There is nothing quite like the smell of a fresh Linux installation in the morning. I’ve just set up Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble Numbat), and while it’s great out of the box, as an engineer, “default” is never good enough. We need to optimize.
Whether you are a fellow engineering student or just a Linux enthusiast, here is my personal checklist to get Ubuntu 24.04 production-ready.
1. The Golden Rule: Update Everything
Before you touch anything else, make sure the system defines “current” correctly. Open your terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y2. Unlock the Repositories
Ubuntu limits software sources by default. To get access to the good stuff (proprietary drivers, extra tools), we need to open the gates.
- Open the App Center or search for Software & Updates.
- Under the Ubuntu Software tab, check Main, Universe, Restricted, and Multiverse.
- (Optional) Under the Other Software tab, you can enable Canonical Partners.
3. Install Proprietary Drivers
Don’t rely on generic drivers if you have NVIDIA hardware or specific Wi-Fi cards.
- Open Software & Updates.
- Go to the Additional Drivers tab.
- Wait for it to scan, then select the recommended proprietary driver for your hardware. Apply changes and reboot.
4. Complete Multimedia Support
Ubuntu doesn’t include certain codecs (like MP3, MPEG4) by default due to legal gray areas in some countries. Let’s fix that so your media actually plays.
sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extrasNote: You might need to use Tab and Enter to accept the EULA in the terminal.
5. Battery Optimization (TLP)
Ubuntu 24.04 comes with a decent “Power Mode” setting in the control panel, but if you want granular control—especially for laptops—TLP is still king.
Note: TLP conflicts with the default power profile daemon, so we stop the default one first.
sudo systemctl mask power-profiles-daemon
sudo apt install tlp tlp-rdw
sudo tlp start6. Save Your Eyes: Night Light
If you are coding late into the night like I do, blue light is the enemy.
- Go to Settings > Displays > Night Light.
- Toggle it ON. I suggest setting a custom schedule to match your sleep cycle.
7. Clean House
After updates and installs, you’ll have leftover junk. Keep your system lean.
# Remove failed installs
sudo apt autoclean
# Clear the apt cache (frees up disk space)
sudo apt clean
# Remove unused dependencies
sudo apt autoremove -y8. Manage Startup Applications
Don’t let random apps slow down your boot time.
- Open the Activities overview and search for Startup Applications Preferences.
- Uncheck anything you don’t need launching immediately (or add your own scripts).
9. Extension Management (The Modern Way)
GNOME Extensions are essential. In Ubuntu 24.04, the best way to manage them is the Extension Manager app. It lets you browse and install extensions natively without browser headaches.
sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-manager10. Enable ‘Minimize on Click’
If you are coming from Windows or just common sense, clicking a dock icon should minimize the window if it’s in focus. Ubuntu still disables this by default. Fix it:
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock click-action ‘minimize’
11. Tweak Tool
For deeper UI customization (fonts, themes, window bar buttons), you need GNOME Tweaks.
sudo apt install gnome-tweaks12. Unlock Flatpak Support
Ubuntu 24.04 pushes Snap heavily. The new “App Center” doesn’t even support Flatpak plugins. If you prefer Flatpak, you need to do a little workaround:
1. Install Flatpak:
sudo apt install flatpak2. Add the Flathub repo:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo13. Privacy Check
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics.
- Set “Send error reports to Canonical” to Never (Manual).
- While you are there, check Location Services and turn them off if you don’t need them.
Now your system is actually ready for work. Time to fire up the terminal and build something.