Today, I have a tutorial for anyone new to Ubuntu who has just gotten a machine with Ubuntu, either from Dell or from any other manufacturer. These are the things I would consider doing as a new user getting his or her first PC with Ubuntu:

1. Set OpenOffice to Automatically Save in the Microsoft .doc Format
   Go to Tools > Options in OpenOffice. Under Load/Save, choose General. At the bottom, change the default format for saving each type of document to Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP.
2. Add Desktop Shortcuts for Important Applications
   Find the applications you are likely to use in the Applications menu and drag them to your desktop for easy launching.
3. Determine if You Have A Need for Virtualization or Dual Boot
   Figure out if there are Linux alternatives to all the applications you used to use. If not, consider dual-booting or virtualizing WIndows. If you dual-boot, you will be able to choose between Windows and Linux when you boot up your computer. If you virtualize, you will be able to run Windows inside a window on your Linux desktop.
4. Test Your Hardware, Particularly Unusual Features; Make Recovery Discs
   This is not specific to Linux, but it is always important to test all your hardware (by using it) to make sure you did not get a defective part. Also, create recovery discs if they did not come in the box.
5. Consider installing Blubuntu
   If you really don’t like the default theme (come on, you really hate brown that much?), then an easy solution is to install a package called “blubuntu-look” from Synaptic. This will give you a complete blue theme.
6. Install the Needed Software to Play DVDs, MP3s, and More
   If you bought your system from Dell, don’t worry about this. If not, you likely need to install software to playback DVDs, MP3s, and more. To go the completely legal route, buy them from Canonical (both this and this).
7. Set Up a Backup System
   You could use JungleDisk, any of the software available from Add/Remove, just copy your files to a USB hard drive, or anything you want, just have a way of backing up.
8. Get and Use An Ubuntu Sticker
   If your system does not come with an Ubuntu sticker, you can get one from System 76 and put it on.
9. Learn About Installing Software on Linux
   Installing software is one of the biggest differences between the three major operating systems. You can learn about installing software on Ubuntu here.
10. Find a Forum To Ask Questions
    Create an account at the Ubuntu Forums or Linux Questions so you can get your questions answered.