Translations by Vladimir Yakovlev

\newglossaryentry{prompt}{name={prompt}, description={The prompt displays some useful information about your computer, it can be customized to display in different colors as well as being able to display the time, date and current directory as well as almost anything else you like.}}

Shuttleworth set out with clear intentions to address these weaknesses and create a system that was easy to use, completely free (see \chaplink{ch:learning-more} for the complete definition of ``free''), and could compete with other mainstream operating systems. With the Debian system as a base, Shuttleworth began to build Ubuntu. Using his own funds at first, installation \acronym{CD}s were pressed and shipped worldwide at no cost to the end user. Ubuntu spread quickly, the size of the community rapidly increased, and it soon became the most popular Debian-based Linux distribution available.

Now with more people working on the project than ever before, Ubuntu continues to see improvement to its core features and hardware support, and has gained the attention of large organizations worldwide. For example, in 2007 Dell began a collaboration with Canonical to sell computers with Ubuntu pre-installed. Additionally, in 2005 the French Police began to transition their entire computer infrastructure to a variant of Ubuntu\dash a process which has reportedly saved them ``millions of Euro'' in licensing fees for Microsoft Windows. By the year 2012, the French Police anticipates that all of their computers will be running Ubuntu. Canonical profits from this arrangement by providing technical support and custom-built software.

Ubuntu is built on the foundation of Linux, which is a member of the Unix family. Unix is one of the oldest types of operating systems and has provided reliability and security in professional applications for almost half a century. Many servers around the world that store data for popular websites (such as YouTube and Google) run some variant of a Unix system.

\marginnote{Whilst modern graphical \glspl{desktop environment} have generally replaced early command line--based operating systems, the command line can still be a quick and efficient way of performing many tasks. See \chaplink{ch:command-line} for more information, and \chaplink{ch:the-ubuntu-desktop} to learn more about \gls{GNOME} and other desktop environments.}

Linux was designed from the ground up with security and hardware compatibility in mind, and is currently one of the most popular Unix-based operating system. One of the benefits of Linux is that it is incredibly flexible and can be configured to run on almost any device\dash from the smallest micro-computers and cellphones to larger super-computers. Initially, Unix was entirely command line-based until Graphical User Interfaces (\glspl{GUI}) began to emerge in the early 1990s.

\mbox{}\marginnote{To learn more about Linux distributions, see \chaplink{ch:learning-more}.}These early \acronym{GUI}s were difficult to configure and clunky at best, and generally only used by seasoned computer programmers. In the past decade, however, Graphical User Interfaces have come a long way in terms of usability, reliability and appearance. Ubuntu is just one of many different Linux \emph{distributions}, and uses one of the more popular graphical desktop environments called \acronym{GNOME}. \marginnote{A \emph{desktop environment} is a sophisticated and integrated user interface that provides the basis for humans to interact with a computer using a monitor, keyboard and a mouse.}

New users to Ubuntu may find that it takes some time to feel comfortable with the operating system. You will no doubt notice many similarities to both Microsoft Windows and Mac \acronym{OS~X}, as well as some things that work very differently. Users coming from Mac \acronym{OS~X} are more likely to notice similarities due to the fact that both Mac \acronym{OS~X} and Ubuntu originated from Unix.

Before you decide whether or not Ubuntu is right for you, we suggest giving yourself some time to grow accustomed to the way things are done \dash and expect to find that some things are different to what you are used to. We also suggest taking the following into account:

\textbf{Ubuntu is community based.} That is, Ubuntu is made, developed, and maintained by the community. Because of this, support is probably not available at your local computer store. Thankfully, the Ubuntu community is here to help. There are many articles, guides, and manuals available, as well as users on various Internet forums and Internet relay chat (\acronym{IRC}) rooms that are willing to help out beginners. Additionally, near the end of this guide we include a troubleshooting chapter: \chaplink{ch:troubleshooting}.

Menu sequences are sometimes set as \menu{System\then Preferences\then Appearance}, which means, ``Choose the \menu{System} menu, then choose the \menu{Preferences} submenu, and then select the \menu{Appearance} menu item.''

\texttt{Monospaced type} is used for text that you type into the computer, text that the computer outputs (as in a terminal), and keyboard shortcuts.

\marginnote{Many companies (such as Dell and System76) sell computers with Ubuntu pre-installed. If you already have Ubuntu installed on your computer, feel free to skip to \chaplink{ch:the-ubuntu-desktop}.}

The easiest and most common method for getting Ubuntu is to download the Ubuntu \emph{\acronym{CD} image} directly from \url{http://www.ubuntu.com}. Head to the website and click the ``Download Ubuntu'' link at the top. Select the nearest download location to you in the drop-down box (to ensure maximum download speed), then click ``Begin Download.''

You may notice the words ``Ubuntu Desktop 10.04 (32-bit)'' underneath the default download button on the website. If you are unsure what 32-bit means, don't worry. 32-bit will work on most computers, so if in doubt, simply proceed with the download. However, if you know that your computer is capable of using 64-bit software, you may wish to try the 64-bit version instead. To do this click on ``Alternative download options'' and make your selection.

The Ubuntu \acronym{CD} functions not only as an installation \acronym{CD} for putting Ubuntu onto your computer, but also as a Live \acronym{CD}. A Live \acronym{CD} allows you to test Ubuntu without making any permanent changes to your computer by running the entire operating system straight from the \acronym{CD}.

