12 tips for improving the Ubuntu Desktop experience

Everyone is talking about moving from Windows to Ubuntu. But Linux users have different ideas. Whether you want to use Ubuntu or other versions, Ubuntu can bring high-efficiency desktops. This article will share with MattHartley, author of Datamation, the tips for using Ubuntu, including some applications. Get more from the desktop experience: Pithos: Using Pithos is the best way to listen to music with Pandora on Ubuntu Desktop. It is simple

Everyone is talking about moving from Windows to Ubuntu. But Linux users have different ideas. Whether you want to use Ubuntu or other versions, Ubuntu can bring high-efficiency desktops.

This article will share some of the skills that Matt Hartley, author of Datamation, uses Ubuntu, including some applications.

Learn more from the desktop experience:

Pithos: Using Pithos is the best way to listen to music with Pandora on Ubuntu Desktop. It is a simple and effective user interface. It does not need to deal with Flash and annoying advertisements, so that you can enjoy the fun of music.

In contrast, almost all Pandora music functions can be used in Pithos for functions found in web page applications. You can also use Pithos to select, disable, and skip songs.

Dropbox: This is a large web Service. The Linux application is well integrated with the Ubuntu Desktop. You can easily add, remove, or create directories and place them in your Dropbox account.

It is best to use it with UbuntuOne. Although it is not a data backup solution, it is really a convenient way to share files between platforms.

Synapse: I live in the keyboard world. Now, I try to control myself with less mouse. With the Synapse starter, I can easily find files, publish applications, and even run different system tasks. I used to rely on the keyboard.

Parcelite: The clipboard manager is gone, and Parcelite is available. You can use the clipboard with Parcelite installed to copy everything and wake up the previous action after copying other things. Unlike standard copy and paste, Parcelite allows you to "Store" multiple copy entries to the clipboard. Even Parcelite can cut the copied content synchronously with other Ubuntu versions.

System Monitor applet: In the days when GNOME 2 was used, I needed many applets. The program that I often use must be a System Monitor applet. Although you can use command lines to do the same thing, I like to run VISUAL programs, so that people can see how resources are consumed.

Jungle Disk: I have used many backup tools in the past few years. I am a fan of the main directory, but at the same time, it is also necessary to back up the site. Based on my experience, it is safe to use JungleDisk. It is cheap and relies on the elastic storage provided by Amazon S3. It supports the backup client on the Linux Desktop.

Synaptic: when talking about Ubuntu Desktop, few GUI applications like Synaptic can be easily installed, updated, or migrated. It provides functions similar to Ubuntu Software Center, and Synaptic has additional surprises, such as full control over all applications.

VLC: A fighter in the media player. I love VLC because it can not only play all formats, but also stream content from the Web. You can even stream the content and compile it locally. Another cool option is the ability to capture webcam videos. In general, it is widely used.

Skype Call Recorder: although the Skype closed source code is used, it is still a key part of using Ubuntu for a unified desktop experience. Other tools such as Google's own video chat are good, but only Skype has the best user experience, providing popular video software and functions.

Bind Skype and Skype Call Recorder to set it to the Skype audio conference mode. You can record the meeting content. However, before using the record software, check whether local laws permit it.

Y ppa Manager: it is as easy to use as Synaptic, and the package processing is good, but its PPA backup function is not perfect. Therefore, we recommend that you use real PPA management tools, such as y ppa Manager, to easily add, remove, and output Ubuntu PPA. There is an additional benefit to process the output PPA gpg key.

Gufw: it is as simple as Ubuntu ufw (firewall). The fact is that it is used for beginners, And the CLI option is very backward. Fortunately, there is a solid GUI called Gufw. The software allows end users to Set firewall rules, and even supports application-based firewall control.

OpenDNS: with parent-level control, faster DNS solutions and secure web browsing, OpenDNS brings a lot of benefits. All you need to do is register the service, follow the instructions, and install the ddclient.