Translations by Stefan Lunderius

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}.

\screenshot{01-live-cd-welcome.png}{ss:live-cd-welcome}{The welcome screen allows you to choose your language.}

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.}

700~MHz x86 processor

256~\acronym{MB} of system memory (\acronym{RAM})

3~\acronym{GB} of disk space

The process of installing Ubuntu is designed to be quick and easy, however, we realize that some people may find the idea a little daunting. To help you get started we have included step-by-step instructions below, along with screenshots so you can see how things will look along the way.

\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.}

To get started, place the Ubuntu \acronym{CD} in your \acronym{CD} drive and restart your computer.

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.

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.

\marginnote{Many people installing Ubuntu for the first time are currently using either Windows \acronym{XP}, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Mac \acronym{OS~X} on their computer. Ubuntu provides you with the option of either \emph{replacing} your existing operating system altogether, or installing Ubuntu alongside your existing system. The latter is called \emph{dual-booting}. Whenever you turn on or restart your computer, you will be given the option to select which operating system you want to use for that session.} Use this option if you want to erase your entire disk. This will delete any existing operating systems that are installed on that disk, such as Windows \acronym{XP}, and install Ubuntu in its place. This option is also useful if you have an empty hard drive, as Ubuntu will automatically create the necessary partitions for you.

Ubuntu will automatically detect the other operating system and install Ubuntu alongside it. For more complicated dual-booting setups, you will need to configure the partitions manually.

Because this is quite an advanced task, we have omitted the details from this edition of \emph{Getting Started with Ubuntu.} You can see more information and detailed instructions on partitioning here: \url{https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowtoPartition}.

\marginnote{Ubuntu installs a \textbf{home folder} where your personal files and configuration data are located by default. If you choose to have your home folder on a separate partition, then in the event that you decide to reinstall Ubuntu or perform a fresh upgrade to the latest release, your personal files and configuration data won't be lost.}

Once you are happy with the way the partitions are going to be set up, click the \button{Forward} button at the bottom to move on.

Enter your details

Ubuntu needs to know some information about you so it can set up the primary login account on your computer. Your name will appear on the login screen as well as the \gls{MeMenu}, which will be discussed further in \chaplink{ch:the-ubuntu-desktop}.

On this screen you will need to tell Ubuntu:

your real name,

your desired username,

your desired password,

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.}

This option provides you with an extra layer of security. Your home folder is where your personal files are stored. By selecting this option, Ubuntu will automatically enable encryption on your home folder, meaning that files and folders must be \emph{decrypted} using your password before they can be accessed. Therefore if someone had physical access to your hard drive (for example, if your computer was stolen and the hard drive removed), they would still not be able to see your files without knowing your password. \warning{If you choose this option, be careful not to enable automatic login at a later date. It will cause complications with your encrypted home folder, and will potentially lock you out of important files.}

The last screen summarizes your install settings, including any changes that will be made to the partitions on your hard drive. Note the warning about data being destroyed on any removed or formatted partitions\dash if you have important information on your hard drive that is not backed up, now would be a good time to check that you have set up your partitions correctly. \marginnote{You should not need to click the \button{Advanced} button unless you wish to change your bootloader settings or network proxy. These are more advanced tasks and beyond the scope of this guide.} Once you have made sure that all the settings are correct, click on \button{Install} to begin the installation process.

Ubuntu will now install. As the installation progresses, a slideshow will give you an introduction to some of the default applications included with Ubuntu. These applications are covered in more detail in \chaplink{ch:default-applications}.

After approximately twenty minutes, the installation will complete and you will be able to click \button{Restart Now} to restart your computer and start Ubuntu. The \acronym{CD} will be ejected, so remove it from your \acronym{CD} drive and press \keystroke{Enter} to continue.

Wait while your computer restarts, and you will then see the login window (unless you selected automatic login).

Click your username and enter your password, then press \keystroke{Enter} or click \button{Log in}. You will then be logged in to Ubuntu and will be presented with your new desktop!

The Ubuntu desktop

At first glance, you will notice many similarities between Ubuntu and other operating systems such as Windows or Mac \acronym{OS~X}. This is because they are all based on the concept of a graphical user interface (\gls{GUI})\dash that is, you use your mouse to navigate the desktop, open programs, move files, and perform most other tasks. In short, things are very visually oriented, which means it is important for you to become familiar with where and what to click in Ubuntu.

