Beginner's Guide: 15 Essential Tweaks for New Fedora Workstation Users

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide for new users of Fedora Workstation. It highlights 15 essential tweaks to enhance your experience and productivity right after installation. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience with Linux, these steps will help you customize and optimize your Fedora setup.

Step 1: Update Your System

Ensure your system is up to date to benefit from the latest features and security fixes.

• Open the terminal.
• Run the following command to update all packages:

  sudo dnf update
  

Step 2: Customize Your System via GNOME Settings

Tailor the appearance and behavior of your desktop environment.

• Open GNOME Settings from the applications menu.
• Adjust display settings, notifications, and privacy options to match your preferences.

Step 3: Customize Your Applications Menu

Make your applications menu more user-friendly.

• Navigate to the applications menu settings.
• Arrange the order of applications or group them according to your workflow.

Step 4: Enable Online Services

Integrate online accounts to enhance functionality.

• Go to the Online Accounts section in GNOME Settings.
• Add accounts such as Google, Nextcloud, or any other services you use.

Step 5: Install GNOME Tweaks

Enhance your customization capabilities with GNOME Tweaks.

• Open the terminal and run:

  sudo dnf install gnome-tweaks
  

• Launch GNOME Tweaks to explore additional customization options.

Step 6: Set Up a Dock

Add a dock for easy access to your favorite applications.

• Use GNOME Extensions or install a dock application like Dash to Panel or Dash to Dock.
• Configure the dock settings to suit your style.

Step 7: Enable Third-Party Repositories

Access more software options by enabling third-party repositories.

• Open the terminal and run:

  sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled <repository-name>
  

• Replace <repository-name> with the desired repository.

Step 8: Set Up RPM Fusion

Install RPM Fusion to access additional software and codecs.

• Run the following commands in the terminal:

  sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/free/fedora/rpmfusion-free-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm
  sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/nonfree/fedora/rpmfusion-nonfree-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm
  

Step 9: Install Video Drivers

Enhance your graphics performance by installing appropriate drivers.

• Identify your graphics card brand (e.g., Nvidia).
• For Nvidia, run:

  sudo dnf install akmod-nvidia
  

Step 10: Install Additional Software

Expand your application library according to your needs.

• Use DNF or Flatpak to install software. For example:

  sudo dnf install <software-name>
  

• Replace <software-name> with your desired application.

Step 11: Enable Tray Icons

Show tray icons for better application management.

• Open GNOME Tweaks and navigate to the Extensions section.
• Enable the “Top Icons Plus” or similar extension for tray icon support.

Step 12: Disable GNOME Alert Sound

Eliminate distracting alert sounds.

• Open GNOME Settings.
• Navigate to the Sound section and disable alert sounds.

Step 13: Install Google Chrome

Get a popular web browser for better compatibility.

• Download the RPM package from the Google Chrome website.
• Install it using:

  sudo dnf install google-chrome-stable_current_x86_64.rpm
  

Step 14: Enable Additional Multimedia Support

Make sure you can play various media formats.

• After enabling RPM Fusion, install codecs using:

  sudo dnf install gstreamer1-plugins-good gstreamer1-plugins-bad-free gstreamer1-plugins-bad-free-extras gstreamer1-plugins-ugly gstreamer1-plugins-good-extras
  

Step 15: Enable DVD Playback Support

Allow playback of DVDs on your system.

• Install the necessary packages:

  sudo dnf install libdvdcss libdvdread
  

Conclusion

By following these 15 essential tweaks, you can greatly enhance your Fedora Workstation experience. From updating your system to installing necessary software, these steps will help you create a personalized and efficient environment. Consider exploring more about Fedora and Linux through tutorials and community forums to further expand your knowledge and skills.