debian 13 thing to do

3 min read 11-09-2024

Debian 13, also known as "Bookworm," is a powerful and versatile operating system that's popular among both beginners and experienced users alike. After installing Debian, there are several tasks you should consider to optimize your experience, improve security, and enhance functionality. This article outlines 13 essential steps to take following your Debian 13 installation, drawing on insights from the developer community and additional practical advice.

1. Update the System

After installation, it's crucial to ensure your system is up to date. This can be done using the command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Why? Keeping your system updated not only provides you with the latest features but also ensures your security patches are applied.

2. Install Additional Drivers

If you're using proprietary hardware (like certain NVIDIA graphics cards), you may need to install additional drivers.

sudo apt install nvidia-driver

Tip: Use the Additional Drivers tool in the GUI for easier management of proprietary drivers.

3. Set Up a Firewall

Security is paramount. Installing and configuring a firewall can protect your system from unauthorized access.

sudo apt install ufw
sudo ufw enable

Explanation: UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) is user-friendly and effective for managing firewall rules.

4. Enable SSH Access

If you plan to access your system remotely, enabling SSH is a must.

sudo apt install openssh-server
sudo systemctl enable ssh
sudo systemctl start ssh

Important: Change the default port and disable root login for enhanced security.

5. Install Essential Software Packages

Consider installing software that improves productivity:

sudo apt install build-essential git vim htop curl

Recommendation: Use git for version control and htop for monitoring system resources.

6. Configure System Backups

Establish a backup routine to protect your data. Use tools like rsync or Timeshift.

Example Command with rsync:

rsync -avh --delete /path/to/source /path/to/destination

7. Optimize Your System Performance

Tweak your system for better performance by adjusting swappiness:

echo "vm.swappiness=10" | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf
sudo sysctl -p

Why? A lower swappiness value minimizes disk swapping, which can improve responsiveness.

8. Customize the Desktop Environment

Debian supports multiple desktop environments, such as GNOME, XFCE, and KDE. Choose one that fits your needs by installing it via:

sudo apt install xfce4  # Example for XFCE

Note: Explore settings to personalize your experience further.

9. Learn Basic Terminal Commands

Familiarize yourself with essential commands, such as cd, ls, mv, and cp. Online resources and terminal tutorials can help.

10. Set Up a User Account with Sudo Access

Creating a new user account for regular tasks can enhance security.

sudo adduser newusername
sudo usermod -aG sudo newusername

Importance: This ensures that administrative tasks are performed only when necessary.

11. Clean Up Unused Packages

Regularly removing unnecessary packages keeps your system clean:

sudo apt autoremove

Benefit: This can free up disk space and improve system performance.

12. Explore Software Repositories

Debian has a vast repository of software. Use apt-cache search to find packages related to your interests.

Example:

apt-cache search media player

13. Join the Debian Community

Engaging with the Debian community can be beneficial for troubleshooting and learning.

Recommendation: Participate in forums, mailing lists, or IRC channels. Websites like Debian Forums and Stack Overflow offer valuable resources.

Conclusion

Setting up your Debian 13 system doesn't end with installation. By following these 13 essential steps, you can enhance your system's performance, security, and functionality. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned Linux user, these practices will help you leverage the power of Debian effectively.

Additional Resources

By engaging with these practices and resources, you'll not only become a more proficient Debian user but also contribute positively to the community!