Four fun things to do on Linux

My own Ubuntu desktop, which was put together in less than an hour from a fresh installation of Ubuntu.

In the last instalment of the three-part series, LIM YEE HUNG shows you how to get the most out of Ubuntu

If you are a basic user, you already have all that you need after installing Ubuntu: it comes bundled with software such as OpenOffice, the free alternative to Microsoft Office, and the Mozilla Firefox Web browser, so you can start editing your documents and surfing the web.

But Ubuntu offers much more than that, including thousands of free programs and support for all kinds of media formats such as MP3s, videos, and the like.

Before you proceed on, be warned: fiddling with your Ubuntu system can be highly addictive.

1 Update Ubuntu
To ensure that all the programs in your system stay up to date, go to System, Administration, Update Manager. Click the Check button to check for the newest stuff, and then click Install Updates if there are any. Unfortunately, you can't schedule automatic fixes, but if you try to update weekly, you'll stay abreast with the latest in Linux.

2 Add extra repositories
Repositories are software archives that contain thousands of free downloadable programs, built specifically for Ubuntu.

Because Ubuntu comes with only some of the available repositories enabled by default, you will have to manually add the rest. Go to: System, Administration, Software Sources, and then click all the checkboxes under Ubuntu Software.

3 Go window shopping
Now that you have added all available repositories, it is time for the fun part of using Ubuntu - window-shopping for new, exciting programs from productivity tools to games.

Instead of finding and downloading programs one by one, Ubuntu uses package managers to search, download and install programs from the repositories, streamlining the entire process.

Most package managers, such as the Synaptic Package Manager, have a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI), so you can get the latest programs in a mouse click.

4 Make your Ubuntu look cool
It's a myth that Ubuntu is found wanting when it comes to looks. While the basic configuration does look threadbare, a few smart modifications will get Ubuntu looking as spiffy as Windows and Mac systems. To toggle better visual effects in Ubuntu, such as 'vanishing' windows when minimising and transparency effects, go to: System, Preferences, Appearance. Then, toggle the options from None to Normal or Extra. There are also downloadable programs from the Web that allow you to beautify your Ubuntu desktop, such as the Avant Window Navigator, a snazzy 3-D navigation bar that works like the dock used in the Mac OS. Download it from wiki.awn-project.org, together with instructions on installation.

Miss the Windows Sidebar that Vista provides? Get gDesklets, using the Add/Remove application, by searching for 'gdesklets' in the Accessories category. You can then add widgets to your desktop, such as calendar and clock widgets (Nica'ad as widgets).

You can also explore the myriad options available to modify the appearance of your desktop, such as setting the transparency factor of your taskbar. Because of the flexibility of Ubuntu, you can personalise your desktop to a greater extent than that of Windows or Mac. Have fun!

Lim Yee Hung is a PC enthusiast studying in Britain.