Here are the official minimum system requirements (often referred to as the recommended requirements for a smooth experience) for the standard Ubuntu Desktop:
| Component | Minimum Requirements |
| Processor (CPU) | 2 GHz dual-core processor (or better) |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB RAM |
| Storage (Hard drive) | At least 25 GB of free disk space |
| Other | A USB port or DVD drive for the installation media |
| Internet | Internet access is helpful (for downloads and updates during installation) |
Note: If you have an older computer with less than 4 GB of RAM, the standard Ubuntu version might feel a bit heavy because it uses the GNOME graphical desktop environment.
If your computer has older hardware, you might want to look into the official “flavors” of Ubuntu, which are specifically designed to run on lower-spec systems:
- Xubuntu: Uses the XFCE desktop and typically requires only 1-2 GB of RAM.
- Lubuntu: The most lightweight version available, perfect for bringing very old machines back to life.
Use this command to clean up your hard drive. sudo apt autoremove
Go to Settings > Displays and toggle Night Light on. This reduces blue light in the evening, making it much easier on the eyes during late-night sessions.
If the default settings feel too limited, the best tip is always to install Gnome Tweaks. It’s easily done via the terminal: sudo apt install gnome-tweaks From here, you can change icons, fonts, and window behaviors.
New users often search around for the terminal icon. Teach them this shortcut right away:
Ctrl + Alt + T opens the terminal instantly, no matter where you are in the system.
Instead of minimizing and maximizing windows manually, you can use the Super key (Windows key) + arrow keys.
- Super + Left/Right: Snaps the window perfectly to one half of the screen (brilliant for multitasking).
- Super + Up: Maximizes the window.
How to minimize open applications in Ubuntu by clicking on the icons in the dock gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock click-action ‘minimize’
Ubuntu has a built-in clipboard manager that remembers more than just the last item you copied.
Press Super + V to open a history of your recently copied text and links, making it easy to paste older items.