Translations by Denis_Ubuntu

You can also participate in the Ubuntu community by contributing to this manual. You might choose to write new content for it, edit its chapters so they are easier for new Ubuntu users to understand and use, or translate it in your own language. You may also provide the screenshots found throughout the manual. To get involved in the Ubuntu Manual Project, visit \url{http://ubuntu-manual.org/getinvolved}.

Full Circle Magazine is ``the independent magazine for the Ubuntu Linux community.'' Released every month, Full Circle Magazine contains reviews of new software (including games) for Ubuntu, step-by-step tutorials for projects you can undertake with Ubuntu, editorials discussing important issues in the Ubuntu community, and Ubuntu tips from other users. You can download issues of Full Circle Magazine at \url{http://fullcirclemagazine.org/}.

Many books have been written about Ubuntu, and professional magazines often feature news and information related to Ubuntu. You will frequently find these resources at your local bookstore or newsstand. However, many of these print publications are also available as digital downloads for purchase in the Ubuntu Software Center. To find these, launch the Software Center, then click on ``Books \& Magazines'' in the left panel.

Mythbuntu allows users to turn their computers into entertainment systems. It helps users organize and view various types of multimedia content such as movies, television shows, and video podcasts. Users with \acronym{TV} tuners in their computers can also use Mythbuntu to record live video and television shows.

Edubuntu is an Ubuntu derivative customized for use in schools and other educational institutions. It contains software similar to that offered in Ubuntu, but also features additional applications \dash like a collaborative text editor and educational games.

The most significant difference between Debian-based and Red Hat-based distributions is the system each uses for installing and updating software. These systems are called ``package management systems.'' \marginnote{\define{Package management systems} are the means by which users can install, remove, and organize software installed on computers with open source operating systems like Ubuntu.} Debian software packages are \acronym{deb} files, while Red Hat software packages are \acronym{rpm} files. The two systems are generally incompatible. For more information about package management, see \chaplink{ch:software-management}.

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 Linux distribution as well as the family of distributions derived from Debian. Ubuntu is part of this family. When describing relationships between various open source projects, software developers often use the metaphor of tributaries connecting to a common body of water. For this reason, you may hear someone say that Ubuntu is located ``downstream'' from Debian, because alterations to Debian flow into new versions of Ubuntu. Additionally, improvements to Ubuntu usually trickle ``upstream'' \dash back to Debian and its family members, which benefit from the work of the Ubuntu community. Other distributions in the Debian family include Linux Mint, Xandros, and CrunchBang Linux. Distributions in the Red Hat family include Fedora, and Mandriva.

Ubuntu is one of several popular operating systems based on Linux (an open source operating system). These Linux-based operating systems \dash called Linux ``\glspl{distribution},'' \dash may look different from Ubuntu at first glance, but they share similar characteristics because of their common roots.

Unlike proprietary software applications, the software included with Ubuntu is specifically licensed to promote sharing and collaboration. The legal rules governing Ubuntu's production and distribution ensure that anyone can obtain, run, or share it for any purpose she or he wishes. Computer users can modify open source software like Ubuntu to suit their individual needs, to share it, to improve it, or to translate it into other languages \dash provided they release the source code for these modifications so others can do the same. In fact, the terms of many open source licensing agreements actually make it illegal not to do so. For more information regarding Ubuntu's software licensing standards, see \url{http://www.ubuntu.com/project/about-ubuntu/licensing}.

\marginnote{If you are installing on a new machine with no operating system, you will not get the first option. The upgrade option is only available if you are upgrading from a previous version of Ubuntu.} This next step is often referred to as \gls{partitioning}. Partitioning is the process of allocating portions of your hard drive for a specific purpose. When you create a \gls{partition}, you are essentially dividing up your hard drive into sections that will be used for different types of information. Partitioning can sometimes seem complex to a new user; however, it does not have to be. In fact, Ubuntu provides you with some options that greatly simplify this process. The Ubuntu installer will automatically detect any existing operating system installed on your machine, and present installation options suitable for your system. The options listed below depend on your specific system and may not all be available:

\marginnote{In some cases, your computer will not recognize that the Ubuntu \acronym{DVD} 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{DVD} or \acronym{USB}. To run Ubuntu from the Live \acronym{DVD} 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{DVD} at a much slower speed than it can read information off of a hard drive. Running Ubuntu from the Live \acronym{DVD} 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{DVD/USB} experience will therefore feel slightly slower than it does when Ubuntu is actually installed on your computer. Running Ubuntu from the \acronym{DVD/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{\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.

[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}, fewer game developers 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 are many high quality games that can be easily installed through the \application{Ubuntu Software Center}.

