10 Cool Things To Explore After Installing Debian

Are you a Debian lover or just installed it for the first time? If yes, congratulations! You've made an excellent decision. Debian is a rock-solid operating system trusted by millions of users worldwide. But, do you know that Debian can also be a hotbed of cool features and add-ons? That's right! In this article, we'll be highlighting ten of the coolest things you can explore after installing Debian. So, if you want to take your Debian experience to the next level, stick around and let's dive in!

Explore the Debian desktop environment (default is GNOME)

Congratulations on installing Debian on your computer! Now that you have successfully completed the installation process, there are a few things you can do to start exploring your new operating system.

One of the best things to do after installing Debian is to explore the desktop environment that comes bundled with the operating system. By default, Debian comes with GNOME as the default desktop environment. GNOME is a user-friendly and visually appealing desktop environment that provides a suite of applications and tools to help you efficiently use your computer.

Once you have logged into your Debian system, you will immediately be taken to the GNOME desktop environment. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the layout of the desktop and its various icons and tools. You can click on the "Activities" button in the top-left corner of the screen to bring up the GNOME overview, which displays a list of all the installed applications and tools available on your system.

One of the first things you might want to do is to customize the appearance of your desktop environment. GNOME allows you to change the wallpaper, change the theme, and even customize the icons. You can do this by clicking on the "Settings" icon in the top-right corner of the screen, and then selecting "Background" or "Appearance" from the dropdown menu.

After exploring the visual features of GNOME, you can move on to exploring its applications. GNOME comes with a variety of pre-installed applications, including web browsers, text editors, image viewers, and media players. You can access these applications by clicking on the "Activities" button in the top-left corner of the screen, and then typing the name of the application you want to use.

Besides pre-installed applications, Debian also provides access to thousands of other packages and tools through its package manager. You can search for and install new applications using the terminal or through graphical package managers like Synaptic or GNOME Software. To open Synaptic package manager, search it in the Applications overview or launch it from the terminal using the sudo synaptic command.

Finally, once you are comfortable with GNOME, you can explore other desktop environments that are available for Debian. Debian offers a variety of other desktop environments like KDE Plasma, Xfce, LXDE/LXQt, and many more. These alternatives can be installed from the package manager, and they may provide a unique experience that better suits your preferences.

In conclusion, exploring the GNOME desktop environment is a great way to start using Debian after installation. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the layout of the desktop, customize the appearance, and explore the pre-installed applications and other tools available. Debian is a highly versatile operating system, and there are many ways to customize it to match your workflow and preferences. Have fun exploring!

Install packages from the Debian repository

After installing Debian, the first thing you'll probably want to do is to start installing packages from the Debian repository. This repository contains a huge collection of software packages that can be installed, configured and managed using the apt package manager. Here is a guide on how to install packages from the Debian repository.

Updating the Repository Database

Before installing packages, it is important to update the local package database by running the following command:

Sudo apt-get update

This command will download the package lists from the Debian repository servers and update the local database.

Installing Packages

Once you have updated the package database, you can start installing packages using the following command:

Sudo apt-get install package-name

Replace package-name with the name of the package you want to install. If you want to install multiple packages, you can separate the package names with a space.

After running the command, apt will check the package dependencies and download the necessary files from the repository. You will be prompted to confirm the installation of the package and any additional packages that may be required.

Removing Packages

If you want to remove a package, you can use the following command:

Sudo apt-get remove package-name

This command will remove the specified package along with any additional packages that were installed as dependencies. If you want to completely remove a package along with its configuration files, you can use the following command:

Sudo apt-get purge package-name

Upgrading Packages

To upgrade the installed packages to their latest versions, you can use the following command:

Sudo apt-get upgrade

This command will upgrade all the packages that have available upgrades. If you want to upgrade a specific package, you can use the following command:

Sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade package-name

Installing packages from the Debian repository is a simple process using the apt package manager. With the huge collection of packages available in the repository, you can easily install and manage software on your Debian system. Remember to update the package database regularly to ensure that you are running the latest software versions and security updates.

Set up a web server with Apache

After installing Debian, there are a lot of things that you can do to customize your machine and make the most of your operating system. One great initiative is to set up a web server using Apache - a task that is actually quite straightforward to do. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step through the process of setting up a web server with Apache on Debian.

Step 1: Install Apache

The first thing you need to do is to install Apache. To do this, open a terminal and enter the following command:

Sudo apt-get install apache2

This command will download and install Apache on your machine.

Step 2: Check the Status of Apache

After the installation is complete, it is important to check the status of Apache to ensure that it is up and running. To do this, enter the following command:

Sudo systemctl status apache2

If Apache is running, you will see a message indicating that it is active and running. If not, you may need to troubleshoot the installation process.

