So You Have Installed Your Fedora Linux in Your Desktop, Now What?
Why need more setup in Linux?
I have been using Fedora Linux for more than 3 months and I have experience the full customization of it. Fedora Linux might be one of the best Linux I ever used so far. Nevertheless, most of the Linux are being installed in the form of “scratch” stage where it does not comes with a lot of tools and features after you install.
Manual Customization is Better
Unlike Windows OS and Mac OS which comes with a lot of settings and useful tools. Most of these tools are made for those who are less tech savvy and does not like to setup stuffs themselves. Most of the tools are actually not needed but are niches created just to boost a little convenient to us such as their autocam detect your presence in front of the screen to keep the screen awake. Those are just niche and to be frank, they just have little impact and will make your battery drain faster.
Getting Started
But you are different! Now you have installed Fedora Linux and now are reading my blog. Good news for you because I am going to share some customization tips on your newly installed Fedora Linux to bring your user experience to the next level.
1. Update Your System
It is always crucial and important to always update your Fedora Linux to the latest version so that you will have the latest features and security patches. To update your Fedora Linux, open a terminal and execute
sudo dnf updateThis command then will update the list of repositories and upgrades any obsolete packages.
2. Update Firmware
You will need to ensure optimal hardware performance and security by keeping your system’s firmware up to date too.
To update firmware:
sudo fwupdmgr refresh --force
sudo fwupdmgr get-updates
sudo fwupdmgr update
3. Enable RPM Fusion Repositories
Fedora does not include certain proprietary software and codecs by default. Enabling RPM Fusion repositories allows access to broader range of software, including multimedia codecs and proprietary drivers. To install RPM Fusion repo, run this command in your terminal
sudo dnf install https://mirrors.rpmfusion.org/free/fedora/rpmfusion-free-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm https://mirrors.rpmfusion.org/nonfree/fedora/rpmfusion-nonfree-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm
After enabling, update the core package group to integrate RPM Fusion packages by using the command below
sudo dnf group upgrade core
4. Install Multimedia Codecs
To play a variety of media formats, you will have to install the necessary codecs so that your Fedora Linux system can handle various audio and video formats seamlessly. Before running the command below, please make sure that you have enable RPM Fusion Repositories as multimedia codecs are included in it.
There are 2 ways to install it: (Choose one)
sudo dnf5 group install multimedia --setopt="install_weak_deps=False" --exclude=PackageKit-gstreamer-pluginOsudo dnf group upgrade multimedia --setopt="install_weak_deps=False" --exclude=PackageKit-gstreamer-plugin
5. Configure DNF for Faster Package Management
You will be able to enhance the performance of DNF which is the Fedora’s package manager by enabling parallel downloads
- Edit the DNF configuration file
sudo nano /etc/dnf/dnf.conf- Add the following line
max_parallel_downloads=10
6. Set Hostname
A hostname is a unique label assigned to a device on a network, serving as its identifies. This label allows devices to recognize and communicate with each other within a network or over the network.
To set a hostname, you can open Setting>About>Device Name, then change the Device Name
7. Install GNOME Tweaks and Extensions
Installing them allow you to customize the GNOME desktop environment. You can modify the appearance and behavior of your desktop to suit your preferences.
8. Enable Minimize Button
Without this Minimize (_) button, I cannot imagine how to even close an application or program while looking at other program. In my point of view, Fedora Linux should have this by default tho…
So ya to enable this minimize button, you can open Gnome Tweak>Windows>Titlebar Buttons, then enable the Minimize
9. Automate Power Management with Time Switch
Managing power settings efficiently is essential, especially when running Fedora Linux on a desktop or laptop. There is a flaw in Fedora Linux design for Power Saving. In my mind, every desktop need to be able to have a settings to configure auto power off is there is inactivity of the desktop.
Time Switch
TimeSwitch is a graphical tool that allows you to schedule shutdown, restart, suspend, and hibernate operations without modifying system files manually. This is particularly useful for users who prefer a GUI-based approach instead of configuring logind.conf or writing cron jobs.
To Install it, you can run the command below
flatpak install flathub io.github.fsobolev.TimeSwitch
10. Install Useful GNOME Extensions
There are many useful GNOME extensions which I personally feel very useful and I think it might be useful to you as well
Emoji Copy
Allow you to select and input emoji character directly from the panel above
Clipboard Indicator
Allow you to search from what you have copied before and paste again
Caffeine
Turning it on prevent your Fedora Linux system from going dim and suspend, ensuring focus and uninterrupted work session
Conclusion
At the end of the day, Linux, especially Fedora, offers a level of customization and flexibility that most other operating systems simply can’t match. Whether you’re a beginner just stepping into the world of Linux or an experienced user looking to optimize your system, these tips will help you create an environment that’s tailored to your needs and preferences.
By keeping your system up to date, installing the right tools and codecs, and customizing your desktop environment with extensions, you’ll not only enhance the aesthetics of your setup but also improve your productivity and overall experience. Fedora’s open-source nature means that there’s always room for improvement and fine-tuning, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
As you continue to explore and use Fedora, remember that the community is always there to help, share tips, and discover new ways to improve your workflow. So, dive in, embrace the customization, and enjoy the full potential that Fedora Linux has to offer!
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