\marginnote{Ubuntu 10.04 has an emphasis on ``social from the start'' and features social network integration in the desktop for sites like Twitter and Facebook.}

All \acronym{GUI}-based operating systems use a \emph{desktop environment}. Desktop environments encompass many things, such as the look and feel of your system, as well as how the desktop is organized, laid out, and navigated by the user. In Linux distributions (such as Ubuntu), there are a number of desktop environments available for use. One of the most popular desktop environments is called \acronym{GNOME}, which is used by default in Ubuntu. \acronym{KDE}, \acronym{XFCE}, and \acronym{LXDE} are other popular desktop environments (used in Kubuntu, Xubuntu, and Lubuntu, respectively), and there are many more. As Ubuntu is based on \acronym{GNOME}, we will limit our discussion in this guide to exploring your \acronym{GNOME} desktop.

\marginnote{To read more about other variants of Ubuntu, refer to \chaplink{ch:learning-more}.}

When you first log in to Ubuntu after installing it to your hard drive, you will see the \acronym{GNOME} desktop. Ubuntu is highly customizable, as is the \acronym{GNOME} desktop, but for now let's just explore the default layout that is in front of you.

\marginnote{Everything on a panel is an \gls{applet}, even the main menu.} First, you will notice there are two \emph{panels}\dash one at the top of your desktop and one at the bottom. A panel is a bar that sits on the edge of your screen and contains various \emph{applets}. These applets provide useful functions such as running programs, viewing the time, or accessing the main menu.

Starting from the left, you will see three menu headings\dash \button{Applications}, \button{Places}, and \button{System}\dash followed by two program icons. The first of these icons will open the \application{Firefox} web browser (see \chaplink{ch:default-applications} for more information), and the next will open the \application{Ubuntu Help Center}. \marginnote{The \application{Ubuntu Help Center} is a highly useful resource. It provides a wealth of information about your Ubuntu system, and is always at your fingertips by simply clicking this panel icon (or navigating to \menu{System \then Help and Support}).}

On the right side of this panel you will find the \emph{notification area}, which is similar in function to the ``system tray'' in Windows, or the ``menu extras'' area on the Mac \acronym{OS~X} menubar. Next to this is the \gls{MeMenu}, which will display your username (the name you entered during installation) and is used to update social network sites like Twitter and Facebook as well as set your Instant Messaging status in \application{Empathy}. Finally, on the far right of the panel is the session menu, which provides menu options for locking your computer, logging out, restarting, or shutting down completely.

\marginnote{The \acronym{GNOME} desktop environment used in Ubuntu can provide two or more ``virtual desktops,'' or \textbf{workspaces}. Using these workspaces can reduce clutter by opening windows on separate desktops, without needing a separate monitor. For example, in order to organize your activities you may have your email open in one workspace and a text document you are working on in another. To switch workspaces, simply click on the boxes in the \textbf{workspace switcher} or use the keyboard shortcut \keystroke{Ctrl+Alt+Left arrow} or \keystroke{Ctrl+Alt+Right arrow} to switch workspaces quickly.}

On the far left of the bottom panel is a small icon that resembles a desktop. This \emph{Show Desktop} button will \gls{minimize} all open windows at once, giving you clear access to your desktop. This is particularly useful when you have many windows open at once and your desktop becomes cluttered. Clicking the button again will restore the windows to their original position.

Finally, the icon farthest to the right is the \emph{trash}, which performs a similar function to the Recycle Bin in Windows or the Trash in Mac \acronym{OS~X}. Any files you delete are first sent to the trash. To see the contents of the trash, click on this icon. You can empty it by clicking on the \button{Empty Trash} button in the window that appears, or alternatively by right-clicking the trash icon in the bottom panel and selecting \menu{Empty Trash} from the menu. This will permanently delete any files or folders that it contains.

There are at least two ways in Ubuntu to switch between open windows in a workspace. You can find the window on the bottom panel taskbar and click to bring it up on the screen, or you can use \keystroke{Alt+Tab} to select the window you wish to work on. Hold down the \keystroke{Alt} key, and keep pressing the \keystroke{Tab} button until the window you're looking for appears on the desktop.