Translations by Benjamin Donald-Wilson

\newglossaryentry{Access Point}{name={Access Point}, description={An Access Point is a device that allows for a wireless connection to a wireless network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.}}

\newglossaryentry{LTS}{name={\acronym{LTS}}, description={\acronym{LTS} stands for Long Term Support and is a type of Ubuntu release that is officially supported for ffar longer than the standard releases.}}

\newglossaryentry{MeMenu}{name={MeMenu}, description={The MeMenu in Ubuntu 10.10 allows you to manage your presence on social networking services. It also allows you to publish status messages to all of your accounts by entering updates into a text field.}}

\newglossaryentry{PPA}{name={\acronym{PPA}}, description={A personal package archive (\acronym{PPA}) is a custom software repository that typically contains either packages that aren't available in the primary Ubuntu repositories or newer versions of packages that are available in the primary repositories.}, plural={\acronym{PPA}s}}

\newglossaryentry{USB}{name={USB}, description={USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. It is a standard interface specification for connecting peripheral hardware devices to computers. These could range from external hard drives to scanners and printers.}}

Getting Started with Ubuntu 10.10

\revinfo{149}{2011-06-04 21:10:16 -0500}

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 screen shots, 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.

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 10.10, 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 updates and changes into our guide, and make a new version available at \url{http://www.ubuntu-manual.org}.

\emph{Getting Started with Ubuntu 10.10} 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 with technical details.

If you are after more detail, you will find 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. \marginnote{More information about Ubuntu's online and system documentation can be found in \chaplink{ch:learning-more}.}

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.

\marginnote{For information on Ubuntu Server Edition, and how you can use it in your company, visit \url{http://www.ubuntu.com/business/server/overview}.} While large organizations often find it useful to pay for support services, \Index[Shuttleworth, Mark]{Shuttleworth} has promised that the Ubuntu desktop system will always be free. As of 2010, Ubuntu is installed on nearly 2\% of the world's computers. This equates to millions of users worldwide, and is growing each year.

The Linux \Index{kernel} is the shift manager of the operating system; it is responsible for allocating memory and processor time. It can also be thought of as the program which manages any and all applications on the computer itself.

\marginnote{While modern graphical \glspl{desktop environment} have generally replaced early command-line interfaces, the command line can still be a quick and efficient way of performing many tasks. See \chaplink{ch:advanced-topics} 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 \Index{Unix}-based operating systems. 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. \Index{Unix} was entirely command line--based until graphical user interfaces (\glspl{GUI}) began to emerge in the early 1990s.

New users to Ubuntu may find that it takes some time to feel comfortable when trying a new operating system. You will no doubt notice many similarities to both Microsoft Windows and Mac \acronym{OS~X}, and some differences. 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 \Index{Unix}.

\textbf{Ubuntu is community based.} That is, Ubuntu is developed, writen, and maintained by the community. Because of this, support is probably not available at your local computer store. Fortunately, 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 assist beginners. Additionally, near the end of this guide, we include a troubleshooting chapter: \chaplink{ch:troubleshooting}.

\textbf{Many applications designed for Microsoft Windows or Mac \acronym{OS~X} will not run on Ubuntu.} For the vast majority of everyday computing tasks, you will find suitable alternative applications available in Ubuntu. However, many professional applications (such as the Adobe Creative Suite) are not developed to work with Ubuntu. \marginnote{To learn more about \gls{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/}.} 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 \gls{dual-booting}. Alternatively, some applications developed for Windows will work in Ubuntu with a program called \application{Wine}.

About the team

Our project is an open source volunteer effort to create and maintain quality documentation for Ubuntu and its derivatives.

We were founded in 2009 by Benjamin Humphrey, who saw the need for targeted up-to-date and consistent documentation for the Ubuntu operating system. It didn't take long until the project amassed hundreds of contributors, and what Benjamin originally envisioned became a reality as the Ubuntu Manual Project blossomed into an ambitious and successful project. The Ubuntu Manual Team emphasizes ``getting things done,'' and therefore operates in a fast-paced development environment filled with lots of unique ideas.

Our mission is to provide a wide range of quality educational materials to lower the Linux barrier to entry for new users and in turn increase Ubuntu’s market share.

Want to help?

