Translations by Sophia J. Ha

Many of the formats used to deliver rich media content are \textbf{proprietary}, meaning they are not free to use, modify and distribute with an open source operating system like Ubuntu. Therefore, Ubuntu does not include the capability to use these formats by default; however, users can easily configure Ubuntu to use these proprietary formats. For more information about the differences between open source and proprietary software, see \chaplink{ch:learning-more}.

By now, you should be able to use your Ubuntu desktop for all your daily activities such as browsing the web and editing documents. But you may be interested in learning about other versions of Ubuntu that you can integrate into your digital lifestyle. In this chapter, we'll provide you with more detail about versions of Ubuntu that are specialized for certain tasks. To do this, we'll first discuss the technologies that make Ubuntu a powerful collection of software.

Ubuntu is open source software. Simply put, open source software is software whose source code isn't owned exclusively by any one person, group, or organization, but is instead made freely available for download.\marginnote{The \textbf{source code} of a program is the files that have been written to make the program.} This makes Ubuntu different from proprietary software which requires users to purchase licenses before they are able to use the software on their computers.\marginnote{\textbf{Proprietary software} is software that cannot be copied, modified, or distributed freely.} Microsoft Windows and Adobe Photoshop are examples of proprietary software.

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.

Computer users can share and distribute open source software without fear of breaking intellectual property laws. They can also modify open source software to suit their individual needs, improve it, or translate it into other languages. Because open source software is developed by large communities of programmers distributed throughout the globe, it benefits from rapid development cycles and speedy security releases (in the event that someone discovers bugs in the software). In other words, open source software is updated, enhanced, and made more secure every day as programmers all over the world continue to improve it.

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.

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.}

Earlier, we mentioned that you can search for files on the computer by using the \menu{Search for Files} feature on the \menu{Places} menu in the top panel. You can also use the \application{Nautilus} browser to search for files, as explained above.

\marginnote{Note that you can easily view hidden files by clicking \menu{View \then Show Hidden Files}, or alternatively by pressing \keystroke{Ctrl+H}. Hiding files with a dot (.) is \textbf{not} a security measure\dash instead it provides a way of keeping your folders organized and tidy.} To create a new folder from within \application{Nautilus} click \menu{File \then Create Folder}, then name the folder that appears by replacing the default ``untitled folder'' with your desired label (\eg, ``Personal Finances''). You can also create a new folder by pressing \keystroke{Ctrl+Shift+N}, or by right-clicking in the file browser window and selecting \button{Create Folder} from the popup menu (this action will also work on the desktop). If you wish to hide certain folders or files, place a dot (.) in front of the name (\ie, ``.Personal Finances'').

\marginnote{You can also change the background by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting \button{Change Desktop Background} from the pop-up menu.} Click the \button{Background} tab in the Appearance Preferences window to change the desktop background. Here you will see Ubuntu's default selection of backgrounds, however, if you have your own pictures stored on your computer you can use these as well. To change the background simply click the picture you would like to use from the list in front of you. To use your own, click the \button{Add\ldots} button, and navigate to the image you want. Double-click it, and the change will take effect immediately. This image will also then be added to your list of available backgrounds.

Opening multiple \application{Nautilus} windows can be useful for dragging files and folders between locations. The option of \emph{tabs} is also available in \application{Nautilus}, as well as the use of {panes}.\marginnote{When dragging items between \application{Nautilus} windows, tabs or panes, a small symbol will appear over the mouse cursor to let you know which action will be performed when you release the mouse button. A plus sign (+) indicates you are about to copy the item, whereas a small arrow means the item will be moved. The default action will depend on the locations you are using.} When browsing a folder in \application{Nautilus}, to open a second window select \menu{New Window} from the \menu{File} menu. This will open a new window, allowing you to drag files and folders between two locations. To open a new tab, click \menu{File \then New Tab}. A new row will appear above the space used for browsing your files containing two tabs\dash both will display the directory you were originally browsing. You can click these tabs to switch between them, and click and drag files or folders between tabs the same as you would between windows. You can also open a second pane in Nautilus so you can see two locations at once without having to switch between tabs or windows. To open a second pane, click \menu{View \then Extra Pane}, or alternatively press \keystroke{F3} on your keyboard. Again, dragging files and folders between panes is a quick way to move or copy items.