Step 3: Configure Apache

After you've confirmed that Apache is installed and running, you can begin to configure it. The main configuration file for Apache is located in the /etc/apache2 directory. To edit this file, enter the following command:

Sudo nano /etc/apache2/apache2.conf

This will open the Apache configuration file in the nano text editor. From here, you can make any changes you need to, such as adding custom settings or changing permissions.

Step 4: Test Your Web Server

Once you've finished configuring Apache, it's time to test your web server. To do this, open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost/. If everything is set up correctly, you should see an Apache2 Ubuntu Default Page. If not, you may need to troubleshoot the installation process.

Step 5: Publish Your Website

Finally, once you've confirmed that Apache is working, it's time to start publishing your website. To do this, navigate to the /var/www/html directory and create a new file for your website. You can use any text editor to create this file, such as nano or vim.

After creating your file, you can start publishing content to your web server and share your website with the world!

Setting up a web server with Apache on Debian is a great way to create a customizable and powerful platform for your website or web application. With a little bit of knowledge and a few straightforward steps, you can have your web server up and running in no time!

Try out different command line tools

After successfully installing Debian on your computer, you might wonder what to do next. One of the best ways to dive into the powerful world of Debian is by trying out different command line tools. The command line is a powerful tool that can perform a range of operations through text-based commands. Here are some basic command line tools that you can explore after installing Debian.

To update and upgrade your system, use the apt-get command. This will help you install and upgrade packages on Debian. Type the following command in the terminal:

$ sudo apt-get update

This will update the package list on your system. Then, type the following command to upgrade your system:

$ sudo apt-get upgrade

You can also try out different text editors for your coding needs. Vim and Emacs are two popular text editors that can be used on any Debian system. To install, use these commands:

$ sudo apt-get install vim

$ sudo apt-get install emacs

Monitoring your system’s performance can be done using the top command. This tool shows you the processes that are running on your system, their memory usage, and CPU consumption. Type the following command in the terminal:

$ top

The ls command is used to list the files in a directory. Try navigating to the different directories on your system and using this command to list the files.

$ ls

Another useful command is the ps command. This command shows you the processes that are currently running on your system. Type the following command in the terminal:

$ ps

The ping command is used to test the connection to a server. This can be useful for troubleshooting network issues. Type the following command in the terminal:

$ ping google.com

These are just a few examples of the command line tools that you can explore after installing Debian. The command line is an essential aspect of Linux and mastering it will help you accomplish tasks faster and more efficiently. You can find more command line tools and explore their functions to further enhance your experience with Debian.

Customize the desktop with themes and icons

Congratulations on successfully installing Debian! Now that you have your operating system up and running, it's time to personalize your desktop with themes and icons. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to give your desktop a unique and polished look.

Choose a Desktop Environment

Before you start customizing your desktop, you need to choose a desktop environment. Debian supports various desktop environments such as GNOME, KDE, Xfce, Cinnamon, and more. Each desktop environment provides a different look and feel, so you can pick the one that suits your taste.

To choose a desktop environment, you can refer to the official Debian documentation or try each desktop environment and see which one you prefer. After selecting the desktop environment, it's time to start customizing its appearance.

Install Themes and Icons

The easiest way to customize the appearance of your desktop is by installing themes and icons. You can find various themes and icons on websites such as gnome-look.org or xfce-look.org. Before installing any themes or icons, make sure they are compatible with your desktop environment.

To install a theme, download the theme file and extract it to the ~/.themes directory in your home folder. If the ~/.themes directory doesn't exist, create it first. After that, open the settings of your desktop environment and select the new theme.

To install icons, download the icon file, extract it to the ~/.icons directory, and select the new icon set from the settings.

Customize the Wallpaper

Another way to personalize your desktop is by changing the wallpaper. Debian includes various wallpapers, but you can also use your own image or download from websites such as unsplash.com or wallhaven.cc.

To change the wallpaper, right-click on the desktop and select "Change Background" (or similar, depending on the desktop environment). Then, choose the new wallpaper from the list or browse to the location where the image is saved.

Modify the Fonts

The fonts used in your desktop can also influence the appearance. You can change the font type, size, and color based on your preference.

To modify the fonts, open the settings of your desktop environment and navigate to the font section. Then, select the font type and size you like and apply the changes.

Use Extensions and Widgets

Some desktop environments provide extensions or widgets to customize the appearance further. For example, GNOME Shell has various extensions that can add new features or change the appearance.

To install extensions, browse the GNOME Shell Extensions website, find the extension you want, and click on the "On/Off" switch to install it. The extension will be downloaded and installed automatically.

