Set up Ubuntu by downloading the appropriate Software and follow the onscreen instructions. Launch “Software Updates” (normally it is launched by Ubuntu on Start-Up) and update all packages.

For those who prefer the command line:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install aptitude
sudo aptitude update
sudo aptitude safe-upgrade

For command line text editing (optional):

sudo aptitude install vim

Using the z-shell is optional. However it has some improvements over the standard bash shell, such as a better auto completion, advanced search in command history and nice git/svn integration.

sudo aptitude install zsh
wget -O .zshrc http://git.grml.org/f/grml-etc-core/etc/zsh/zshrc
sudo cp .zshrc /root/ && sudo cp .zshrc /etc/zsh/zshrc
sudo chsh -s /bin/zsh root && chsh -s /bin/zsh $USER

After that log out/in to change the shell.

For those who don't like the Ubuntu Unity desktop:

sudo aptitude remove appmenu-gtk appmenu-gtk3 appmenu-qt
sudo aptitude install gnome-panel
sudo aptitude install gnome-shell

To move the buttons to the right side

sudo aptitude install gconf-editor

Press ALT+F2 and type “gconf-editor” to run it. Open “/apps/metacity/general” in the side pane and change the Field “button_layout” to

:minimize,maximize,close

After a restart and selecting “Gnome Classic” when logging in, the shared top menu bar is gone and instead each window has its own menu. Alternatively you can also select Gnome at the login screen for the Gnome 3 standard interface (different to Ubuntu Unity).

TIPP: To edit the panels (when using gnome-panel) you have to press the ALT-Key while right-clicking on the panel.

Launch “Additional Drivers”, update to current Nvidia Driver.
Launch “Nvidia Display Settings” and configure Displays according to your setup. Make sure that you click on “Save to X Configuration File”, otherwise all changes will be lost on restart.

If you have ever trouble connecting to a device maybe restarting usb helps: (source: http://tuxtweaks.com/2010/01/restart-usb-in-ubuntu-jauntykarmic/)

sudo modprobe -r usb_storage; wait; sudo modprobe usb_storage