The speed at which your computer can read information from a \acronym{CD} is much slower than reading information from a hard drive. Running Ubuntu from the Live \acronym{CD} also occupies a large portion of your computer's memory, which would usually be available for programs to access when Ubuntu is running from your hard drive. The Live \acronym{CD} experience will therefore feel slightly slower than it does when Ubuntu is actually installed on your computer. However, running Ubuntu from the \acronym{CD} is a great way to test things out and allows you to try the default applications, browse the Internet, and get a general feel for the operating system. It's also useful for checking that your computer hardware works properly in Ubuntu and that there are no major compatibility issues.

\marginnote{In some cases, your computer will run as normal and appear not to recognize the Ubuntu \acronym{CD} is present as it starts up. This is okay, generally it means that the priority given to \emph{devices} when your computer is starting needs to be changed. For example, your computer might be set to look for information from your hard drive first, and then to look for information on a \acronym{CD} second. In order to run Ubuntu from the Live \acronym{CD}, we want it to look for information from a \acronym{CD} first. Changing your \emph{boot priority} is beyond the scope of this guide. If you need assistance to change the boot priority, see your computer manufacturer's documentation for more information.}

To try out Ubuntu using the Live \acronym{CD}, insert the Ubuntu \acronym{CD} into your \acronym{CD} drive and restart your computer. Most computers are able to detect when a ``bootable'' \acronym{CD} is present in your drive at startup\dash that is, a \acronym{CD} that will temporarily take precedence over your usual operating system. As your computer starts, it will run whatever information is stored on this bootable \acronym{CD}, rather than the information stored on your hard drive which your computer usually looks for.

Once your computer finds the Live \acronym{CD} and after a quick loading screen, you will presented with the ``Welcome'' screen. Using your mouse, select your language from the list on the left, then click the button labeled \button{Try Ubuntu 10.04}. Ubuntu will then start up, running straight from the Live \acronym{CD}.

Once Ubuntu is up and running, you will see the default desktop. We will talk more about how to actually use Ubuntu in \chaplink{ch:the-ubuntu-desktop}, but for now feel free to test things out, open some programs, change settings and generally explore\dash any changes you make will not be saved once you exit, so you don't need to worry about accidentally breaking anything.

When you are finished exploring, restart your computer by clicking the ``Power'' button in the top right corner of your screen (circle with a line through the top) and then select \menu{Restart.} Follow the prompts that appear on screen, including removing the Live \acronym{CD} and pressing \keystroke{Enter} when instructed, and then your computer will restart. As long as the Live \acronym{CD} is no longer in the drive, your computer will return to its original state as though nothing ever happened!

Ubuntu runs well on most computer systems. If you are unsure whether it will work on your computer, the Live \acronym{CD} is a great way to test things out first. For the more technically minded, below is a list of hardware specifications that your computer should ideally meet as a minimum requirement. \marginnote{The majority of computers in use today will meet the requirements listed here, however, refer to your computer's documentation or speak to the manufacturer if you would like more information.}

\marginnote{Alternatively, you can also use your mouse to double-click the ``Install Ubuntu 10.04'' icon that is visible on the desktop when using the Live \acronym{CD}. This will start the Ubuntu installer.} If you have already tested out the Ubuntu Live \acronym{CD}, you should now be familiar with the initial ``Welcome'' screen that appears (refer to \seclink{sec:livecd} section above for more information). Again, select your language on the left-hand side, then click the button labeled \button{Install Ubuntu 10.04.}

At least 3~\acronym{GB} of free space on your hard drive is required in order to install Ubuntu, however, 10~\acronym{GB} or more of free space is recommended. That way you will have plenty of room to install extra programs later on, as well as store your own documents, music and photos.

\marginnote{There are two other options presented on the ``Welcome'' screen: \textbf{release notes} and \textbf{update this installer}. Clicking on the blue underlined \textbf{release notes} will open a web page containing any important information regarding the current version of Ubuntu. Clicking \textbf{update this installer} will search the Internet for any updates to the Ubuntu Live \acronym{CD} that may have been released since your \acronym{CD} was created.}

The next screen will display a world map. Using your mouse, click your location on the map to tell Ubuntu where you are. Alternatively, you can use the \dropdown{drop-down lists} underneath. This allows Ubuntu to set up your system clock and other location-based features. Click \button{Forward} when you are ready to move on.

\screenshot{01-where-are-you.png}{ss:where-are-you}{Tell Ubuntu your location.}

Next, you need to tell Ubuntu what keyboard you are using. Usually, you will find the suggested option is satisfactory. If you are unsure, you can click the \button{Guess} button to have Ubuntu work out the correct choice by asking you to press a series of keys. You can also choose your own keyboard layout from the list. If you like, type something into the box at the bottom to make sure you are happy with your selection, then click \button{Forward} to continue.

This next step is often referred to as \emph{partitioning}. Partitioning is the process of allocating portions of your hard drive for a specific purpose. When you create a partition, you are essentially dividing up your hard drive into sections that will be used for different types of information. Partitioning can sometimes seem complex to a new user, however, it does not have to be. In fact, Ubuntu provides you with some options that greatly simplify this process.

Type in your full name under ``What is your name?''. The next text field is where you select a username for yourself, and is the name that will be displayed at the Ubuntu login screen when you turn on your computer. You will see this is automatically filled in for you with your first name. Most people find it easiest to stick with this, however, it can be changed if you prefer.

\marginnote{Although you can choose your preferred username and computer name, you are required to stick with letters, numbers, hyphens, and dots. You will receive a warning if symbols or other characters are entered, and until this is altered you will be unable to progress to the next screen.}

\textbf{Forward} \dash allows you to send the message, with any additional comments you may add, to some other contacts.

To use any of these methods, click on the message to which you want to reply and then click the \button{Reply}, \button{Reply to All}, or \button{Forward} button on the toolbar.