Migrating to Ubuntu
Ubuntu: Advantages and Drawbacks
Advantages
Ubuntu Linux is an open-source and free operating system. It uses the Linux kernal which is stable and secure. It also gives a customizable interface. Many programming tools are based on Linux, so it is perfect for developers.
Drawbacks
Linux’s look may be quite different from Windows and unfamiliar for users. Also, some apps do not have Linux versions and many functions are limited.
My Process
Previous Attempts
On my previous DELL Latitude 7390 computer, I successfully installed Ubuntu (that was back in 2021).
Out of some unknown reason, I failed to install Ubuntu on my current computer, a Lenovo T430U. After searching for some tutorials online, I tried setting GRUB with $ nomodeset $ but it didn’t work at all.
Successful Attempt
Later, I tried resetting the BIOS and found that I can load the Ubuntu installer normally. Then, I installed Ubuntu successfully.
Customization
These customizations suit my tastes quite well but may not be suitable for everyone.
Show icons in the upper left
Out of some reason, GNOME shows the desktop icons in the lower right corner. Open settings to change it to the upper left.
Install VSCode and Edge
I personally prefer Edge over Firefox and installed Microsoft Edge. You can download Edge for Linux in the official website. VSCode is the best code editor for Linux and I installed it as well.
Make icons on the dock smaller
I prefer smaller dock icons and set the size to 32.
Install development tools
1
sudo apt install build-essential
Uninstall Snap
Snap is an app manager for Ubuntu. However, I and many other people are not satisfied with it. Here’s how to remove it:
Note: Remember to install Edge or Chrome before you uninstall snap because Firefox will be removed too.
1. Disable automatic starting snap
1
2
3
sudo systemctl disable snapd.service
sudo systemctl disable snapd.socket
sudo systemctl disable snapd.seeded.service
2. List snap packages
1
sudo snap list
3. Remove Firefox and Snap Store
1
2
sudo snap remove --purge snap-store
sudo snap remove --purge firefox
4. Remove other packages (this may change depending on yourself)
1
sudo snap remove --purge snapd-desktop-intergration gnome-42-2204 canonical-livepatch gtk-common-themes
5. Remove Core
1
sudo snap remove core22 bare
6. Remove Snap
1
2
3
4
sudo apt autoremove --purge snapd
sudo rm -rf /var/cache/snapd
sudo rm -rf ~/snap
sudo gedit /etc/apt/preferences.d/nosnap.pref
Enter the following:
1
2
3
Package: snapd
Pin: release a=*
Pin-Priority: -10
Save and close the editor. Then, restart the computer and Snap is gone for good.
To Be Continued…
I’m still exploring my new system, and will post more later.