Translations by George Fragos

Copyright \textcopyright{} 2010--\the\year{} by The Ubuntu Manual Team. Some rights reserved. \ccbysa

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution--Share Alike 3.0 License. To view a copy of this license, see \hyperref[ch:license]{Appendix~}\ref{ch:license}, visit \url{http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/}, or send a letter to Creative Commons, 171 Second Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, California, 94105, USA.

\emph{Getting Started with Ubuntu 12.04} 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 with technical details. As with prior versions, Ubuntu 12.04 \acronym{LTS} incorporates many new features, including enhancements to the Unity shell and \acronym{HUD}. \marginnote{HUD is an abbreviation for heads-up display. It is a new concept, integrated into Unity as of Unity 5.2; it is still in development.} More about the Unity shell and what it means, and the \acronym{HUD}, can be found in \chaplink{ch:the-ubuntu-desktop}.

The term ``Ubuntu'' is a traditional African concept that originated from the Bantu languages of southern Africa. \marginnote{People sometimes wonder how to pronounce \emph{Ubuntu}. Each ``u'' is pronounced the same as in the word \emph{put}.} It can be described as a way of connecting with others\dash living in a global community where your actions affect all of humanity. Ubuntu is more than just an operating system: it is a community of people that come together voluntarily to collaborate on an international software project that aims to deliver the best possible user experience.

A brief history of Ubuntu

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 \Index{Debian} system as a base, \marginnote{Debian is the Linux operating system that Ubuntu is based upon. For more information visit \url{http://www.debian.org/}.} 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 recipients. Ubuntu spread quickly, its community rapidly grew, and soon Ubuntu became the most popular Linux \gls{distribution} available.

With more people working on the project than ever before, its core features and hardware support continue to improve, and to its core features and hardware support, and Ubuntu has gained the attention of large organizations worldwide. One of IBM's open source operating systems is based on Ubuntu. 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 euros'' in licensing fees for Microsoft Windows. By the end of 2012, the French Police anticipates that all of their computers will be running Ubuntu. \Index{Canonical} profits from this arrangement by providing technical support and custom-built software.

\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, Shuttleworth has promised that the Ubuntu desktop system will always be free. As of 2012, Ubuntu is installed on an estimated 2\% of the world's computers. This equates to tens of millions of users worldwide, and is growing each year. As there is no compulsory registration, the percentage of Ubuntu users should be treated as an estimate.

These early \acronym{GUI}s were difficult to configure, clunky, 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}, \marginnote{To learn more about Linux distributions, see \chaplink{ch:learning-more}.} and uses one of the more popular graphical desktop environments called \acronym{GNOME}.

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}. The Unity shell, which is the default in Ubuntu, is a completely new concept, which needs some exploring to get used to it. See \chaplink{ch:the-ubuntu-desktop} for more information about the Unity shell.

[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. 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 Linux. \marginnote{See \chaplink{ch:software-management} to learn more about \application{Ubuntu Software Center}.} If you just enjoy a game every now and then, there is active game development within the community, and many high quality games can be easily installed through the \application{Ubuntu Software Center}.

For the \emph{Download and install}, or \emph{Try it from a \acronym{CD} or \acronym{USB} stick} options, select whether you require the 32-bit or 64-bit version (32-bit is recommended for most users), then click ``Start download.''

Ubuntu and its derivatives are available in two versions: 32-bit and 64-bit. \marginnote{\emph{32-bit} and \emph{64-bit} are types of processor architectures. Most new desktop computers have a 64-bit capable processor.} This difference refers to the way computers process information. Computers capable of running 64-bit software are able to process more information than computers running 32-bit software; however, 64-bit systems require more memory in order to do this. Nevertheless, these computers gain performance enhancements by running 64-bit software.

