I recommend these two posts at Tech Drive-in-Technology,Linux,Ubuntu FTW by Manuel Jose to set you straight with Ubuntu 11.04 and the Unity Desktop. If you want to check what else you can add to the default applications in Ubuntu 11.04 this is the list you should check. I f you just installed Ubuntu in your hard drive, there's no excuse in neglecting to update your repositories and check whatever updates are being offered. I have been using Ubuntu (natty narwhal) and downloading the updates for April 28 means I'm set. The only unique must-do for me is installing dconf-tools to edit the unity panel's list of application allowed in the appindicator or systray. Having noted that, don't forget to get Compiz Configuration Settings Manager CCSM because it has the new Unity plug-in which can make your life easier. I still encounter questions about partitioning AFTER users install Ubuntu. If you downloaded Ubuntu and burned it in a CD or USB stick, there's an application included there called Gparted. Gparted is my lifesaver when I need to move things around in my hard drive. So use that. I really recommend you do partitioning BEFORE you start installation though. In fact I recommend a separate /home partition created, formatted and waiting to be mounted before you start installation. It makes installation uncomplicated if you break it down to small pieces. Partitioning before installing also means you don't have to mess with fstab just the advance method option in the installer. Just remember which partition! In any case, if you yourself did the partitioning, you will remember.
Encryption is the topic of week. I wrote about it in a related post here. While encryption is a very good idea, doing it and doing it every day as part of your work flow is another thing. My view is that if you're already using an email client then it is easier, simpler and more convenient to adopt encryption. That is not the case if you're using a webmail service. If you are using the browser to check, compose and send your email, what are your options? The answer is: it's complicated. Looking for a way to do encryption with Google Chrome and Gmail, I found this. I also read that Google just released code for email encryption as open source. But it's a long way to being used by end users. The extension for Google Chrome works fine if the recipient also uses Google Chrome. But I went ahead and check this on Evolution.
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