Ubuntu is the most widely used Linux distribution, making it easy to use both beginners and advanced users. But many beginners in Linux who got into the ubuntu world, they are asking themselves how to maintain their installation fresh, especially since Ubuntu does not come with such tools.
Here are some various things you can do for a clean Ubuntu.
Avoid installing software from unknown sources
There are rare cases when a regular user has to install Ubuntu from sources – being the most popular Linux distribution, Ubuntu also enjoys the increased attention of program makers, so .deb’s are almost for everything.
Compiling from sources also requires storing the tarball file for eventual uninstall. If we are not careful, several installed versions of the same program may result.
If, however, you are forced to install from sources, use checkinstall instead of make install – this will generate a .deb file that can be easily maneuvered (both installing and uninstalling later).
Use the “maintenance” commands
The system update produces files that cache. Because of this, uninstalling some packages leaves behind their dependencies. To avoid this and to keep Ubuntu clean, use the following command:
sudo apt-get clean
The command below deletes any files that are no longer required, which are not found in the software repositories or where a newly installed version is detected:
sudo apt-get autoclean
To remove packages that were required by an uninstalled program, use:
sudo apt-get autoremove
Use localpurge
Localepurge is a utility that can remove all localization files in the system, except those selected by the user, thus helping to increase free disk space.
Install with the command below and run each time the system updates or a program is installed:
sudo apt-get install localepurge
Use the ucaresystem utility
Ucaresystem is a tool designed for those who care about their system. Automates the upgrade and cleaning/maintenance process of the system. To install, a PPA must be added:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:utappia/stable
sudo apt update
sudo apt install ucaresystem-core
Run it with the command:
sudo ucaresystem-core
Ucaresystem updates the list of system packs, updates system libraries, deletes unnecessary packages, and finally cleans downloaded packages. Ucaresystem keeps the active Linux kernel, and the previous version as backup.
Use GtkOrphan
GtkOrphan allows you greater control over what you keep in the system. It’s simple to install and use it:
sudo apt-get install gtkorphan
After launching, GtkOrphan scans for orphan packs.
Use BleachBit
BleachBit is already a landmark among the Ubuntu users and does not need too much presentation. Briefly, with BleachBit, users can delete unnecessary files, such as temporary files, logs, history, cache, error reports, etc.
Install with the command:
sudo apt-get install bleachbit
Just select what you want to delete and let BleachBit do its job.
Use Ubuntu Tweak
Ubuntu Tweak makes configuration of Ubuntu system easier for anyone. It offers a number of useful options such as viewing basic system information, controlling autostart applications, Gnome desktop settings, for Nautilus, system cleaning, and many more.
Download the .deb package from the official website and install it with gdebi.