\marginnote{\define{Torrents} are a way of sharing files and information around the Internet via peer-to-peer file sharing. A file with the \texttt{.torrent} extension is made available to users, which is then opened with a compatible program such as \application{uTorrent}, \application{Deluge}, or \application{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 can download the torrent file by clicking ``Alternative downloads,'' and then ``BitTorrent download.'' Downloading via torrent may improve your download speed, and will also be help 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-12.04-desktop-i386.iso} or similar (\emph{i386} here in the filename refers to the 32-bit version. If you downloaded the 64-bit version, the filename contains \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}.

If your \acronym{PC} is able to boot from a \acronym{USB} stick, you may prefer to use a \acronym{USB} memory stick instead of burning a \acronym{CD}. Scroll down to ``Burn your \acronym{CD} or create a \acronym{USB} drive,'' select \emph{\acronym{CD}} or \emph{\acronym{USB} stick}, choose the \acronym{OS} you are using to create the \acronym{USB} drive, and then click \emph{Show me how}. If you select the ``\acronym{USB} Stick'' 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.

\marginnote{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 usually handled by \acronym{BIOS} settings; this is beyond the scope of this guide. If you need assistance with changing the boot priority, see your computer manufacturer's documentation for more information.}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/USB} experience will therefore feel slightly slower than it does when Ubuntu is actually installed on your computer. Running Ubuntu from the \acronym{CD/USB} 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{Alternatively, you can also use your mouse to double-click the ``Install Ubuntu 12.04'' 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!

\marginnote{Clicking on the underlined ``release notes'' link will open a web page containing any important information regarding the current version of Ubuntu.} At least 5~\acronym{GB} of free space on your hard drive is required in order to install Ubuntu; however, 15~\acronym{GB} or more is recommended. This will ensure that you will have plenty of room to install extra applications later on, as well as store your own documents, music, and photos. To get started, place the Ubuntu \acronym{CD} in your \acronym{CD} drive and restart your computer. Your computer should load Ubuntu from the \acronym{CD}. When you first start from the \acronym{CD}, you will be presented with a screen asking you whether you want to first try out Ubuntu or install it. Select the language you want to view the installer in and click on the \button{Install Ubuntu} button. This will start the installation process.

If you have an Internet connection, the installer will ask you if you would like to ``Download updates while installing.'' We recommend you do so. The second option, ``Install this third-party software,'' includes the Fluendo \acronym{MP3} codec, and software required for some wireless hardware. If you are not connected to the Internet, the installer will help you set up a wireless connection.

\marginnote[-3\baselineskip]{Ubuntu installs a \define{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.} This option is for advanced users and is used to create special partitions, or format the hard drive with a file system different to the default one.

\screenshot{01-installation-where-are-you.png}{ss:installation-where-are-you}{Tell Ubuntu your location.} The next screen will display a world map. Using your mouse, click your geographic location on the map to tell Ubuntu where you are. Alternatively, you can use the \dropdown{drop-down lists} underneath the map. This allows Ubuntu to configure your system clock and other location-based features. Click \button{Forward} when you are ready to move on.

\screenshot{01-installation-keyboard-layout.png}{ss:installation-keyboard-layout}{Verify that your keyboard layout is correct.} Next, you need to tell Ubuntu what kind of keyboard you are using. In most cases, you will find the suggested option satisfactory. If you are unsure which keyboard option to select, you can click the \button{Detect Keyboard Layout} button to have Ubuntu determine the correct choice by asking you to press a series of keys. You can also manually choose your keyboard layout from the list of options. If you like, enter text into the box at the bottom of the window to ensure you are happy with your selection, then click \button{Continue}.