[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. 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}. \marginnote{To learn more about \gls{dual-booting} (running Ubuntu side-by-side with another operating system), see \chaplink{ch:installation}.} Alternatively, some applications developed for Windows will work in Ubuntu with a program called \application{Wine}. For more information on Wine, go to \url{http://www.winehq.org}.

Use this option if you want to erase your entire disk. This will delete any existing operating systems that are installed on that disk, such as Microsoft Windows, and install Ubuntu in its place. This option is also useful if you have an empty hard drive, as Ubuntu will automatically create the necessary partitions for you. \warning{Formatting a partition will destroy any data currently on the partition. Be sure to back up any data you want to save before formatting.}

\marginnote{Ubuntu provides you with the option of either \emph{replacing} your existing operating system altogether, or installing Ubuntu alongside your existing system. The latter is called \emph{dual-booting}. Whenever you turn on or restart your computer, you will be given the option to select which operating system you want to use for that session.} If you are a Windows or Mac user and you are trying to install Ubuntu for the first time, select the \radiobutton{Install alongside other operating systems} option. This option will enable you to choose which operating system you wish to use when you computer starts. Ubuntu will automatically detect the other operating system and install Ubuntu alongside it. \advanced {For more complicated \gls{dual-booting} setups, you will need to configure the partitions manually.}

\marginnote{If you are installing on a new machine with no operating system, you will not get the first option. The upgrade option is only available if you are upgrading from a previous version of Ubuntu.} This next step is often referred to as \gls{partitioning}. Partitioning is the process of allocating portions of your hard drive for a specific purpose. When you create a \gls{partition}, you are essentially dividing up your hard drive into sections that will be used for different types of information. Partitioning can sometimes seem complex to a new user; however, it does not have to be. In fact, Ubuntu provides you with some options that greatly simplify this process. The Ubuntu installer will automatically detect any existing operating system installed on your machine, and present installation options suitable for your system. The options listed below depend on your specific system and may not all be available:

After your computer finds the Live \acronym{DVD/USB} stick, 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 directly from the Live \acronym{DVD/USB} drive.

\marginnote{In some cases, your computer will not recognize that the Ubuntu \acronym{DVD} 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{DVD} or \acronym{USB}. To run Ubuntu from the Live \acronym{DVD} 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{DVD} at a much slower speed than it can read information off of a hard drive. Running Ubuntu from the Live \acronym{DVD} 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{DVD/USB} experience will therefore feel slightly slower than it does when Ubuntu is actually installed on your computer. Running Ubuntu from the \acronym{DVD/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{The majority of computers in use today will meet the requirements listed here; however, refer to your computer documentation or manufacturer's website for more information.} Ubuntu runs well on most computer systems. If you are unsure whether it will work on your computer, the Live \acronym{DVD} 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.

If you know the password, enter it in the \textfield{Password} field and then click on the \button{Connect} button. As you type the password, it will be obscured from view to prevent others from reading the password as you type it. \marginnote{To verify the characters you are entering for the password, you can view the password by selecting the \checkbox{Show Password} check box. Then, you can make the password obscure again by deselecting the \checkbox{Show password} check box.} Once the password is entered, click on the \button{Connect} button. The \application{NetworkManager} icon in the top panel will animate as Ubuntu attempts to connect to the network. If the connection is successful, the icon will change to display a signal meter. An on-screen notification message will also appear informing you that the connection was successful.

\marginnote{\advanced{A \acronym{MAC} address is a hardware address for your computer's network card. Entering this information is sometimes important when using a cable modem connection. If you know the \acronym{MAC} address of your network card, this can be entered in the appropriate text field in the \button{Wired} tab of the editing window. To find the \acronym{MAC} addresses for all installed networking devices, open a terminal window, and at the command line prompt, type \userinput{ifconfig}. This will display a lot of information about each of the network devices installed on the computer. The wired devices will be labeled as \textfield{LAN0}, \textfield{LAN1}, etc. The wireless devices will appear as \textfield{WLAN0}, \textfield{WLAN1}, etc.}}

To manually configure a wired connection, click on the \application{NetworkManager} icon and select \menu{Edit Connections}. Make sure you are looking at the ``Wired'' tab inside the \window{Network Connections} window. The list may already have an entry, such as ``Wired connection 1'' or a similar name. If a connection is listed, select it and click the \button{Edit} button. If no connection is listed, click the \button{Add} button.

\marginnote{Are you already online? If the NetworkManager icon in the top panel shows a connection then you may have successfully connected during the Ubuntu setup process. You can also simply open a browser and see if you have access to the Internet. If so, you do not need to do anything for the rest of this section.} If you have an \emph{Ethernet} cable running from a wall socket or networking device, such as a switch or router, then you will want to setup a wired connection in Ubuntu.

