6 Ways to Speed Up Your Ubuntu PC

Optimizing Ubuntu Performance

While Ubuntu generally offers a responsive experience immediately after installation, further enhancements can be implemented to maximize system memory utilization and accelerate the boot sequence.

These optimizations can yield significant improvements, particularly on older computer hardware.

Choosing a Lightweight Desktop Environment

A key strategy for boosting performance involves selecting a less resource-intensive desktop environment. This can dramatically improve responsiveness.

Switching from a heavier desktop like Unity to a lighter alternative can revitalize older systems.

Utilizing Lighter Applications

Beyond the desktop environment, the applications you use also impact system speed. Opting for applications designed for efficiency is crucial.

An older computer that previously struggled with Ubuntu’s default applications may deliver acceptable performance for an extended period with more streamlined software choices.

Consider alternatives that prioritize minimal resource consumption without sacrificing essential functionality.

Extending System Lifespan

By carefully selecting both a desktop environment and applications, you can effectively extend the usable lifespan of older hardware.

This approach allows you to continue benefiting from the Ubuntu ecosystem even on systems with limited resources.

Utilizing Preload for Enhanced System Performance

Preload functions as a daemon, which essentially means it operates as a background service on your computer. Its primary role is to observe the applications you frequently utilize.

By tracking the libraries and binaries these applications require, Preload proactively loads them into your system's memory. This anticipatory action results in significantly faster application launch times.

Consider a scenario where you consistently launch LibreOffice and Firefox immediately after booting your computer. Preload will intelligently load the necessary files for both applications into memory during system startup.

Consequently, when you subsequently initiate these applications, they will experience a noticeable reduction in startup delay.

Installation on Ubuntu

While not included as a standard component of Ubuntu, Preload is pre-installed on certain Linux distributions. To install Preload on Ubuntu, execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt-get install preload

Following the installation process, Preload will automatically run in the background, operating unobtrusively without requiring any user intervention.

Advanced users have the option to modify Preload's configuration through the /etc/preload.conf file. However, the default settings are generally sufficient for optimal performance.

Managing Startup Applications in Ubuntu

When you log in to Ubuntu, certain applications are configured to launch automatically. Software packages frequently include autostart entries during installation; for instance, installing Dropbox typically results in its automatic startup alongside your desktop environment.

A large number of these autostart entries, or a system with limited resources, can significantly increase the time it takes for your desktop to become fully visible. The Startup Applications dialog provides a means to manage these automatically launching programs.

Revealing Hidden Autostart Entries

Ubuntu, by default, conceals many of the system’s standard autostart entries within the Startup Applications dialog. To make these hidden entries visible, execute the following command in a terminal window:

sudo sed -i 's/NoDisplay=true/NoDisplay=false/g' /etc/xdg/autostart/*.desktop

This command alters each autostart file, changing the "NoDisplay" parameter from "true" to "false". Consequently, all entries will then be displayed within the list. After executing this command, a restart of the Startup Applications dialog is necessary to view the expanded list of options.

Precautions When Disabling Autostart Entries

It is crucial to avoid disabling an autostart entry unless you fully comprehend its function.

For example, if your computer lacks Bluetooth capabilities, disabling the Bluetooth Manager applet is safe. However, avoid disabling Ubuntu One if you actively utilize its services.

Disabling vs. Removing Entries

To disable an application from automatically starting, it is recommended to uncheck the corresponding checkbox. This approach is preferable to clicking the Remove button.

Using the checkbox allows for easy re-enabling of the entry in the future, should you require it. This provides a non-destructive method for managing your startup applications.

Optimizing Ubuntu Performance with Lightweight Desktop Environments

For users with older computer hardware experiencing performance issues with Ubuntu's standard Unity desktop, transitioning to a more resource-efficient environment can significantly improve speed. Several alternatives are available, each offering a different balance between features and minimal resource usage.

Consider exploring options like LXDE or XFCE. These desktop environments are designed to consume fewer system resources, leading to a more responsive user experience.

Exploring Minimalist Options

If an extremely streamlined experience is desired, Xmonad presents a compelling choice. It's a tiling window manager known for its minimal footprint and focus on keyboard-driven operation.

The lightweight desktop environments mentioned represent only a fraction of the possibilities. Numerous other options exist, allowing users to tailor their Ubuntu experience to their specific hardware capabilities and preferences.

Optimizing Performance with Lightweight Applications

Employing lighter applications, in addition to a streamlined desktop environment, represents a viable strategy for enhancing the responsiveness of older or less powerful computer systems. Consider, for instance, substituting Abiword for LibreOffice Writer when composing infrequent text documents.

While Abiword offers a reduced feature set, it demonstrably operates with greater speed and efficiency.

Exploring Alternatives for Common Software

For email management, users of Mozilla Thunderbird or GNOME Evolution could explore Sylpheed, a graphical email client designed for minimal resource consumption.

Lightweight alternatives are generally available for the majority of commonly used software; a simple online search can reveal these options.

The Power of Terminal Applications

Furthermore, it’s possible to entirely forgo graphical applications in favor of their terminal-based counterparts.

A wealth of command-line utilities exist, providing functionality equivalent to graphical programs, but with significantly reduced system demands.

• Abiword: A fast and efficient word processor.
• Sylpheed: A lightweight graphical email client.
• Terminal Applications: Command-line tools offering comparable functionality to graphical programs.

By strategically selecting applications with lower resource footprints, users can significantly improve the overall performance of their Ubuntu systems.

Decreasing GRUB Boot Menu Wait Time

When a system has multiple operating systems present, Ubuntu utilizes the GRUB boot loader menu upon startup. This menu is displayed for a default duration of 10 seconds. Following this period, the system automatically initiates the designated default boot option.

If you consistently allow Ubuntu to proceed to the default boot entry without intervention, shortening this timeout can reclaim valuable time during the boot sequence.

To adjust this configuration, the /etc/default/grub file must be opened using a text editor:

gksu gedit /etc/default/grub

Within this file, locate and modify the GRUB_TIMEOUT variable, assigning it a reduced numerical value. Setting an extremely short timeout, such as 1 second, will still allow access to the boot menu by repeatedly pressing either the arrow keys or the Escape key during the boot process.

The following image illustrates the file editing process: