First I'll try to elaborate a bit on the already mentioned points:
- Basic Linux and especially Ubuntu
- Getting used to using the windows and workspaces relevant shortcuts (in Unity, hold SUPER/WINDOWS)
- Knowing what apt-get does and how it works
- Knowing how to set up ssh connections using keys
- Using the terminal
- Getting familiar with TAB completion and history
- Know the basic shortcuts CTRL+C, CTRL+ALT+T, CTRL+SHIFT+T, CTRL+(+|-|0)
What also helped me:
- Having a basic knowledge of threads and their hazards (especially relevant for C++)
- Getting familiar with version control systems and their underlying concepts
- git, subversion and mercurial are all used in ROS repositories
- Focus on one and use it for your projects (git works best for me)