Top 10 Ubuntu Features You Need to Know

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions in the world, and for good reason. With its user-friendly interface, robust security features, and vast community support, Ubuntu has become a favorite among developers, power users, and beginners alike. In this post, we’ll dive into the top 10 Ubuntu features you need to know, along with some practical tips and examples to get you started.

1. Snap Packages

Snap packages are a game-changer for Ubuntu users. They allow you to install and manage applications in a secure, isolated environment, ensuring that they don’t interfere with other apps on your system. To try out snap packages, simply type `sudo apt install snaps` in the terminal and start exploring.

Example: Install the popular text editor, Gedit, using snap: `sudo snap install gedit –classic`

2. Wayland Display Server

Wayland is a new display server that’s slowly replacing Xorg as Ubuntu’s default display server. It offers better performance, security, and battery life for laptop users. To enable Wayland on your system, open the Settings app and click on “Display” > “Wayland”.

Example: Test out Wayland with the `gnome-wayland` package: `sudo apt install gnome-wayland`

3. Ubuntu Snaps Store

The Ubuntu Snap store is a centralized repository of snap packages that you can easily access from your system. Simply open the Snap store app, browse through the available snaps, and click to install.

Example: Discover new snaps and install the popular media player, Shotwell: `sudo snap install shotwell`

4. Linux Kernel Upgrades

Ubuntu allows you to upgrade your Linux kernel automatically when a new version is released. This ensures that you have access to the latest security patches and features. To check for available kernel upgrades, run `sudo apt update` and then `sudo apt list –upgradable`.

Example: Upgrade to the latest kernel: `sudo apt full-upgrade`

5. Bluetooth Support

Ubuntu has excellent Bluetooth support out of the box. With a few clicks, you can connect your device to your laptop or tablet using Bluetooth.

Example: Connect to Bluetooth devices using the Bluetooth app: `gnome-bluez` (install with `sudo apt install gnome-bluez`)

6. Secure Boot

Secure Boot is an optional feature that allows you to lock down your system’s firmware and prevent unauthorized access. To enable Secure Boot, open the UEFI settings in your BIOS/UEFI firmware and select “Secure Boot” as enabled.

Example: Enable Secure Boot for your USB devices: `sudo udevadm control –add- property –property=secureboot=1`

7. Samba File Sharing

Samba is a popular file-sharing protocol that allows you to share files between Windows and Linux machines. To set up Samba on your Ubuntu system, run `sudo apt install samba` and follow the prompts.

Example: Share a folder with a Windows machine: `smb://192.168.1.100/share`

8. PulseAudio

PulseAudio is an advanced audio server that provides better sound quality and reduced latency for multimedia applications. To enable PulseAudio, run `sudo apt install pulseaudio` and then configure your audio settings.

Example: Configure PulseAudio to use the default device: `pactl set-default-sink alsa_output.pci-0000_00_11.3.an5`

9. Ubuntu Assistant

The Ubuntu Assistant is a user-friendly tool that guides you through the installation process, ensuring that your system is optimized for performance and security.

Example: Run the Ubuntu Assistant during the installation process: `sudo ubuntu-desktop –install –assistent`

10. Software Update Manager

The Software Update Manager is an essential feature in Ubuntu that allows you to keep your system up-to-date with the latest software patches and security updates.

Example: Check for available software updates: `sudo apt update` then `sudo apt full-upgrade`

In conclusion, these top 10 Ubuntu features offer a wealth of functionality and power for users of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned Linux user or just starting out, there’s something on this list that can help you unlock the full potential of your Ubuntu system.

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest Ubuntu features and tips!