Customizing the desktop with themes and icons is a fun way to personalize your Debian installation. With the steps above, you can easily change the look and feel of your desktop environment. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect desktop setup for your needs. Enjoy!

Set up file sharing with Samba

After installing Debian, one of the most useful things you can do is set up file sharing with Samba. Samba is a free and open-source software that allows you to share files between Linux and Windows computers. Here are some steps to get you started with Samba on Debian:

Step 1: Install Samba

To install Samba on Debian, open a terminal window and type the following command:

Sudo apt-get update

Sudo apt-get install samba

Step 2: Configure Samba

Once Samba is installed, you need to configure it. Open the Samba configuration file using the following command:

Sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf

Inside the file, you will see some default configurations. Scroll down to the end of the file and add the following lines:

[Shared Folder]

Comment = Shared Folder

Path = /path/to/shared/folder

Browseable = yes

Read only = no

Guest ok = yes

Replace "Shared Folder" with the name of the folder you want to share and "/path/to/shared/folder" with the path to the folder on your Debian system that you want to share.

Step 3: Create a user

You need to create a Samba user to access the shared folder. Use the following command to create a user:

Sudo smbpasswd -a username

Replace "username" with your desired username. You will be asked to enter a password for the user.

Step 4: Restart Samba

To apply the changes you made to the Samba configuration file, you need to restart the Samba service. Use the following command to do that:

Sudo systemctl restart smbd

Step 5: Access the shared folder

Now that you have set up Samba and created a user, you can access the shared folder from a Windows computer. Open File Explorer on your Windows computer and enter the following into the address bar:

\\debian-ip-address\Shared Folder

Replace "debian-ip-address" with the IP address of your Debian system. You will be asked to enter the username and password you created in Step 3.

That's it! You have now successfully set up file sharing with Samba on Debian.

Learn how to use the Debian package manager (apt)

If you are new to Debian or Linux in general, you may wonder what you should do after installing Debian. One of the most important things you should do right after installing Debian is to learn how to use the Debian package manager, also known as apt. In this article, we will guide you through the basics of using apt so you can get started with installing, updating, and managing packages on your Debian system.

Debian is a Linux-based operating system that uses packages to install and manage software on your system. These packages come in the form of .deb files, and the Debian package manager (apt) is used to install and manage them. The Debian package manager is a powerful tool that allows you to easily install, remove, upgrade, and search for packages on your system.

Learning how to use the Debian package manager is important because it allows you to manage your system efficiently. Instead of manually downloading and installing packages, apt automates the process for you. This saves you time and helps ensure that your system is up-to-date with the latest software.

How to use the Debian package manager

To use the Debian package manager, you will need to open a terminal window and type commands. Here are some basic commands to get you started:

Updating the package list

Before installing or updating packages, you need to update the package list by executing the following command:

Sudo apt update

This command will update the list of packages available from the repositories configured on your system.

Installing packages

To install a package using apt, you need to run the following command:

Sudo apt install [packageName]

Replace [packageName] with the package name you want to install. For example, if you want to install the Firefox browser, you would run:

Sudo apt install firefox

Upgrading packages

To upgrade all packages on your system, you can run the following command:

Sudo apt upgrade

This command will upgrade all installed packages to their latest version.

Searching for packages

To search for a package, you can use the following command:

Apt search [searchTerm]

Replace [searchTerm] with the term you want to search for. For example, if you want to search for a text editor, you would run:

Apt search text editor

Learning how to use the Debian package manager is essential for managing your system efficiently. In this article, we have provided you with some basic commands to get you started with apt. There are many more commands and options available with apt that you can explore as you become more comfortable with the Debian operating system. With this knowledge, you can confidently manage the software on your Debian system and keep it up-to-date with the latest software.

Install and experiment with different text editors

After installing Debian, you'll be presented with a sleek and minimalist operating system that carries with it an array of powerful and flexible tools to get you started. One such tool is the text editor, a fundamental component of any system software or application development setup. Not sure where to start? Here's a list of text editors in Debian that can help you get the job done.

Nano: A simple, user-friendly text editor

If you're new to Linux, Nano is a good place to start. It is a typical beginner's text editor that comes baked into the Debian installation process. It is straightforward to use and provides all the basic functions a user needs for simple text editing.

To use Nano, open up the terminal and type in "nano filename.extension" where filename.extension is the name and extension of the file you want to create and then edit. For example, to create a file called "hello.txt" using Nano, type "nano hello.txt".

Vim: The power of modularity and deep-control

Vim is one of the most potent and intuitive feature-rich text editors available for use in Debian. It has become a standard tool among many Linux users due to its extremely powerful modularity and extensive control over editing and formatting.

