Now that you have installed Ubuntu, it’s time to tweak and customize the operating system to your liking. That is the beauty of Linux based operating systems, that you may add features that did not originally come packaged into it. Let’s explore the things to do with a fresh Manjaro 20.2 installation.
1. Check for Updates & Upgrades
The most important thing to do is to check for updates and upgrade the system if available. The easiest way to do so would be through the terminal with a single line of code.
sudo pamac upgrade -a
2. Install Nvidia Drivers
Be sure to install the Nvidia proprietary drivers to speed up your system and to ensure that it runs as optimally as possible. You can do so using the Manjaro Hardware Detection utility. Enter the following command into your terminal.
sudo mhwd -a pci nonfree 0300
Once completed, be sure to reboot your system then check if the driver has been installed and is working correctly.
mhwd -li
3. Install Media Codecs
Media codecs help you play videos and audios, most of them come install by its better to install all available codecs to avoid any potential headaches later on. Enter the code below in your terminal.
sudo pamac install a52dec faac faad2 flac jasper lame libdca libdv libmad libmpeg2 libtheora libvorbis libxv opus wavpack x264 xvidcore
4. Upgrade your Bluetooth Codec
There are many Bluetooth codecs that give you improved wireless audio quality over Bluetooth’s default SBC codec such as APTx or Sony’s LDAC which offer CD-like audio quality. The commands below will do that for you.
sudo pamac install pulseaudio-modules-bt libldac
Note: Please do remember to reboot your system for changes to take effect.
5. Install Usefull Apps
If you are new to Linux and need some recommendations as to which apps are amazing and you should install them. I have compiled a list of some of the apps you may want to install which I recommend are;
sudo pamac install VLC
sudo pamac install onlyoffice-desktopeditors
sudo snap install moonlight
sudo pamac install steam
sudo snap install mailspring
Download the Franz package from their official website by clicking here, then double-click and install it.
sudo pamac install gnome-weather
sudo pamac install gnome-contacts
sudo snap install skype --classic
sudo snap install atom --classic
6. Gnome Shell Extensions
If you are going to use the Gnome Desktop environment, you absolutely have to look into and use GNOME EXTENSIONS as they will enhance your overall experience using Manjaro or any other gnome based desktop. You can tweak and enhance the capabilities of your desktop environment easily and quickly. Gnome Shell extensions are definitely one of the top things to do with a fresh Manjaro 20.2 installation.