An alternative way of hiding the panel is to do so manually. Clicking on \button{Show hide buttons} will add a button to each side of the panel that can be used to hide it from view. By default these buttons will display directional arrows, however, you can select the \button{Arrows on hide buttons} option to remove the arrows and just have plain buttons. Clicking one of these \emph{hide buttons} on the panel will slide it across the screen and out of view, leaving just the opposite hide button in sight which you can click to bring it back. \marginnote{By default, Ubuntu requires that you maintain at least one panel on the desktop. If you prefer a Microsoft Windows feel, a panel at the bottom of the desktop can be set to start programs as well as select between open windows. Alternatively, if you prefer a Mac \acronym{OS~X} look you can keep a panel at the top and add an applications dock such as \application{Docky}, \application{Avant Window Navigator} (\acronym{AWN}), or \application{Cairo-Dock}. These are all available in the \application{Ubuntu Software Center}, which is discussed further in \chaplink{ch:software-management}.} The \button{Background} tab in the Panel Properties window allows you to change the appearance of the panel. By default, this is set to \button{None (use system theme)}, meaning that your desktop theme will dictate the appearance of the panel (we will look at how to change your desktop theme below). If you prefer, you can choose your own panel color by selecting the \button{Solid color} button, then opening the color select window. You can also set the panel transparency using the slider. Alternatively, you can click the \button{Background image} button if you have an image or pattern stored on your computer that you would like to use as your panel background. Use the file selector to locate the background image in your computer, then click \button{Open} to apply the change.

To move a file or folder, select the item you want to move then click \menu{Edit \then Cut}. Navigate to your desired location, then click \menu{Edit \then Paste}.\marginnote{In the Nautilus \button{Edit} menu, you will also find the \button{Copy To} and \button{Move To} buttons. These can be used to copy or move items to common locations, and can be useful if you are using \textbf{panes} (see below). Note that it is unnecessary to use \button{Paste} when using these options.} As with the copy command above, you can also perform this action using the right-click menu, and it will work for multiple files or folders at once. An alternative way to move a file or folder is to click on the item, and then drag it to the new location.

To modify your workspaces, right-click on the \emph{workspace switcher} applet (by default this is on the right side of the bottom panel, just to the left of the Trash applet) and select \button{Preferences}. In the window that appears you can choose how many workspaces you want in total, and whether these will be displayed on the panel in one or more rows. You can also rename each workspace, and have the names displayed in the panel applet. If you prefer, you can also choose to just have the workspace you are currently using displayed in the panel. In this case you can still change between workspaces by moving the mouse over the workspace switcher, and scrolling the mouse wheel.

Open Source software

Aside from these technical advantages, open source software also has economic benefits. Most open source programs cost nothing to obtain or run. Users needn't purchase a license to run Ubuntu, for example.

If you are still not online after following these steps, you may need to try setting up your Internet configuration manually, using a static \acronym{IP} address.

\marginnote{Are you already online? If the NetworkManager icon in the top panel shows a connection, then you may have successfully connected during the installation process. If so, you do not need to follow the rest of this section.}

\screenshot{03-enable-networking.png}{ss:networking-right-click}{This is the menu when you right click the networking icon.}

\marginnote{If you are unsure whether your computer has a wireless card, check with your manufacturer.}

In order to connect to the Internet in Ubuntu, you need to use the \application{NetworkManager} utility. NetworkManager allows you to turn all networking on or off, and helps you manage your wired, wireless, and other connections.

\marginnote{Many programs have their own help which can be accessed by clicking the \menu{Help} menu within the application window.}

\screenshot{02-help-center.png}{ss:help-center}{The built-in system help provides topic based help for Ubuntu.}

\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.}

\marginnote{You can also use the keyboard shortcuts \keystroke{Ctrl+C} and \keystroke{Ctrl+V} to copy and paste files and folders.} You can copy files or folders in \application{Nautilus} by clicking \menu{Edit\then Copy}, or by right-clicking on the item and selecting \button{Copy} from the popup menu. When using the \button{Edit} menu in \application{Nautilus}, make sure you've selected the file or folder you want to copy first (by left-clicking on it once).

