Translations by AsstZD

If you've deleted a file by accident, you may be able to recover it from Ubuntu's trash folder. This is a special folder where Ubuntu stores deleted files before they are permanently removed from your computer.

To access the trash folder, select \menu{Places \then Computer} from the top panel, then choose \menu{Trash} from the list of places in the left-hand sidebar of the window that appears (alternatively, click on the trash applet at the far right of the bottom panel). To remove items from this folder and restore them to your computer, right-click on the items you want and select \button{Restore}, or otherwise drag them wherever you would like (we recommend a memorable location, such as your home folder or desktop).

To clear the cache, you can use either the \code{clean}, or the \code{autoclean} option for a command-line program called \commandlineapp{apt-get}. The \code{clean} command will remove every single cached item, while the \code{autoclean} command only removes cached items that can no longer be downloaded (these items are often unnecessary). To run \code{clean}, open \textbf{Terminal} and type:

Packages can also become unused over time. If a package was installed to assist with running another program \dash and that program was subsequently removed \dash you no longer need the supporting package. You can remove it with \code{autoremove}.

to remove the unnecessary packages.

I can't play certain audio or video files

Open the \application{Ubuntu Software Center} by selecting it from \menu{Applications}. Search for \textbf{ubuntu-restricted-extras} by typing ``ubuntu restricted extras'' in the search box on the right-hand side of the Ubuntu Software Center's main window. When the Software Center finds the appropriate software, click the arrow next to its title. Click \button{Install}, then wait while Ubuntu installs the appropriate software.

How can I change my screen resolution?

Ubuntu is not working properly on my Apple MacBook or MacBook Pro

Ubuntu is not working properly on my Asus EeePC

When installed on netbook computers from Asus \dash such as the EeePC \dash Ubuntu does not always enable all of the computer's built-in components, including the keyboard shortcut keys and the wireless Internet adapter. The Ubuntu community offers documentation on fixing these and other problems. If you are having trouble installing or using Ubuntu on your Asus EeePC, please follow the instructions at \url{https://help.ubuntu.com/community/EeePC}. This documentation page contains information pertaining specifically to EeePC netbooks.

My hardware is not working properly

Distribution families

Ubuntu is one of several popular operating systems based on Linux (an open source operating system). While other versions of Linux, or ``distributions,'' may look different from Ubuntu at first glance, they share similar characteristics because of their common roots.\marginnote{A distribution, or ``distro,'' is a operating system made from open source programs, bundled together to make them easier to install and use.}

Linux distributions can be divided into two broad families: the Debian family and the Red Hat family. Each family is named for a distribution on which subsequent distributions are based. For example, ``Debian'' refers to both the name of a distribution as well as the family of distributions derived from Debian. Ubuntu is part of the Debian family of distributions, as are Linux Mint, Xandros, and Crunchbang Linux. Distributions in the Red Hat family include Fedora, OpenSUSE, and Mandriva.

The most significant difference between Debian-based and Red Hat-based distributions is the system each uses for installing and updating software. These systems are called ``package management systems.''\marginnote{\textbf{Package management systems} are the means by which users can install, remove, and organize software installed on computers with open source operating systems like Ubuntu.} Debian software packages are \acronym{deb} files, while Red Hat software packages are \acronym{rpm} files. For more information about package management, see \chaplink{ch:software-management}.

You will also find distributions that have been specialized for certain tasks. Next, we'll describe these versions of Ubuntu and explain the uses for which each has been developed.

Choosing amongst Ubuntu and its derivatives

Just as Ubuntu is based on Debian, several distributions are subsequently based on Ubuntu. Some of these are made for general use, and each differs with respect to the software included as part of the distribution. Others are designed for specialized uses.

Four derivative distributions are officially recognized and supported by both Canonical and the Ubuntu community. These are:

\textbf{Kubuntu}, which uses the \acronym{KDE} graphical environment instead of the \acronym{GNOME} environment found in Ubuntu;

\textbf{Ubuntu Server Edition}, which is designed for use on servers, and typically is not used as a desktop operating system because it doesn't have a graphical interface.

Four other derivatives of Ubuntu are available. These include:

\textbf{Xubuntu}, which uses the \acronym{XFCE} graphical environment instead of the \acronym{GNOME} environment found in Ubuntu;

\textbf{Lubuntu}, which uses the \acronym{LXDE} graphical environment.

\textbf{Ubuntu Studio}, which is designed for creating and editing multimedia; and

\textbf{Mythbuntu}, which is designed for creating a home theater \acronym{PC} with MythTV (an open source digital video recorder).

Because many netbooks do not contain \acronym{CD-ROM} drives, Ubuntu Netbook Edition allows users to install it on their computers using \acronym{USB} flash drives. To learn more about using a flash drive to install Ubuntu Netbook Edition on a netbook computer, visit \url{https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/FromImgFiles}.

The Ubuntu Server Edition is an operating system optimized to perform multi-user tasks when installed on servers.\marginnote{A \textbf{server} is a computer that's been configured to manage, or ``serve,'' files many people wish to access.} Such tasks include file sharing and website or email hosting. If you are planning to use a computer to perform tasks like these, you may wish to use this specialized server distribution in conjunction with server hardware.

This manual does not explain the process of running a secure web server or performing other tasks possible with Ubuntu Server Edition. For details on using Ubuntu Server Edition, refer to the manual at \url{http://www.ubuntu.com/products/whatisubuntu/serveredition}.

If you would like to learn more about Ubuntu Studio (or obtain a copy for yourself), visit \url{http://ubuntustudio.org/home}.

As mentioned earlier in this manual, Ubuntu and its derivatives are available in two versions: 32-bit and 64-bit. This difference refers to the way computers process information. Computers capable of running 64-bit software are able to process more information than computers running 32-bit software; however, 64-bit systems require more memory in order to do this. Nevertheless, these computers gain performance enhancements by running 64-bit software.

Why choose one over another? Pay attention to the version you select in the following cases:

If your computer has more than 4~\acronym{GB} of memory (\acronym{RAM}), then you may need to install the 64-bit version in order to use all the installed memory.

Finding additional help and support

System help

If you need additional help when using Ubuntu or its applications, click the \textbf{Help} icon on the top panel, or navigate to \menu{System \then Help and Support.} Ubuntu's built-in help guide covers a broad range of topics in great detail.

Online Ubuntu help

The Ubuntu Forums are the official forums of the Ubuntu community. Millions of Ubuntu users use them daily to seek help and support from one another. You can create an Ubuntu Forums account in minutes. To create an account and learn more about Ubuntu from community members, visit \url{http://ubuntuforums.org}.

Launchpad Answers

If you are familiar with Internet relay chat (\acronym{IRC}), you can use chat clients such as \application{XChat} or \application{Pidgin} to join the channel \#ubuntu on irc.freenode.net. Here, hundreds of user volunteers can answer your questions or offer you support in real time.

\marginnote{In addition to official Ubuntu and community help, you will often find third-party help available on the Internet. While these documents can often be great resources, some could be misleading or outdated. It's always best to verify information from third-party sources before taking their advice.}

If you've exhausted all these resources and still can't find answers to your questions, visit Community Support at \url{http://www.ubuntu.com/support/CommunitySupport}.

Editors

\begingroup\small\parskip0pt\parindent0pt\obeylines{} The Mozilla Firefox Documentation Team The Ubuntu Documentation Team The Ubuntu Community Learning Project \endgroup