Startup.sh

A bash script for theming and installing apps to Ubuntu/Debian systems with MATE to match my usual preferences. Useful when distrohopping/reinstalling.

A personal automation script created in 2021 to theme, style, and set up Ubuntu/Debian-based Linux systems running the MATE desktop environment. Originally written for distro-hopping convenience, this script helps streamline system setup — from browser installation to UI theming and app configuration.

Although written for personal use, it’s open to anyone who finds it useful.

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What It Does

This script automates:

• System Update: Updates and upgrades system packages.

• Browser Installation: Lets you choose from:

• Google Chrome

• Microsoft Edge

• Brave

• Chromium (via Debian sources)

• Opera

• Or install multiple at once

• Theme Installation: Choose from:

• Fluent GTK & icon theme

• Orchis GTK theme & Tela icon theme

• Or skip theming

• Grub2 + Plymouth Theming (Optional):

• Slaze Grub2 theme

• Custom Plymouth boot animations

• Extra Tools:

• Rofi with custom file finder

• Artha (dictionary)

• VLC media player

• Microsoft fonts

• Synaptic package manager

• Ubuntu Software Center

• System Cleanup:

• Removes Snap

• Autoremoves unused packages

• Performance Tweak:

• Sets vm.swappiness to 10 for improved RAM usage

• Aliases Setup:

• Creates a .bash_aliases file with custom helpers for system management and Windscribe VPN

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Included Aliases & Functions

After running the script, a .bash_aliases file will be created with the following convenient shortcuts:

Aliases

Alias	Description
upgrade	Update and upgrade the system
rb	Reboot immediately
off	Shutdown immediately
clean	Autoremove and autoclean packages
xwsc	Disconnect Windscribe VPN
bt	Start Bluetooth service
clcache	Clear RAM cache
maintain	Run upgrade, clean, and clcache
big-clean	Delete common config/cache folders and reboot

Functions

uinst <package>   # Update & install a package
install <package> # Install a package
wsc <location>    # Connect Windscribe VPN to location

These aliases are automatically sourced by .bashrc if not already configured.

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How to Use

1. Make it executable:

   chmod +x startup.sh

2. Run the script:

   ./startup.sh

3. Follow on-screen prompts to:

   • Choose which browser(s) to install
   • Select a GTK and icon theme
   • Optionally install boot themes and animations

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Dependencies

Most dependencies are installed during the script. Ensure you're on an Ubuntu or Debian-based system using MATE Desktop for best results.

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Notes

• Meant for MATE desktop specifically. Some features (like dconf theme settings) are MATE-specific.
• You’ll be prompted throughout the process. No destructive actions are taken without confirmation.
• Uses some GitHub repos for themes — make sure you have internet access.

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Optional Manual Steps

After script execution, you might want to:

• Customize Plank dock

• Set keyboard shortcuts for:

  • App launcher: rofi -show drun (e.g. Super+Space)
  • File finder: rofi -show find -modi find:finder (e.g. Super+F)

• Add Artha to startup

• Adjust panel settings

• Set up Windscribe VPN

• Reboot to finalize boot theme changes

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License

This script is shared with the community without any warranty. Use at your own discretion.