here's a list of stuff that can be very time-saving & helpful when (re)installing ubuntu.
prior to everything: install all the autoupdates right after you boot for the first time.
making changes to the linux $PATH:
http://www.everyjoe.com/newlinuxuser/howto-add-a-directory-to-my-path-statementvariable/
PATH=$PATH:/new/path (where /new/path is the directory you want to add)
export PATH
adding the "open terminal here" to nautilus:
sudo apt-get install nautilus-open-terminal
adding a shell to the bottom of gedit: simply install gedit-plugins (via shell or synaptic)
installing petite chez (fixing alien on the way):
http://forum.uniclass.co.il/viewtopic.php?f=195&t=7345
installing flash: with 9.04 the regular installation from adobe didn't do it (grisha fixed this somehow), but with 9.10 it went smoothly.
instaling the C man-pages: apt-get install manpages-dev