This guide outlines 10 essential tasks to perform after installing Linux Mint 21, Vanessa. While it primarily targets the Cinnamon edition, the steps are also applicable to users of the Mate and XFCE editions.

1. Disable the Welcome Screen

When the welcome screen appears, navigate to the bottom-right corner and uncheck the option labeled “Show this dialog at startup”.

2. Run a System Update

Ensure your Linux Mint system is up-to-date by connecting to a broadband internet connection. Launch the Update Manager, click OK to load available updates.

Use the Refresh link to fetch the latest package list from repositories. Then proceed by clicking Install Updates, as shown in the screenshot below.

If new packages need to be installed during the update, you will be prompted to confirm with an OK click, as illustrated here:

You will then be asked for your account password. Enter it to continue. After the update completes, restart your system to apply changes that require rebooting.

3. Install Additional Drivers

Open the Driver Manager by searching for it in the system menu. You will need to enter your account password to proceed. If additional drivers are available, they will be listed; otherwise, you'll see a message indicating no extra drivers are needed, as shown below.

4. Set Automatic System Snapshots

Snapshots help preserve your system state at specific times. Before diving into regular use, setting up snapshots is wise so you can restore your system if issues arise.

Use the Timeshift utility for this. Search for it in the system menu and launch it. Confirm with your password. When the Timeshift window opens, select the snapshot type [Rsync] and click Finish.

Allow the application to calculate the required space and create the snapshot.

5. Enable System Firewall

A firewall helps manage incoming and outgoing network traffic, enhancing security.

To configure the UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall), search for "firewall" in the system menu and open the tool. Provide your password when prompted.

Manage various profiles like Home, Office, or Public by toggling their status on or off. Customize Incoming and Outgoing traffic settings—such as Allow, Deny, or Reject—based on your current network environment.

For instance, on a home network, you might choose to set Incoming traffic to Deny.

6. Manage Privacy Settings

Adjust privacy-related settings such as recent file access and online connectivity, as shown in the following image. Access the privacy settings by searching "privacy" in the system menu.

7. Install Useful Applications

Now install some commonly used applications. Here are a few suggestions:

<code>$ sudo apt install shutter       [Screenshot Tool]
$ sudo apt install gimp          [Image Editor]
$ sudo apt install vlc           [Video Player]
$ sudo apt install synaptic      [GUI Package Management Tool]
$ sudo apt install terminator    [Terminal Emulator]</code>

You may also opt to install apps via snaps, which bundle all necessary dependencies.

First, ensure snapd is installed:

<code>$ sudo rm /etc/apt/preferences.d/nosnap.pref
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install snapd</code>

Once installed, you can install snaps like this:

<code>$ sudo snap install vlc
$ sudo snap install shutter
$ sudo snap install skype</code>

8. Manage Startup Applications

To automatically start certain programs at login, use the Startup Applications tool. Find it in the system menu and open it.

In the settings window, toggle applications on or off to control which ones start automatically. Use the add ( ) button to include more apps, as shown in the screenshot below.

Note: Avoid disabling applications critical to system operation or background services.

9. Disable Startup and Other Sounds

I personally disable default startup and system sounds. To do this, open the Sounds application from the system menu.

Go to the Sounds tab and turn off events like Starting Cinnamon, Leaving Cinnamon, Switching Cinnamon, and others as desired.

10. Manage More System Setting

Access additional system configurations by launching the system settings app from the system menu. This gives you control over appearance, preferences, hardware, and administrative options.

That concludes our guide. Please feel free to share any comments or questions using the form below. Stay tuned for more helpful guides about Linux Mint.

The above is the detailed content of 10 Things to Do After Installing Linux Mint 21. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!