\marginnote{Search for files quickly by pressing \keystroke{Ctrl+F} in \application{Nautilus} and then typing what you want to find.}

The panels (currently sitting at the top and bottom of your screen) can be moved from their default positions to the sides of the screen, set to hide from view when not in use, and can change color. To access these features, right-click the panel you want to modify and select \button{Properties} from the pop-up menu. The \button{General} tab has options to autohide, position the panel, and change the panel size (width).

\screenshot{02-appearance-preferences.png}{ss:appearance-preferences}{You can change the theme in the \tab{Theme} tab of \window{Appearance Preferences}.}

Working with Ubuntu

Getting online

If you are in a location with Internet access, you will want to make sure you are connected in order to get the most out of your Ubuntu operating system. This section of the manual will help you check your connection and configure it where necessary. Ubuntu can connect to the Internet using a wired, wireless, or dialup connection. It also supports some more advanced connection methods, which we will briefly discuss at the end of this section.

Clicking this icon will bring up a list of network connections that are available to you. If you are currently connected to the Internet, the name of this connection will be highlighted in bold.

Establishing a wired connection

Automatic connections with DHCP

To check if you are online, right-click on the NetworkManager icon in the top panel and select the \menu{Connection Information} option.

\screenshot{03-connection-information.png}{ss:connection-information}{This window displays your \acronym{IP} address and other connection information.}

Manual configuration with static addresses

If your network does not support \acronym{DHCP}, then you need to know a few items of information before you can get online.

I can't play certain audio or video files

How can I change my screen resolution?

The image on every monitor is composed of millions of little colored dots called pixels. Changing the number of pixels displayed on your monitor is called ``changing the resolution.'' Increasing the resolution will make the displayed images sharper, but will also tend to make them smaller. The opposite is true when screen resolution is decreased. Most monitors have a ``native resolution,'' which is a resolution that most closely matches the number of pixels in the monitor. Your display will usually be sharpest when your operating system uses a resolution that matches your display's native resolution.

The Ubuntu configuration utility \textbf{Monitors} allows users to change the resolution. Open it by choosing \menu{System} from the Main Menu, then choosing \menu{Preferences} and then \menu{Monitors}. The resolution can be changed using the drop down list within the program. Picking options higher up on the list (for example, those with larger numbers) will increase the resolution. \screenshot{08-display-properties.png}{ss:display-properties}{You can change your display settings.}

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

When installed on notebook computers from Apple \dash such as the MacBook or MacBook Pro \dash Ubuntu does not always enable all of the computer's built-in components, including the iSight camera and the Airport wireless Internet adapter. Luckily, the Ubuntu community offers documentation on fixing these and other problems. If you are having trouble installing or using Ubuntu on your Apple notebook computer, please follow the instructions at \url{https://help.ubuntu.com/community/MacBook}. You can select the appropriate guide after identifying your computer's model number. For instructions on doing this, visit the web page above.

Ubuntu is not working properly on my Asus EeePC

My hardware is not working properly

Ubuntu occasionally has difficulty running on certain computers, generally when hardware manufacturers use non-standard or proprietary components. The Ubuntu community offers documentation to help you troubleshoot many issues that may arise from this situation, including problems with wireless cards, scanners, mice and printers. You can find the complete hardware troubleshooting guide on Ubuntu's support wiki, accessible at \url{https://wiki.ubuntu.com/HardwareSupport}. If your hardware problems persist, please see \seclink{sec:troubleshooting:getting-more-help} for more troubleshooting options or information on obtaining support or assistance from an Ubuntu user.

This guide does not cover every possible workflow, task or issue in Ubuntu. If you require assistance beyond the information in the manual, you can find a variety of support opportunities online. You can access extensive and free documentation, buy professional support services, query the community for free support or explore technical solutions. More information is available here: \url{http://www.ubuntu.com/support}

Learning more

What else can I do with Ubuntu?