Translations by Dmitry Belonogov

\marginnote{An address book is a collection of contacts and contact lists. It can either be stored on your computer, or on a remote server.}

\newglossaryentry{router}{name={router}, description={A router is a specially designed computer that using its software and hardware, routes information from the internet to a network. It is also sometimes called a gateway.}}

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.

\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/}.}

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

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.

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.

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}.

\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.

\marginnote{For information on Ubuntu Server Edition, and how you can use it in your company, visit \url{http://www.ubuntu.com/products/whatisubuntu/serveredition/features}.}

The Ubuntu desktop

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

\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.}

\screenshot{03-ubuntu-start-firefox.png}{ss:firefox-home-page}{The default Ubuntu home page for the Firefox web browser.}

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.

\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 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}.

\marginnote{\emph{32-bit} and \emph{64-bit} are types of processor architectures. 64-bit is newer, and most recent computers will come with a 64-bit capable processor. See \chaplink{ch:learning-more} for more information.}

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.

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.

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

\marginnote{A popular forum for Ubuntu discussion and support is the Ubuntu Forums, \url{http://ubuntuforums.org}.}

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:

\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.

\marginnote{\textbf{Torrents} are a way of sharing files and information around the Internet via ``Peer to Peer'' file sharing. When a new version of Ubuntu is released, the Ubuntu servers can become very busy. If you know how to use torrents, we recommend that you download the \acronym{CD} image this way to take the load off the servers during periods of high demand.}

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}

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.}

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.

\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}.

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.

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

\marginnote{For information on Ubuntu Server Edition, and how you can use it in your company, visit \url{http://www.ubuntu.com/products/whatisubuntu/serveredition/features}.}

\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/}.}

\newglossaryentry{wireless connection}{name={wireless connection}, description={A wireless connection involves no cables of any sort and instead uses a wireless signal to communicate with either a \gls{router} or access point.}}

\noindent Copyright \textcopyright{} \the\year{} by The Ubuntu Manual Team. Some rights reserved. \ccbysa

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}.

\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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

\acronym{SANE} project listing of support scanners. The \acronym{SANE} (Scanner Access Now Easy) project provides most of the back-ends to the scanning software on Ubuntu.

\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}.

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

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.''