Although Linux is the fastest operating system, there are still some things that can make it slower. In this article, I will show you how to speed up Ubuntu in 8 easy steps.
>> Read my article on how to boost your WiFi performance on Ubuntu
1. Restart Your Machine
A good way to speed up Ubuntu is to restart your computer. Instead of just closing your computer while leaving processors running, restart your computer if you aren’t going to use it for a while, or even better, power it off at night when you aren’t using it. This will make sure no extra programs are accumulated on your system over a long period of time.
2. Update Ubuntu
It can seem obvious, but updating Ubuntu fixes bugs that may slow down performance. Use the following command to search for major updates:
sudo apt upgradeYou may use this following command to find minor updates:
sudo apt update3. Remove Unnecessary Files & Programs
If you have many programs or residual configuration files lying around on your system, this will help a lot.
Run these following commands to simply clean and autoremove files:
sudo apt autoremove
# Removes unused software that is no longer required
sudo apt clean
# Empty temporary cache in apt
sudo apt autoclean
# removes package files that can no longer be downloaded and are useless4. Install Apt Update Indicator GNOME Extension
Apt Update Indicator is one of my favorite GNOME extensions. It is mainly used for telling you how many updates you have and what they are. Install it here: https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/1139/apt-update-indicator/
Learn about how to install GNOME Extensions here: https://alexfullam.wordpress.com/2021/04/04/install-gnome-extensions/
It is very customizable. You can choose how often it checks for updates, and you can have it send you notifications when updates are ready.
The main reason I have included this in the article is beacuse of its ability to check for residual config files that don’t get deleted with any sort of “apt autoremove” command. If there are any residual config files on your system, Apt Update Indicator will show them when you click on the indicator.
5. Edit Your Startup Application
Removing unneeded startup applications will speed up your system on startup. First, navigate to the Startup Applications app.
Here, you can remove applications or add them.
6. Install Preload
Preload is one of my favorite apps, for a good reason. It speeds up the opening time for the apps you use most.
Once you install preload, there is no configuration or GUI. You do not have to do anything to get it to work, because it automatically works on install.
If you’re wondering how preload works, it examines the apps that the user uses most. It even can predict the next app you’ll use. So preload adds the app to memory before you open it, making the app open right when you want it.
Run this command to install:
sudo apt install preloadPreload will now run in the background.
7. Remove Extra Apt Translations
If you look closely when updating or installing something with apt, you may notice that there are 3 types of lines in apt, which are hit, ign, and get. They are related to language translations. But if you use all the packages in English anyways, then there is no need for a package database translation from English to English.
Removing the translations can increase your apt speed. To fix this, enter either of the following lines of code.
GUI:
sudo gedit /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/00aptitudeNano (Terminal):
sudo nano /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/00aptitudeNext, append this line to the end of the file:
Acquire::Languages "none";The file will now look something like this:
8. Install TLP to Reduce Overheating & Battery Power
If your computer is overheated, it will run slower. TLP can not only reduce overheating, but it can also conserve battery power.
To install and use TLP, enter the following commands in terminal:
sudo apt install tlp
You don’t need to do anything after installing TLP since it automatically is started in the background.
Alex Fullam 
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