\screenshot{01-installation-who-are-you.png}{ss:installation-who-are-you}{Setup your user account.}

Enter your full name under ``Your name?''. The next text field is the name your computer uses, for terminals and networks. You can change this to what you want, or keep the predetermined name. Next is your username, the name that is used for the user menu, your home folder, and behind the scenes. 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{Ubuntu 12.04 has an emphasis on ``social from the start'' and features social network integration in the desktop for sites like Twitter and Facebook.} Initially, you may notice many similarities between Ubuntu and other operating systems such as Microsoft Windows or Mac \acronym{OS X}. This is because they are all based on the concept of a graphical user interface (\gls{GUI})\dash \ie, you use your mouse to navigate the desktop, open applications, move files, and perform most other tasks. In short, things are visually-oriented. This chapter is designed to help you become familiar with various applications and menus in Ubuntu so that you become confident in using the Ubuntu \acronym{GUI}. \screenshot{02-1204-desktop.png}{ss:blank-desktop}{The Ubuntu 12.04 default desktop.}

Below the top bar is an image that covers the entire desktop. This is the default desktop background, or wallpaper, belonging to the default Ubuntu 12.10 theme known as \emph{Ambiance.} To learn more about customizing your desktop (including changing your background), see the section on \seclink{sec:customizing-desktop} below.

The top bar incorporates common functions used in Ubuntu 12.04. The \marginnote{The top bar is also referred as the top panel.} right part of the bar is called the \emph{indicator area}. Each installation of Ubuntu may contain slightly different types and quantities of icons based on a number of factors, including type of hardware and available on-board accessories. The most common indicators are (starting from the left): \marginnote{For more about: \begin{itemize} \item the \application{Messaging Indicator} see \seclink{sec:micro-blogging}; \item the \application{Network Indicator} see \seclink{sec:getting-online}; \item the \application{Session Indicator} see \seclink{sec:session-options}. \end{itemize}} \begin{description} \item[Keyboard indicator] allows you to select the keyboard layout you would like and change your keyboard preferences. \marginnote{The \emph{keyboard indicator} only shows when you have chosen more than one keyboard layout in the keyboard settings during installation.} \item[Messaging indicator] incorporates all your \emph{social applications}. From here, you can access your instant messenger, your email client, your microblogging application, and even \application{UbuntuOne}, your personal cloud! \item[Network indicator] allows you to manage your network connections and connect quickly and easily to a wired or wireless network. \item[Sound indicator] provides an easy way to adjust the sound volume as well as access your music player and sound settings. \item[Clock] displays the current time and provides an easy way to access your calendar and \emph{Time and Date settings}. \item[User menu] allows you to easily switch between different users and access your online and user \emph{accounts}. \item[Session indicator] provides an easy way to access \emph{System Settings}, \emph{Updates}, Printers, and session options for locking your computer, logging out of your session, restarting the computer, or shutting down completely.

\screenshot{02-indicators.png}{ss:indicators}{The Indicators of the top bar.} Every application has a menu (like \menu{File}, \menu{Edit}, \menu{View}, etc.). In \application{Unity}, the \emph{application menu} isn't on the titlebar of the application as is commonly the case with other \acronym{GUI} environments. Instead, it is located on the left area of the top bar. To show an application's menu, just move your mouse to the top bar. This capability of \application{Unity} to only show the application's menu when needed is especially beneficial for netbook and laptop users as it provides you with more free work space. \marginnote{Note that some older applications may still display their menu within the application window.}

\screenshot{02-Launcher.png}{ss:Launcher}{The Ubuntu 12.04 Launcher Panel on the left with a sample of applications on it.} \index{Launcher} The vertical bar of icons on the left side of the screen is called the Launcher. The Launcher provides easy access to applications, mounted devices, and the \menu{Trash}. All running applications on your system will place an icon in this Launcher while the application is running. The first icon at the top of the Launcher is the Dash, a major innovation and core element of \application{Unity} \dash we will explore the Dash in a later section of this chapter. By default, other applications appear on the Launcher, including applications such as \application{LibreOffice} and \application{Firefox}, the \menu{Workspace} lens, any mounted devices, and, of course, the always-important \menu{Trash} lens at the bottom of the Launcher. \marginnote{\menu{Workspaces} helps you to select the workspace or the window you want. \menu{Trash} contains deleted files.} \marginnote{Tip: Pressing \keystroke{Super+S} will show the \application{Workspaces}.}

