Do these 4 things to begin using Linux on your computer in record time!
Updated: 30-Aug-2022
Have you been looking to install a Linux distribution on your computer but have been worried about the amount of time it will take to get a fully functional system? These 4 steps will get you started fast with a computer that's ready to use within minutes.
1. Install Ubuntu MATE
Forget about what you've read about having to fiddle with support for wifi, bluetooth, printers, YouTube, and Netflix. Ubuntu MATE comes with everything you need. In most cases Ubuntu MATE is the best Linux distribution with the fewest steps for initial setup. That's because it is pre-configured to be fully functional. It also has the Welcome application to help you check that everything you need is installed, right after you finish the installation.
2. Get the latest security and driver updates
Right after installation get the updates. In the Ubuntu MATE Welcome application, click the Getting Started button. Next choose Updates and Extras and then click the Check for Updates button.
3. Install Support for media
If you chose to install third-party apps during the installation, you can skip this step. If not, while you are in Updates & Extras, select to install Addition Codecs. This package will ensure that you can record, convert and stream audio and video, and includes MP3 audio support. If you need Blu-ray and DVD playback support, it's another one-click install. (It's right below the Codecs selection!)
4. Drivers? Where we're going, we don't need drivers! (Usually)
Click the Next button to get to the Drivers page. A wide range of hardware is compatible with Ubuntu MATE right out of the box. So if everything is already working for you, you can simply skip this step. No additional setup necessary. On the other hand, if your computer does have a component that requires a proprietary driver that's not pre-installed, the Drivers page will tell you and let you install whatever you need right from there. Just follow the instructions. Note: If you have an NVIDIA GPU connected to your computer and had select Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware during installation, the NVIDIA proprietary drivers will already be installed.
After completion of your installation, the proprietary NVIDIA drivers are installed and configured. Ubuntu MATE users with laptops that support hybrid graphics will see the MATE Optimus hybrid graphics applet displaying the NVIDIA logo. MATE Optimus adds support for NVIDIA On-Demand and will prompt users to log out when switching the GPU's profile.
Now you have a fully-functional Linux computer, ready to use, with these features and apps included:
- An Internet Browser. (Firefox) You can actually choose from six others with one-click installs in the Welcome app. (Chrome, Brave, Opera, Chromium, Edge, Vivaldi)
- A mail suite (Evolution) that includes contacts, and calendar apps.
- An office suite with word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, drawing, and math apps, and more. (LibreOffice)
- A scanning app in case you have a scanner or a multi-function printer. (Use the Printers app to connect your wireless printer or just plug-in your USB printer for fast setup.)
- A Music and podcast manager. (Rhythmbox)
- Photo organizer. (Shotwell)
- Media Player. (Celluloid)
- Built-in user manual. (Ubuntu MATE Guide)
- Security apps. (Automated backups, simple firewall, automated sofware updater)
- Assistive technology applications. Screen reader, on-screen keyboard, screen magnifier, and much more are ready to enable and begin using immediately.
- Support built-in for PDF creation and reading, Bluetooth devices, Wifi connections, laptop battery monitoring, and streaming audio and video services.
- Support for high resolution (HiDPI) monitors and multiple monitors. (Displays)
Bonus step: Additional applications
Ubuntu MATE's "Software Boutique" is a curated collection of applications from the thousands of apps in Linux repositories. It is a quick and easy way of finding and managing software that the Ubuntu MATE team has identified as most popular, best in class, or simply a great choice for most users. You can use the Software Boutique to install apps like "Software" and "Synaptic Package Manager" that provide access to thousands of additional applications you can install.
