Linux Workstation Setup (Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Hardy Heron)

Intro

I have been installing Linux on several PCs, different models, and vintages. This entry will focus on the most common "workstation" setup that I typically make. Just few days ago Ubuntu released the latest version of their distribution 8.04 LTS Hardy Heron. LTS in the name stands for Long Term Support and means that Ubuntu will provide updates and security patches for next three years. The updates and bug fixes cover not only the operating system but also all the software that is available through Ubuntu repositories (wide variety of software).

The entry will be made in a form of notes and it may go through some changes over time. Please note that this post is based on the previous Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon setup.

Step 1: Backup Your Data

Prior to installation make sure you data have been saved. Burn CD/DVDs, use external USB hard drive, flash disk, etc. I recommend using at least two backups before actually installing the new operating system. Typical things to backup is your complete home folder. Please note that some applications keep their data inside hidden folders. Good example is your email data. If you use Evolution you can easily utilize Evolution's backup/restore settings option.

If you have Windows installation that you plan to keep, and resize its partition to make space for new Linux run de-fragmentation on the Windows disk prior to running the install.

Step 2: Default Setup

• Boot with Live CD or Alternative Setup CD and preform the default setup. In 8.04 version, you can select Install option right at the boot screen.

• Be careful when choosing the options for new partitions.

Step 3: First Boot and Update

• First time you boot into new Linux, preform the system update. At this time there were no updates. You will see a notification at the upper right corner.
• Additionally system may be informing you about use of restricted drivers. Click on the icon and accept offered drivers. Typically, we are talking about video cards (ATI or nVidia), or wireless network cards, etc.
• Add additional users to the system (if needed).
  

Step 4: Adjust Clock

• Right click on the clock in the upper right corner. Select Adjust Time and Date.
• You will need to click on Unlock and enter your sudo (administrator) password.
  
• Verify your time zone and select to keep synchronized with servers. It will ask to install NTP related package. Do it.

Step 5: Add Applications

Start Synaptic Package Manager. Change Repositories to include Ubuntu Software, Third-Party Software.


Search for and add the following packages:

• amsn + libscnack2 (optional, I prefer/suggest Skype)
• build-essential (optional, not needed for most users)
  
• dia-gnome
• ghex (optional)
  
• mc
• nautilus-open-terminal
• ntfs-config
• planner
• wine
• ubuntu-restricted-extras (installs gstreamer plugins, flashplugin, sun-java)
  

Accept and install dependences offered for each package. For VPN client, you can install open-source client (optional) packages:

• vpnc
• kvpnc (GUI for vpnc)

If you need to access other computers via VNC add the following package:

• xvnc4viewer
  

Step 6: Install Java Development

Basic Java JRE and plugin have already been installed through extras package in previous step. If you need JDK for developing Java programs use Synaptic to search and install the following:

• openjdk-6-jdk
• openjdk-6-doc
  

Here also accept all the dependences and install. UPDATE (mid July): Please note here that because of the issues with OpenJDK, Ubuntu 8.04 installs Sun Java 6 as an update to OpenJDK. You will end up with both JDKs and JREs installed on the system. OpenJDK has higher priority and that can be changed with changing the priorities (please refer to separate Blog entry from July 2008)


Step 7: Install NetBeans (6.0.1)

In Synaptic, search for and install package:

• netbeans

Accept all the dependences and proceed to install.

Step 8: Additional Software, Mediabuntu

Add Mediabuntu repositories (please check https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Medibuntu) with following two commands issued in the terminal:

• sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/hardy.list -O/etc/apt/sources.list.d medibuntu.list
• sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install medibuntu-keyring && sudo apt-get update

Install following packages from Mediabuntu repositories using Synaptic:

• acroread (including script, plugin, mozilla-acroread)
• googleearth (optional)
• opera (Firefox is my first choice, however I noticed on some websites Opera behaves better)
• skype

Install codecs:

• non-free-codecs
• w32codecs

Install encryption package for playing DVDs:

• libdvdcss2

Step 9: Optimize (to be updated)

9-1) Firefox Config

• In Firefox address line enter about:config
• Set browser.cache.disk.capacity to 15000 (or 5000 on systems with small amount of RAM)
• Set network.dns.disableIPv6 to true (default was false)
  
• Set network.http.pipelining to true
  
• Change network.http.pipelining.maxrequests to 8
  

Change of these settings should speed up your Firefox. Probably the most important one is disabling IP6.

9-2) Firefox Add-ons (Foxmarks, FireFTP)

• Foxmarks
• FireFTP
  

9-3) Disable IP6: edit file /etc/modprobe.d/bad_list:

• sudo gedit /etc/modprobe.d/bad_list

• and add following line
  alias net-pf-10 off
  

9-4) Fix Java printing by configuring page setting in Job Options for each printer to "Portrait" (not "Auto"). This fix the issue between Java and CUPS (and NetBeans).


9-5) Fix Java and Compiz issue by editing /etc/environment and adding this line at the end:

• export AWT_TOOLKIT=MToolkit

Issues and Glitches

• Trash can applet sometimes disappears after logout and login. Funny thing is I did not have this issue on Beta.
• Firefox 3 is still Beta. I did not find Foxmarks (add-on). This is a big turn down for me at this time cause I am so used to Foxmarks. UPDATE(mid June): Foxmarks and FireFTP now available!
  

References

• http://www.ubuntu.com
• http://java.sun.com
• http://www.netbeans.org
  
• https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Medibuntu
• http://tp0x45.blogspot.com/2008/03/linux-workstation-setup-ubuntu-710.html