When installing Linux for the first time, it can be a little confusing as to what you should do next. Thankfully, most Linux distros are well configured out of the box, allowing you to get up and running from the get-go, but there are a few commands I usually perform on any fresh Linux installation. If you're wondering what to do next, check out what I do with a clean install and see if you can add a little flair to your PC with a few basic commands.
Update the OSAnd all installed packages
You should always install the latest updates for your Linux distro and any packages you have installed, unless otherwise desired. Sometimes you may want to keep a specific package on a version you know works best for your system, but most people should run the following with a fresh Linux install:
• Arch: sudo pacman -Syu
• Debian: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
• Fedora: sudo dnf update -y
These commands will run the respective update processes, checking for, downloading, and installing all new versions, resulting in a fully up-to-date Linux OS. Note that if you're using a distro with fixed versions, you may not be running the latest release, and these commands will not perform the upgrade.
Change the hostnameKeep it secret, keep it safe
By default, your hostname will be something simple like localhost or the name of the operating system. Some installation wizards may ask you to change this during setup, but if not, you can run a command to change the hostname with ease. Simply run the following:
sudo hostnamectl set-hostname This is what's used by network devices to identify and connect to your device. If this happens to be your Linux-powered PC, I suggest changing it to something that relates to your system, something memorable, or at least easy to spot what the device is when checking a list of hostnames. Remember that it should be kept simple, short, and descriptive, with no spaces.
Load up my must-have appsCreate the ultimate Linux PC
I'm a sucker for these applications. The FOSS community is responsible for creating some truly incredible software and I always make sure my Linux distros are all running btop, LibreOffice, GIMP, Thunderbird, Obsidian, and Signal. Installing Signal on Debian and Fedora requires either adding the repository for apt/dnf or using snap and flatpak.
• Arch: sudo pacman -S btop libreoffice-fresh gimp thunderbird obsidian signal-desktop
• Debian: sudo apt install btop libreoffice gimp thunderbird obsidian
• Fedora: sudo dnf install btop libreoffice gimp thunderbird obsidian
LibreOffice is a cross-platform, offline Microsoft 365 suite, which consists of a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, and more. It's feature-rich, continuously updated, and can be configured to resemble that of Microsoft's productivity apps. GIMP is the only Photoshop alternative you'd ever require (you can install Darktable for handling RAW image files). Thunderbird can be found pre-installed with some distros, but it's one of the best email clients around. Obsidian is great for taking notes, and Signal is my new go-to app for secure communication.
Install Steam for PC gamingThe most important step
If you're a gamer, you must install Steam on Linux. This is the best way to enjoy all your favorite PC titles on the platform without doing any of the legwork yourself. Valve handles everything, from your account and downloads to installation and making sure everything works through Proton. Even if the game wasn't developed for Linux, there's a good chance it'll still work. It is possible to enjoy games from other storefronts, but these often require separate apps and accompanying packages. Steam is far easier for less tech-savvy users.
• Arch: sudo pacman -Syu steam
• Debian: sudo apt install steam
• Fedora: sudo dnf install steam
Steam can be installed through various storefronts, including flatpak and snap, but I prefer the manual route using this simple command. Note that if you're using an Arch Linux-based distro, you'll need to [enable the multilib repository](
http://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Official_repositories#multilib) to install the necessary Steam package. The same goes for Fedora, but the [RPM Fusion repositories](
http://fosslinux.community/forum/linux-gaming/how-to-install-steam-on-fedora-a-gamers-guide/) instead.
Learning Linux commands is easier than you think
Getting started with Linux can prove challenging for those with little to no command line interface (CLI) experience. That said, most Linux distros don't require you to visit the CLI at all, allowing you to configure everything, install apps, and use Linux as you would macOS or Windows without entering a single command. Should you venture into the terminal for some reason, you'll be pleasantly surprised by just how easy it is to learn and use commands. These recommendations will get you up and running with a few apps and a fully updated OS.
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