To use Vim, open the terminal and type in "vim filename.extension" where filename.extension is the name and extension of the file you want to create and then edit. For example, to create a file called "hello.txt" using Vim, type "vim hello.txt".

Emacs: The ultimate text editor

Emacs is another highly popular text editor that users swear by when working with large developmental projects. With its incredible modularity, Emacs can tailor itself to the needs of any developer. It offers a unique level of control over the text processing and can help users be highly productive working on one project or several hundred.

To use Emacs, open the terminal and type in "emacs filename.extension" where filename.extension is the name and extension of the file you want to create and then edit. For example, to create a file called "hello.txt" using Emacs, type "emacs hello.txt".

Gedit: The lightweight alternative

Gedit is a lightweight text editor that is popular among those not looking for the full modularity and control offered by Vim and Emacs. It can handle large files and can also be utilized for various file formats like images, XML files, and HTML/CSS files.

To use Gedit, go to the applications menu, find the "Text Editor" option. Once opened, click on "File," "Open Files," and then select the file you want to edit.

So there you have it- four powerful and flexible text editors for Debian that can help you get the job done. Choose one based on your requirements and start editing your text files today!

Explore the Debian wiki and forums for tips and tricks

Congratulations on successfully installing Debian! Now, it's time to dive in and explore all the amazing features this operating system has to offer. One of the best ways to get started is by checking out the Debian wiki and forums for tips and tricks.

The Debian wiki is a comprehensive resource that provides information on how to use and troubleshoot the operating system. It covers a variety of topics, from basic commands to advanced system configurations. Here are a few things you can do on the Debian wiki:

• Learn about the Debian package management system: The wiki provides a detailed guide on how to use APT (Advanced Package Tool), which is the primary package management system used in Debian. You can learn how to install, update, and remove packages, as well as how to manage repositories and dependencies.
• Configure your desktop environment: If you're using a desktop environment like GNOME, KDE, or Xfce, the Debian wiki has a wealth of information on how to configure it to your liking. You can learn how to customize your desktop theme, install new software, and set up shortcuts and key bindings.
• Troubleshoot common problems: No operating system is perfect, and Debian is no exception. However, the Debian wiki provides a wealth of information on how to troubleshoot common problems that you may encounter. From fixing broken packages to resolving networking issues, there's a page for almost every kind of problem.

The Debian forums are another great resource for getting help and advice from other Debian users. Here are a few things you can do on the forums:

• Ask for help: If you're stuck on a problem or have a question, the Debian forums are a great place to ask for help. There are plenty of experienced users who are happy to help you out.
• Share tips and tricks: If you've discovered a cool new feature or trick that other users might find helpful, the forums are a great place to share it. You can also learn from other users' tips and tricks.
• Discuss new software and developments: The Debian community is always working on new software and developments, and the forums are a great place to discuss them. You can learn about new packages, security updates, and upcoming releases.

In conclusion, exploring the Debian wiki and forums is a great way to get started with this operating system. You'll find a wealth of information on everything from basic system configurations to advanced troubleshooting. So, go ahead and explore – you never know what great tips and tricks you might discover!

Contribute to the Debian community by reporting bugs or helping with documentation

Congratulations on installing Debian! Now that you have your operating system up and running, it's time to delve deeper into the Debian community and become an active participant. One of the ways you can do this is by contributing back to the community through reporting bugs or helping with documentation. Here's how you can get started:

First, let's talk about bug reporting. If you come across any issues or problems while using Debian, you can report them to the Debian Bug Tracking System. This system is used by Debian developers and users alike to track and fix bugs in the system. To report a bug, simply run the command "reportbug" in a terminal window. This will launch a tool that will walk you through the bug reporting process, helping you provide all the necessary details for the developers to reproduce and fix the issue.

When reporting a bug, make sure to include as much information as possible about your system and the error you encountered. This includes details such as your Debian version, the package you were using, and any error messages you received. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for the developers to diagnose and fix the issue.

Aside from reporting bugs, you can also support the Debian community by helping with documentation. Debian provides a wealth of documentation online, and much of this documentation is maintained by volunteers. If you have expertise in a particular area or package, consider contributing to the documentation to help other users. To get started, you can visit the Debian Documentation website and review the existing documentation on your area of interest. If you find any errors or omissions in the documentation, you can submit a patch to the Debian Documentation Team.

Contributing to the Debian community through bug reporting or documentation is a great way to give back to the open source community and help make Debian better for everyone. So the next time you encounter a bug in Debian or have knowledge to share, consider getting involved and making a positive impact on the community.

Frequently asked questions