First TIme Script

If you're an Ubuntu user looking to get the additional repositories and necessary packages that aren't included in the default installation, Jim's First Time Script might be worth checking out. This script has been developed over the years due to the limitations and problems of other scripts that have attempted to address this issue.

The creators of previous scripts have done things the wrong way, leading to problems and hacks that didn't work well. The original New User Script died off in the Hoary Hedgehog days, while EasyUbuntu used wget to get packages from mirrors, bypassing the APT system updates necessary for proper functionality. Similarly, Automatrix and Ultramatix made harmful changes to systems without notifying users.

The reality is that there are several dozen packages necessary to use Ubuntu that can't be included in the default installation due to various legal reasons. These packages include codecs and proprietary applications that violate copyright, patent, and content protection laws.

Jim's First Time Script aims to install these required packages without causing damage to your system. The script adds Universe, Multiverse, Commercial, and Medibuntu repositories to your installation, then installs the necessary packages that are already available. It's a simple and safe way to get up and running with Ubuntu.