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\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.}

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\marginnote{To read more about other variants of Ubuntu, refer to \chaplink{ch:learning-more}.} In Linux distributions (such as Ubuntu), there are a number of desktop environments available. Ubuntu uses \application{Unity} as the default desktop environment. After installing and logging in to Ubuntu, you will see the \application{Unity} desktop. This initial view is comprised of the \seclink{sec:desktop-background} and two \emph{bars}\dash one is horizontally located at the top of your desktop and appropriately named \seclink{sec:top-bar}, and the other bar is vertically oriented at the far left, called \menu{the Launcher}.

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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.

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The top bar

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desktop!top bar

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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.

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\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.}

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\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}.}

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Using Launcher