flow" like browsing view, toolbar editor, built-in terminal, ability to hide the "main menu" and a zoom slider.
You can upgrade Nautilus using the official PPA (Personal Package Archive). Installing this allows you to remain automatically up-to-date with any change and new release.
Add it by entering the commands below in a terminal (Applications > Accessories > Terminal):
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:am-monkeyd/nautilus-elementary-ppa
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

10. Just Enjoy Ubuntu 10.10

Finally, to end on a corny note, take some time out to just enjoy using it. Forget about finding and installing new apps or tweaking some part of Maverick for an hour or so and just use Ubuntu like anyone else would: check Facebook in Firefox, chat to your mates on Empathy, type up that letter in Open Office and listen to some music in Rhythmbox.