Install CVS / Subversion and other software to support Web development

Here is a list of highly suggested packages for development Ubuntu 8.04 include

• CVS and Subversion are version control systems, and required if you want to work on Drupal code (CVS) or most site development setups (normally Subversion).
• Sun Java 1.6 for Eclipse and other Java apps

Install suggested packages

Additionally, here is a list of optional but nonetheless often useful packages for development in Ubuntu 8.04 - the command to install them is below, edit as you prefer.

• XChat for IRC. IRC is an indispensable tool for immediate support from the Drupal community. For the beginner, XChat seems easier to get started with IRC. However, Pidgin is pre-installed and probably more powerful once properly configured. If using Pidgin, install additional packages (pidgin-guifications, pidgin-plugin-pack) for additional preferences and ease of use. Skype is also used by many people. Irssi is a powerful IRC client that runs in the terminal.
• GWorldClock is a handy world clock applet that can show time around the world, and figure out when to rendezvous (optional).
• GHex is a hex editor that is useful for investigating binary files (optional).
• Siege is a HTTP benchmark tool, similar to ab (Apache benchmark), but which can be used to simulate a more realistic web server load (optional).
• Revelation is a secure password manager with the ability to launch ssh sessions (etc) and import/export credentials in a number of standard formats (optional).
• Konqueror is a browser that uses the same KHTML rendering engine as Apple Safari (although not identical), so is useful for testing (optional).
• WINE and the cabextract tool is also recommended if you want to test with Internet Explorer (see IEs4linux below).
• Opera is also recommended, for testing.
• Skype, which will require you to add it into Software Sources: Click on System > Administration > Software Sources, click the Third-Party Software tab, Click on the Add button and add the Skype repository with the following APT line:
  deb http://download.skype.com/linux/repos/debian/ stable non-free

Install useful packages:

Install Internet Explorers for cross browser testing

• Download IEs4linux from http://www.tatanka.com.br/ies4linux/page/Main_Page
• Extract and run the installer and select what versions you want to install (IE5, IE5.5 and IE6)
• If you download the beta version (find the latest in the IEs4linux blog) you can also run IE7

Install Firefox extensions

• Firebug - awesome interactive debugging for CSS, Javascript, etc
• Web Developer Toolbar - very powerful all-in-one toolbar
• Add N Edit Cookies - mash your cookies!
• ColorZilla - color picker, great for designers and themers
• Form Saver - save form values into bookmarklet - good for QAing form code
• ReloadEvery - great for trial and error code sessions
• ScreenGrab - snag entire pages, not just screenshots
• Selenium IDE - record, play back and assert test conditions to exercise your site
• User Agent Switcher - pretend to be someone else's browser
• YSlow - essential performance and latency analysis
• Dust-Me - clean up redundant CSS

Setup SSH key

These are useful for logging into your servers using SSH and letting Seahorse (above) cache your keyphrase so you don't need to keep track of lots of passwords or type your passphrase in every single time:
ssh-keygen -b 2048 -t rsa

• Note: just hit ENTER when ssh-keygen asks for a the file to save the key into (use the default)
• Choose a good, long passphrase (and don't forget it!). Never EVER use a blank passphrase!

To copy your key to a server where you want to log in:
ssh-copy-id -i .ssh/id_rsa.pub myuser@myserver.com

Setup GPG key

This is useful for other people to send you secure e-mail, such as server passwords.

• The easiest way to do this is using Seahorse (Applications -> Accessories -> Encryption Key Manager). This can create a new key for you and also publish it to keyservers.
• Alternatively, if you use Thunderbird you can install the Enigmail extension, which can help you create your key and send/recieve encrypted mail.