Extra #1 - Things I Do When I First Install Ubuntu.

I've just reinstalled Ubuntu 10.10 64-bit in order to use all 8Gb of memory in my machine and my new 1Tb disk drive.

The main thing is to install KVM and then work with virtual machines, but there is some stuff that makes more sense in the base machine.  

1. First thing I do is use the Ubuntu Software Manager to install "StartUp Manager".  I Use "StartUp Manager" to setup a boot configuration to with "Recovery Mode", so I still can still get into the system, if "Normal Mode" runs off into the weeds.
2. The next step is to ensure that I'm getting optimum resolution on connected monitors.  With a dual-port ATI 4650 card, this has been nasty until recently but now it's far easier, although still quite a pain.The key thing was -- Don't install the FGLRX driver from AMD!   Don't try to use the Catalyst Control Center!
   
   • Follow the instructions here : https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RadeonDriver .  When that page sends you here https://wiki.ubuntu.com/X/Troubleshooting/FglrxInteferesWithRadeonDriver follow the instructions in the section "Need to purge -fglrx".
   • Install grandr & lxrandr.  They'll be useful for setting up multiple monitors and selecting their resolution.  Under the menu "System" you'll find grandr as "Multiple Screens" in the Administration sub-menu, and lxrandr as "Monitor Settings" in the "Preferences" sub-menu.
   • Change the file /etc/gdm/Init/Default  from this ... 

     #!/bin/sh

     
     

     PATH="/usr/bin:$PATH"

     OLD_IFS=$IFS

     
     

     /sbin/initctl -q emit login-session-start DISPLAY_MANAGER=gdm

     ... to this ... 

     #!/bin/sh
     
     
     PATH="/usr/bin:$PATH"
     OLD_IFS=$IFS
     
     
     xrandr --newmode "1920x1080_60.00" 173.00 1920 2048 2248 2576 1080 1083 1088 1120 -hsync +vsync
     xrandr --addmode DVI-0 1920x1080_60.00
     xrandr --output DVI-0 --mode 1920x1080_60.00
     
     
     /sbin/initctl -q emit login-session-start DISPLAY_MANAGER=gdm

     ... using appropriate values for your monitors, only if Ubuntu fails to recognize them. The command cvt will generate the correct text for you, like this:
     

     ~$ cvt 1680 1050 60
     

     # 1680x1050 59.95 Hz (CVT 1.76MA) hsync: 65.29 kHz; pclk: 146.25 MHz

     Modeline "1680x1050_60.00" 146.25 1680 1784 1960 2240 1050 1053 1059 1089 -hsync +vsync

     ~$

3. Edit /etc/apt/sources.list to enable the "partner" repos.  
4. Run sudo apt-get install aptitude because some bloggers seem to prefer it to apt-get.
5. Run the Update Manager to get all the good stuff that has happened since I cut the DVD.  I don't do this earlier in case the preceding steps make a mess and I need to reinstall.
6. While that is going on, I prepare FireFox so that it helps me reconnect to services that I use, (like to this one).  AddOns:
   
   • Flash Aid - so I don't have to mess with figuring out which Flash plugin is best.
   • X-Marks - My bookmark memory.
   • Down Them All - a faster download tool.
   • FireBug - for examining web page details.
   
   I also do this in my basic virtual machine images, so as to be able to cut'n paste stuff to do with my work.  I also keep a virtual machine for no other purpose than Internet banking.
   
   
7. Install Skype: You can do that from the "Ubuntu Software Center" at the bottom of the menu "Applications".
8. Install exFAT capability for reading exFAT formatted Flash memory devices.  This allows reading of gigantic files  (with more than 4Gb).  You'll find a clear dependable guide here : http://winipulator.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-to-read-and-write-exfat-flash.html. The only defect in that is that step #5 doesn't happen.  To get the same information I use the command:

   fdisk -l

9. Install KVM hypervisor.  For something so powerful, this is really easy.  Follow the instructions here : https://help.ubuntu.com/community/KVM/Installation  .
10. Install PostgreSQL.  This too is very easy. See here : http://diegobenna.blogspot.com/2011/02/install-postgresql-90-on-ubuntu-1010.html
11. This also installs pgAdmin III, the administrator console for PostgreSQL  I make a launch panel button for it using the executable in :

    /usr/bin/pgadmin3

12. Install Name Service Cache Daemon :
    

    sudo apt-get install nscd

13. Install Sun Java.  First, add it to Synaptic with this ...
    

    sudo add-apt-repository ppa:sun-java-community-team/sun-java6 

14. ... and this : sudo apt-get update, then install with this :
    sudo apt-get install sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-plugin
15. Pick the Sun Java for current usage :
    sudo update-alternatives --config java
16. Add a permanent JAVA_HOME variable to my bash profile :
    gedit ~/.profile
> > export JAVA_HOME=/usr/lib/jvm/java-6-sun/
> >
17. Install Git elements :  sudo apt-get install git-core git-gui git-doc
18. Create an SSH key pair : ssh-keygen -t rsa -C "--yourEmailId--@-- yourEmailProvider"
19. Install Syntevo SmartGit. ${smartGitDir}/bin/smartgit.sh
20. ...
21. (more coming)