\marginnote{If you hold the Super key, a number will appear on each of the first ten applications, along with a margin containing useful shortcuts. You can launch an application with a number $n$ on it by typing \keystroke{Super+$n$}.} To run an application from the Launcher (or cause an already-running application to appear), just click on the application's icon. Running applications will have one or more triangles on the left side of its icon, indicating the number of application windows open for this application. The application in the foreground (meaning on top of all other open application windows) has a white triangle on the right side of its icon. You can also run an application through the Dash. We will talk about the Dash, in the \seclink{sec:dash} section. \marginscreenshot{02-Launcher-triangles.png}{ss:Launcher-items}{Just below the Home Folder icon, you will see the Firefox icon. Notice the triangle on the right side indicating it is the application in the foreground (on top of all other applications), and the triangle on the left side indicating there's only one window associated with Firefox at this time.}

\marginnote{The Dash allows you to search for information, both locally (installed applications, recent files, bookmarks, etc.) as well as remotely (Twitter, Google Docs, etc.). This is accomplished by utilizing one or more lenses, each responsible for providing a category of search results for the Dash. For more information about the Dash and its lens, see: \url{https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Unity}} The Dash is a tool to help you access and find applications and files on your computer quickly. If you are a Windows user, you'll find the Dash to be a more advanced \emph{Start Menu}. If you are a Mac user, the Dash is similar to \application{Launchpad} in the dock. If you've used a previous version of Ubuntu or another \acronym{GNOME} Linux distribution, the Dash replaces the \acronym{GNOME 2} menus. To explore the Dash, click on the top-most icon on the Launcher; the icon has the Ubuntu logo on it. \screenshot{02-dash-home.png}{ss:dash-home}{The Dash} After selecting the Dash icon, another window will appear with a search bar on the top as well as grouping of recently accessed applications, files, and downloads. The search bar provides dynamic results as you enter your search terms. The five lenses at the bottom are links to your \emph{Home} lens, \emph{Applications} lens, \emph{Files} lens, and \emph{Music} and \emph{Videos} lenses. Lenses act as specialized search categories in the Dash.

The Dash can help you find the names of files or folders. Simply type in what you remember of the name of the file or folder and the Dash will show results it finds as you type. Note that the \emph{Files} lens can also assist you in finding files or folders. The \emph{Files} lens shows you the most recent files accessed, as well as recent downloads. You can use the \emph{filter results} button in the top-right corner of the Dash to filter down the results to your requirements by file or folder modification times, by file type (.odt, .pdf, .doc, .tex., etc.), or by size.

The standard Ubuntu installation comes with many applications. Users can also download thousands more applications from the \application{Ubuntu Software Center}. \marginnote{Ubuntu Software Center and software management will be discussed in detail at \chaplink{ch:software-management}.} As you collect an arsenal of awesome applications (and get a bonus point for alliteration!), it may become difficult to remember the name of a particular application. Simply use the \emph{Application lens} on the Dash. This lens will automatically categorizes installed applications under ``Most Frequently Used,'' ``Installed,'' or ``Apps Available for Download.''\marginnote{If you are new to the world of Ubuntu, be sure to read the \chaplink{ch:default-applications}. It will provide you help in choosing the application(s) that suit your needs.} You can also enter a name of the application or a part of it, and the Dash will return the results. Even if you don't remember the name of the application at all, type a keyword that is relevant to that application and Dash will find it, in most cases (\eg, type \userinput{music} and Dash will return you the default music player any any music player you've used). \screenshot{02-applications-lens.png}{ss:applications}{You can see the default results when you press Application lens, and also the criteria on the right side.}

To switch between workspaces, click on the \application{Workspaces} Switcher located on the Launcher. This lens allows you to toggle through the workspaces (whether they contain open applications or not), and choose the one you want to use.