We are always looking for talented people to work with, and due to the size of the project we are fortunate to be able to cater to a wide range of skill sets:

Authors, editors

Programmers (Python or TeX)

User interface designers

Icon and title page designers

Event organizers and ideas people

Testers

Web designers and developers

Translators and screenshotters

Bug reporters and triagers

To find out how you can get started helping, please visit \url{http://ubuntu-manual.org/getinvolved}.

\marginnote{Many companies (such as \Index{Dell} and \Index{System76}) sell computers with Ubuntu preinstalled. If you already have Ubuntu installed on your computer, feel free to skip to \chaplink{ch:the-ubuntu-desktop}.} Before you can get started with Ubuntu, you will need to obtain a copy of the Ubuntu installation image for \acronym{CD} or \acronym{USB}. Some options for doing this are outlined below.

\marginnote{The majority of computers in use today will meet the requirements listed here; however, refer to your computer's documentation or contact the manufacturer for more information.} 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. Below is a list of hardware specifications that your computer should meet as a minimum requirement.

1~GHz x86 processor

1~\acronym{GB} of system memory (\acronym{RAM})

2.6\acronym{GB} of disk space (at least 15\acronym{GB} is recommended)

The easiest and most common method for getting Ubuntu is to download the Ubuntu \acronym{CD} image directly from \url{http://www.ubuntu.com}. Head to the website and click the ``Download Ubuntu'' link. Select whether you require the 32-bit or 64-bit version (32-bit is recommended for most users), then click ``Start Download.''

\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.} You may notice the words ``Ubuntu Desktop Edition 32-bit'' underneath the start download button on the website. If you are unsure what 32-bit means, don't worry. The 32-bit version 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 the ``64-bit'' option before you click ``Start download.''

\marginnote{\textbf{Torrents} are a way of sharing files and information around the Internet via peer-to-peer file sharing. A file with a .torrent extension is made available to users, which is then opened with a compatible program such as uTorrent, Deluge, or Transmission. These programs download parts of the file from other people all around the world.} When a new version of Ubuntu is released, the download \glspl{server} can get ``clogged'' as large numbers of people try to download or upgrade Ubuntu at the same time. If you are familiar with using torrents, you may wish to download the torrent file by clicking ``Alternative downloads,'' to 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.

\marginnote{While the 64-bit version of Ubuntu is referred to as the ``AMD64'' version, it will work on Intel, AMD, and other compatible 64-bit processors.} Once your download is complete, you will be left with a file called \emph{ubuntu-10.10-desktop-i386.iso} or similar (\emph{i386} here in the filename refers to the 32-bit version. If you had downloaded the 64-bit version, the filename would contain \emph{amd64} instead). This file is a \acronym{CD} image\dash a snapshot of the contents of a \acronym{CD}\dash which you will need to burn to a \acronym{CD}. You can find detailed instructions at \url{https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto}.

If your \acronym{PC} will boot from a \acronym{USB} port, you may opt to use a \acronym{USB} memory stick instead of a Live \acronym{CD}. You can find further instructions at \url{https://help.ubuntu.com/10.10/installation-guide/i386/boot-usb-files.html}. If you choose this option, your installation will be running from the \acronym{USB} memory stick. In this case, references to Live \acronym{CD}, will refer to the \acronym{USB} memory stick.

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 from the \acronym{CD}.

Your computer reads information from a \acronym{CD} at a much slower speed than it can read information off of 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 applications 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. 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[-9\baselineskip]{In some cases, your computer will not recognize that the Ubuntu \acronym{CD} or \acronym{USB} is present as it starts up and will start your existing operating system instead. Generally, this means that the priority given to \emph{boot 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, and then to look for information on a \acronym{CD} or \acronym{USB}. To run Ubuntu from the Live \acronym{CD} or \acronym{USB}, we want the computer to look for information from the appropriate device 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.

After your computer finds the Live \acronym{CD}, and a quick loading screen, you will be 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}. 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 applications, 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.

\marginnote{Alternatively, you can also use your mouse to double-click the ``Install Ubuntu 10.10'' icon that is visible on the desktop when using the Live \acronym{CD}. This will start the Ubuntu installer.} When you are finished exploring, restart your computer by clicking the ``Power'' button in the top right corner of your screen (a 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!