Ubuntu 10.10 Maverick Meerkat has already been released. Many of you must have installed it and other will be looking install it in a few days.

In this post, we list the must have applications you will probably want to install after installing Ubuntu 10.10. You might also like to take this screenshot tour of Ubuntu 10.10 Maverick.

Enable The Repositories

To enable the repositories mentioned above, open the Ubuntu Software Center and Edit > Software Sources. Under the tab Ubuntu, check the repositories. You do not need to check the one for source code.

You might also want to Change the "Download from:" to a mirror near you instead of the main server. Keeping it as main server should be fine too.

Enable the partners repository too from under the Other Software tab.

Restricted Extras

Ubuntu 10.10 gives you the option to install the non-free stuffs you need like codecs, Flash etc. during installation. If you did not install them during the installation, simply install the ubuntu-restricted-extras from the command line.

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras

Install Ubuntu Tweak

Ubuntu Tweak is a must have application. It allows you to tweak your Ubuntu installation, clean up your PPA list etc. If you are going to be fiddling around with your Ubuntu installation, install it with the command below:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:tualatrix/ppa

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-tweak

Install Ubuntu Control Center

Inspired by the Mandriva Control Center, the Ubuntu Control Center allows you to control many aspects of your Ubuntu system in a simple GUI, without resorting to the CLI.

You can follow the installation instructions here.

Install VLC

Totem, the default video player with Ubuntu, is a a bit disappointing. VLC is a much better alternative. Install it with:

sudo apt-get install vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc

Install Elementary-Nautilus

Elementary-Nautilus is a cleaner and better looking version of nautilus. It also has a few extra features like embedded terminal, cover flow etc.

Install it with:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:am-monkeyd/nautilus-elementary-ppa

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

Install GIMP

GIMP has been removed from the default Ubuntu installation a while back. You will need it if you want to touch up some photos, edit some images etc.

Install it with:

sudo apt-get install gimp

Install Skype

Skype has been added in the Ubuntu partners repository a while back. You can install it in Ubuntu with the command:

sudo apt-get install skype