At times, you may want to have a \emph{window always on top} so that it can be seen or monitored while you work with other applications. For example, you may want to browse the web and, at the same time, view and answer to any incoming instant message. To keep a window on top, right-click on the window's title bar, then select \dropdown{Always on the top}. Note that this window will be on the top of all windows that are opened in the current workspace. If you want to have a window always on the top regardless of the workspace, right-click on the window's titlebar, then select \dropdown{Always on Visible Workspace}. This window will now be on top of all other windows across all workspaces.

\marginnote{You can open your Home folder from the Launcher.} There are two ways to locate files on your computer \dash either search for them or access them directly from their folder. You can search for a file via the Dash or \menu{Files \& Folders} in the Launcher. You can also use the \menu{Files \& Folders} tool to access commonly used folders (such as \menu{Documents}, \menu{Music}, \menu{Downloads}), as well as most recently accessed files.

To access \menu{Places}, move your mouse over the top bar and select \menu{Places}. \marginnote{If you do not see the desktop menu, click somewhere on the desktop and it will appear.} The \menu{Places} menu holds a list of commonly used folders (such as \menu{Documents}, \menu{Music}, \menu{Downloads}, and the \menu{Home Folder}). You can also browse the files on your computer by clicking \dropdown{Computer} in this menu. If you set up a home network, you will find a menu item to access shared files or folders. You can also access the \dropdown{Search for Files} tool from the \menu{Places} menu, or browse a list of recently opened folders.

The home folder is used to store your personal files. Your home folder matches your login name. When you open your personal folder, you will see there are several more folders inside, including: Desktop (which contains any files that are visible on the desktop), Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Public, Templates, and Videos. These are created automatically the installation process. You can add more files and folders as needed.

Just as Windows has \application{Windows Explorer} and Mac \acronym{OS X} has \application{Finder} to browse files and folders, Ubuntu uses the \application{Nautilus} file manager by default. We will now look at \application{Nautilus} in more detail.

When you select the \menu{Home Folder} shortcut in the Launcher or click on a folder in the Dash, or double-click on a folder on the desktop, the \application{Nautilus} file manager window opens. The default window contains the following features:

The menubar is located at the top of the screen. These menus allow you to modify the layout of the browser, navigate, bookmark \marginnote{If you bookmark a folder, it will appear in the \menu{Bookmarks} menu and in the left pane.} commonly used folders and files, and view hidden folders and files.

[Toolbar] The toolbar contains tools for navigation as well as resizing the window. A drop-down list gives you the option of switching the view from \menu{Icon View} to \menu{List View} or \menu{Compact View}. The search icon (which looks like a magnifying glass) opens a field so you can search for a file by name. \marginnote{If you start typing a location in the toolbar starting with a / character, \application{Nautilus} will automatically change the navigation buttons into a text field labeled \emph{Location}. It is also possible to convert the navigation buttons into a text field by pressing \keystroke{Ctrl+L}.} Just below the toolbar, you will see a representation of your current browsing. This is similar to the history function in most browsers; it keeps track of where you are and allows you to backtrack if necessary. You can click on the locations to navigate back through the file browser.

[left page] The left pane of the file browser has shortcuts to commonly used folders. When a folder is bookmarked, it appears in the left pane. No matter what folder is open, the left pane will always contain the same folders. This left pane can be changed to display different features (such as Information, Tree, History, etc.) by clicking the down arrow beside ``Places'' near the top.

[central pane] The largest pane shows the files and folders in the directory that you are currently browsing.

\screenshot{02-homefolder.png}{ss:nautilus-home}{Nautilus file manager displaying your home folder.}

\marginnote{What is a Directory? Or a Folder? A directory is a division of space in a file system that you can use to organize files. A folder is the name given to a directory in a Graphical User Interface (\acronym{GUI}) environment like \application{Nautilus}.} To navigate between folders, use the bookmarks in the left pane of the \application{Nautilus} file manager. You can also retrace your steps by clicking on the name of a folder in the path bar. Double-clicking on a visible folder will cause you to navigate to it.

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).