Translations by Jiri Grönroos

\newglossaryentry{GNOME}{name={\acronym{GNOME}}, description={\acronym{GNOME} (which once stood for GNU Network Object Model Environment) is the default desktop environment used in Ubuntu.}}

\newglossaryentry{desktop environment}{name={desktop environment}, description={A generic term to describe a GUI interface for humans to interact with computers. There are many desktop environments such as GNOME, KDE, XFCE and LXDE just to name a few.}}

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

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.

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.

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.}

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.

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}.

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.

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{You will be required to create a free online account with Launchpad before you can place your \acronym{CD} order. Once you have Ubuntu installed and running, you will need this account again for use with all \textbf{Ubuntu One} services. See \chaplink{ch:default-applications} for more information on Ubuntu One.} Alternatively, a free \acronym{CD} can be ordered from Canonical. This option may be preferred if you don't have access to a \acronym{CD} burner, have limited bandwidth, or a slow Internet connection. There are no shipping costs or other charges when you order an Ubuntu \acronym{CD}. Simply visit \url{http://shipit.ubuntu.com} to request your free Ubuntu Desktop Edition \acronym{CD}.

Once your download is complete you will be left with a file called \emph{ubuntu-10.04-desktop-i386.iso} or similar (\emph{i386} here in the filename refers to the 32-bit version. This will be replaced with \emph{amd64} if you downloaded the 64-bit version instead). This file is a \acronym{CD} image\dash a bit like a ``snapshot'' of the contents of a \acronym{CD}\dash which you will need to burn to a \acronym{CD} disc. To find out how to burn a \acronym{CD} image on your computer, refer to your operating system or manufacturer help. You can also find detailed instructions at \url{https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto}

When a new version of Ubuntu is released, sometimes the \glspl{server} can get clogged up with large numbers of people downloading or upgrading at the same time. If you are familiar with using torrents, you may wish to download the torrent file by clicking ``Alternative download options,'' and obtain your copy of the \acronym{CD} image this way instead. You may see significant improvements to your download speed, and will also be helping to spread Ubuntu to other users worldwide. Again, if you are unsure how to use torrents, you can use the default download options on the website.

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 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.''

Before you can get started with Ubuntu, you will need to obtain a copy of the Ubuntu installation \acronym{CD}. Some options for doing this are outlined below.

\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.}

If you are after more detail, there are excellent resources available at \url{http://help.ubuntu.com}. Ubuntu's built-in system documentation is also very useful for accessing help on specific topics, and can be found by clicking \menu{System\then Help and Support} in Ubuntu. If something isn't covered here, chances are you will find the information you are looking for in one of those locations. We will try our best to include links to more detailed help wherever we can.

\emph{Getting Started with Ubuntu 10.04} is not intended to be a comprehensive Ubuntu instruction manual. It is more like a quick-start guide that will get you doing the things you need to do with your computer quickly and easily, without getting bogged down in technical details.

\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.}

\marginnote{See \chaplink{ch:software-management} to learn more about \application{Ubuntu Software Center}. To learn more about dual-booting (running Ubuntu side-by-side with another operating system), see \chaplink{ch:installation}. For more information on Wine, go to \url{http://www.winehq.org/}.}

\textbf{Many commercial games will not run on Ubuntu.} If you are a heavy gamer, then Ubuntu may not be for you. Game developers usually design games for the largest market, where they can make the most profit. Since Ubuntu's market share is not as substantial as Microsoft's Windows or Apple's Mac \acronym{OS~X}, most game developers will not allocate resources towards making their games compatible with Ubuntu. If you just like to play a game every now and then, there is active game development within the community, and many high quality games can be easily installed through \application{Ubuntu Software Center}. Additionally, some games developed for Windows will also work in Ubuntu with \application{Wine}.

\textbf{Many applications designed for Microsoft Windows or Mac \acronym{OS~X} will not run on Ubuntu.} For the vast majority of tasks that people use their computers for every day, there are suitable alternative applications available in Ubuntu. However, many professional applications (such as the Adobe Creative Suite) are not developed to work with Ubuntu. If you rely on commercial software that is not compatible with Ubuntu, yet still want to give Ubuntu a try, you may want to consider dual-booting. Alternatively, some applications developed for Windows will work in Ubuntu with a program called \application{Wine}.

\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}.

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:

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.

\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.}

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.

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.

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.

\marginnote{Canonical is the company that provides financial and technical support for Ubuntu. They have employees based around the world who work on developing and improving the operating system, as well as reviewing work submitted by volunteer contributors. To learn more about Canonical, go to \url{http://www.canonical.com}.}

Ubuntu was conceived in 2004 by Mark Shuttleworth, a successful South African entrepreneur, and his company \gls{Canonical}. Shuttleworth recognized the power of Linux and Open Source, but was also aware of weaknesses that prevented mainstream use.

Ubuntu core applications are all free and open source. We want you to use free and open source software, improve it, and pass it on.

If you are after more detail, there are excellent resources available at \url{http://help.ubuntu.com}. Ubuntu's built-in system documentation is also very useful for accessing help on specific topics, and can be found by clicking \menu{System\then Help and Support} in Ubuntu. If something isn't covered here, chances are you will find the information you are looking for in one of those locations. We will try our best to include links to more detailed help wherever we can.

\emph{Getting Started with Ubuntu 10.04} is not intended to be a comprehensive Ubuntu instruction manual. It is more like a quick-start guide that will get you doing the things you need to do with your computer quickly and easily, without getting bogged down in technical details.

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.''

Application names, button names, menu items, and other \acronym{GUI} elements are set in \textbf{boldfaced type}.

Many people have contributed their time freely to this project. If you notice any errors or think we have left something out, feel free to contact us. We do everything we can to make sure that this manual is up to date, informative, and professional. Our contact details are as follows:

Please bear in mind that this guide is still very much a work in progress and always will be. It is written specifically for Ubuntu 10.04 \acronym{LTS}, and although we have aimed to not limit our instructions to this version it is unavoidable that some things will change over the life of Ubuntu. Whenever a new version of Ubuntu is released, we will incorporate any changes into our guide, and make a new version available at \url{http://www.ubuntu-manual.org}.

Our goal is to cover the basics of Ubuntu (such as installation and working with the desktop) as well as guide you through some of the most popular applications. We designed this guide to be simple to follow with step-by-step instructions and plenty of screenshots, allowing you to discover the potential of your new Ubuntu system even if you are a novice computer user or are migrating from another operating system for the first time.

\marginnote{More information about Ubuntu's online and system documentation can be found in \chaplink{ch:learning-more}.}

\marginnote{You can alternate quickly between different tabs by using the keyboard shortcut \keystroke{Ctrl+Tab}.}

\marginnote{You can lock your screen quickly by using the keyboard shortcut \keystroke{Ctrl+Alt+L}. Locking your screen is recommended if you move away from your computer for a short amount of time.}

\screenshot{03-firefox-find-bar.png}{ss:firefox-find-toolbar}{You can search within web pages using the find toolbar.}

While large organizations often find it useful to pay for support services, Shuttleworth has promised that the Ubuntu desktop system will always be free. As of 2010, Ubuntu desktop is installed on nearly 2\% of the world's computers. This equates to millions of users worldwide, and is growing each year.

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.

Type the command as shown below.

libdvdcss2

\screenshot{03-rhythmbox-cd.png}{ss:rhythmbox-cd}{Rhythmbox with a CD in.}

\marginnote{To find out more about Kino, visit \url{http://www.kinodv.org/}.}