Create a tgz file backup on linux/unix

This makes backup super easy

1) sudo apt-get install cups-pdf
2) Go to System -> Administration -> Printing and then Printer ->Add Printer
3) Select Local or Detected Printer and select PDF Printer
4) Set the Manufacturer to Generic and the Model to PostScript

Here is a handy little tool that will let you read Linux Partitions from windows: EXT2IFS

This is a nicer search then what is standard on linux:

sudo apt-get install -y beagle

This makes the fonts look soo much better in linux:

sudo apt-get install -y msttcorefonts

How to add icons to your Ubuntu Desktop (My Computer, Documents, and Trash)

1) Hit ALT-F2 and type: gconf-editor
2) Select Apps > Nautilus > Desktop
3) check/uncheck the boxes for computer_icon_visible, documents_icon_visible, or trash_icon_visible.

gDesklets are wigets for the gnome desktop enviornment

sudo apt-get install gdesklets gdesklets-data

Then you will need to go to system, session, programs to load on start, and add gdesklets to the list. This will fix it so it loads every time you restart.

Install the cursor theme selector:

sudo apt-get install gcursor

Download and unzip/untar the theme file and copy the file to ~/.icons and then run gcursor and select the theme

sudo apt-get install sun-java5-jdk
Accept the licence agreement that appears.

Set Sun’s JVM as default Java version:
sudo update-java-alternatives -s java-1.5.0-sun

Edit /etc/jvm and move /usr/lib/jvm/java-1.5.0-sun to the top of JVMs offered:
gksudo gedit /etc/jvm

install the firefox plugin:
sudo apt-get install sun-java5-plugin
then click here to test it

This is what you need to add to /boot/grub/menu.lst to add a boot splash image:

splashimage=(hd0,0)/grub/ImageName.xpm.gz