but linux is only for experts

Well hello there, this is an article about linux that will show you my configurations to prove once and for all that linux is not that difficult as you might think.

I have this divided in sections, for now it will only have the 1. Ubuntu section because I have only used Ubuntu, but when I use something new, I’ll add it.

1. Ubuntu

1A. Startup apps

This is about all apps that have their own way to auto startup, but also apps and things that I have added to the Startup Application Preferences App.

1A - Syncthing

To make sure that synchting starts at boot, without opeing a new tab in your browser at boot, run the following command:

sudo systemctl enable --now "syncthing@${USER}.service"

1A - Startup Application Preferences

If you want a specific app to startup on launch, you can configure that here. I personally have added a python script:

python3 /home/username/Documents/code/repos/Python-toolkit/duolingo/duolingo.py

I have also disabled Jetbrains toolbox since I do not want it to popup every time I start my pc.

SSH Keygen

If you are working with git, aka also with ssh, then you want to add the ssh agent to startup:

/usr/bin/gnome-keyring-daemon --start --components=ssh

1B. App configurations

This section is about app configurations, like the settings inside of an app.

1B - Flameshot

I have changed a few settings in flameshot, you can go here by using ubuntu search, and then right clicking it to open the context menu. and then press configuration.

I have not really changed much, in the general tab I have set the following settings:

• Show help message
• Use last region
• Show side panel button
• Show desktop notifications
• Show tray icon
• Confirmation required to delete screenshot from latest upload
• Automatic check for updates
• Launch at startup
• Show welcome message on launch
• Copy url after upload
• copy file path after save
• anti-aliasing image when zoom the pinned image
• upload image without confirmation
• use jpg format for clipboard
• save image after copy
• allow multiple flameshot gui simultaneously
• automatically close deamon when it is not needed
• use large predefinned color pallette
• copy on double click
• show magnifier
• square shaped magnifier

and then the save location being /home/username/Pictures/Screenshots

1B - Zen Browser

Zen - Essential Tabs

These are the tabs that I have set as essential:

1. my own website
2. my own github
3. my article vault
4. claude AI
5. brightspace :<
6. gmail
7. an imgur upload tab
8. synchthing
9. my agenda
10. deepseek

I have removed chatgpt and youtube because I used them too much.

Zen - Customize toolbar

These are the items that I have in my toolbar somewhere:

• History
• New Window
• Bookmarks menu
• New Private WIndow
• Downloads
• Create new tab
• Settings

Zen - Settings

• General
  • Language and Appearance
    • Dark mode
• Look and Feel
  • Sidebar and tabs layout
    • Multiple toolbars
• Privacy and security
  • Browser Privacy
    • Disable anything that has to do with a password manager

Zen - Pinned extensions

• uBlock Origin
• Bitwarden
• Xdebug
• tampermonkey

1B - SynchThing

I have set the website to use https, and a login username and password.

And of course all the folders i want to sync.

1B - Discord

You should enable some flatpack settings for discord, read about it here: Discord on Linux.

1B - Terminal

Yes, terminal has preferences.

I use the gray on black scheme in the profile settings. And the palette set to linux console.

1C. Shortcuts

In the ubuntu shortcut manager I have the following shortcuts changed:

• Launchers
  • Home folder: super + e
• Screenshots
  • Take a screenshot: disabled
  • Take a screenshot Interactively: disabled
  • Take a screenshot of a window: disabled
• System
  • Show the notification list: disabled
• Windows
  • View on the left: disabled
  • View on the right: disabled

PS: you can find this in the ubuntu settings menu → Keyboard → View and customize shortcuts

And these are the shortcuts that I have added via the ubuntu shortcut manager:

Name	Command	Shortcut
Color Picker	flatpak run nl.hjdskes.gcolor3	Shift + Super + C
flameshot	sh -c — “QT_QPA_PLATFORM=wayland flameshot gui”	Print
Gnome screenshot	gnome-screenshot -d 2	Ctrl + Print

1D. Gnome Extension Manager

This is an extension manager for gnome, the default GUI manager on ubuntu. You can install this extension manager by running the following commands:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-manager

Here is the list of extensions that I have installed:

• BLur my Shell
  • haven’t changed any settings
• Clipbourd Indicator
  • UI
    • Move item to the top after selection
    • Keep selected entry after Clear hsitory
  • Behaviour
    • Paste on select
  • Shortcuts
    • Toggle the menu: Super + V
• Window is Ready - Notification Remover

1E. Advanced appinstalls

1E - Git and ssh

It is important to remember that you must create and link an ssh key to be able to git clone, luckily i have already written this article: Git and SSH on Linux.

1F. Other Ubuntu Settings

• Power
  • Power Saving
    • Screen blank: 15m
    • Automatic suspend
      • pc: Off
      • laptop: on battery: 15m, plugged in: off
• Displays
  • Night light: On

1G. Sidebar / ubuntu dock

This is the sidebar on the side of your main screen, i have pinned the following apps:

• Zen
• Vscode
• Obsidian
• Spotify
• File manager