After installing Ubuntu, there are certain modifications and applications that need to be done so that you get to enjoy your open source operating system. Here is a list of some of the important ones. Please follow the order to avoid any error. Many of the instructions are for GUI option (Applications -> Add/Remove...) but some use command-line. Copy and paste (Ctrl+Shift+V) the commands in Terminal (Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal) and press enter. Type your password on prompt.

Enable application and source code repositories: In order to get all the updates regarding new or upgraded applications, you need to enable Ubuntu to connect to the Internet and search its repositories by going to System -> Adminstration -> Software sources.Select all the options (main, universe, restricted and multiverse) under Ubuntu software and Third-party software tabs. You can get more details about Ubuntu repositories on Ubuntu site.

You can also activate Medibuntu repository for packages that are not included in the Ubuntu distribution for legal reasons. For Intrepid Ibex, type the following command in Terminal. You can get the code for other versions on Medibuntu page on community site, or replace intrepid with the first name of your version.


Enabling restricted music formats: Ubuntu doesn't come with support for many Windows-based music and video formats. After enabling all repositories, including Medibuntu, you can go to Applications -> Add/Remove and select the desired applications and codecs that you need from the comprehensive list.

Also, whenever you try to play some unsupported format, it will automatically scan its repositories and prompt you to download the required sources. Just say yes.

GStreamer plugins: In Add/remove applications, find and install GStreamer ffmpeg video plugin. This will allow you to play about 30 video and audio formats. Also install GStreamer extra plugins. Choose other desired options.

Multimedia codecs: This package is available in Medibuntu repository, so it needs to be activated before using the following commands.

For i386 (32-bit) computers (Most computers are 32-bit):


For 64-bit computers:


Install DVD decoder: Go to System -> Administration -> Synaptic Package Manager, and search for "libdvdread3". Mark it for installation.

Install media swiss knife: VLC is undoubtedly one cursor: pointer;of the most versatile music players. It will play almost anything.


To install VLC plug-in for Firefox, use the following command.


Install Realplayer: Some sites such as BBC will have content in Realplayer-supported formats. Use the following code to install Realplayer.


Install Amarok: Though Ubuntu comes with Rhythmbox Music Player, many people (including me) prefer Amarok as a music player and media manager.


Installing Adobe Flash player: You can install Flash player directly from Adobe site. Go to Flash download page and select .deb package to download. On prompt, open with GDebi Package Installer. The application will be automatically installed.

Alternatively, go to Applications -> Add/Remove and search for "Flash".You can choose to install Adobe's Flash plug-in or any other open source alternative such as gnash.

Installing Java: First check if you really need to install Java. Visit some site that uses Java such as BSE India. If you cannot see some content, go to Add/remove applications and search for Java. Install the desired versions--Sun Java 6 Runtime and Icedtea Java Plugin.

Install Microsoft True Type Fonts: The following command will install Microsoft fonts in Ubuntu. Beware. It may change the look of most web pages (to my chagrin).


All in one: The Ubuntu restricted extras will install Adobe Flash Player, Java Runtime Environment (JRE) (sun-java-jre) with Firefox plug-ins (icedtea), a set of Microsoft Fonts (msttcorefonts), multimedia codecs (w32codecs or w64codecs), mp3-compatible encoding (lame), FFMpeg, extra Gstreamer codecs, the package for DVD decoding (libdvdread3), and the unrar archiver. I won't suggest this because it will install unnecessary Microsoft Fonts. If you also want Microsoft Fonts, use this.


PS: This is the fourth in a series on switching to Ubuntu from Windows, for non-geeks. At the end of the Ubuntu series, you will be a proud owner of a fantastic Linux system.

Ubuntu series:
Part1: Easy guide to getting started with Ubuntu
Part2: Dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows with common storage drives
Part3: Make Ubuntu mount partitions and drives automatically at startup
Part4: Activating restricted music formats, Java and Flash on Ubuntu
Part5: Installing some basic applications on your Ubuntu system
Part6: How to install and completely remove Wine?
Part7: Easily tweak Ubuntu with Ubuntu Tweak
Part8: Tasque manages to-do list locally or integrates with Remember The Milk
Part9: AllTray: Dock every application in tray
Part10: Install a Web server on Ubuntu home computer