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

In order to connect to the Internet using Ubuntu, you need to use the \application{NetworkManager} utility. \application{NetworkManager} allows you to turn network connections on or off, manage wired and wireless networks, and make other network connections, such as dial up, mobile broadband, and \acronym{VPN}s.

\marginnote{In order to connect wirelessly, you must be in a location with a working wireless network. To set up your own wireless network, you will need to purchase and install a wireless router or access point. Some locations may already have a publicly accessible wireless networks available. If you are unsure whether your computer has a wireless card, check with your manufacturer.} A \gls{wireless connection} is when your computer connects to the Internet using a wireless radio network \dash usually known as Wi-Fi. Most routers now come with wireless capability, as do most laptops and netbooks. Because of this, Wi-Fi is the most common connection type for these types of devices. Wireless connectivity makes laptops and netbooks more portable when moving to different rooms of a house and while traveling.

\application{\acronym{GIMP}} is a very powerful graphics editor. You can create your own graphics, taper your photographs, modify your pictures. \acronym{GIMP}, a powerful alternative to \application{Photoshop}, covers the needs of novice users, professional photographers, and designers. \warning{\acronym{GIMP} is not loaded by default, but can be installed via the Software Center.}

\marginnote{If you are installing on a new machine with no operating system, you will not get the first option. The upgrade option is only available if you are upgrading from a previous version of Ubuntu.} This next step is often referred to as \gls{partitioning}. Partitioning is the process of allocating portions of your hard drive for a specific purpose. When you create a \gls{partition}, you are essentially dividing up your hard drive into sections that will be used for different types of information. Partitioning can sometimes seem complex to a new user; however, it does not have to be. In fact, Ubuntu provides you with some options that greatly simplify this process. The Ubuntu installer will automatically detect any existing operating system installed on your machine, and present installation options suitable for your system. The options listed below depend on your specific system and may not all be available:

\marginnote{Ubuntu provides you with the option of either \emph{replacing} your existing operating system altogether, or installing Ubuntu alongside your existing system. The latter is called \emph{dual-booting}. Whenever you turn on or restart your computer, you will be given the option to select which operating system you want to use for that session.} If you are a Windows or Mac user and you are trying to install Ubuntu for the first time, select the \radiobutton{Install alongside other operating systems} option. This option will enable you to choose which operating system you wish to use when you computer starts. Ubuntu will automatically detect the other operating system and install Ubuntu alongside it. \advanced {For more complicated \gls{dual-booting} setups, you will need to configure the partitions manually.}

\marginnote{In some cases, your computer will not recognize that the Ubuntu \acronym{DVD} 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{DVD} or \acronym{USB}. To run Ubuntu from the Live \acronym{DVD} 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{DVD} at a much slower speed than it can read information off of a hard drive. Running Ubuntu from the Live \acronym{DVD} 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{DVD/USB} experience will therefore feel slightly slower than it does when Ubuntu is actually installed on your computer. Running Ubuntu from the \acronym{DVD/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.

[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}, fewer game developers 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 are many high quality games that can be easily installed through the \application{Ubuntu Software Center}.

\noindent Under the following conditions:

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

name={applet}, description={A small program that runs in a \gls{panel}. Applets provide useful functions such as starting a program, viewing the time, or accessing the main menu of an application.}

name={desktop environment}, description={A generic term to describe a \acronym{GUI} interface for humans to interact with computers. There are many desktop environments such as \acronym{GNOME}, \acronym{KDE}, \acronym{XFCE} and \acronym{LXDE}, to name a few.}

name={encryption}, description={Encryption is a security measure, it prevents others from accessing and viewing the contents of your files and/or hard drives, the files must first be decrypted with your password.}

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]{\appendixname}~\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.

The term ``Ubuntu'' is a traditional African concept originating from the Bantu languages of southern Africa. \marginnote{People sometimes wonder how to pronounce \emph{Ubuntu}. Each \emph{u} is pronounced the same as in the word \emph{put} except for the last \emph{u} which is pronounced the same as in the word \emph{due}.} 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 coming together voluntarily to collaborate on an international software project that aims to deliver the best possible user experience.

Ubuntu's core applications are all free and open source. We want you to use free and open source software, improve it, and pass it on.

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 grew rapidly, 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 Ubuntu has gained the attention of large organizations worldwide.

Ubuntu is built on the foundation of Linux, which is a member of the \Index{Unix} family. \Index{Unix} is one of the oldest types of operating systems, and together with Linux has provided reliability and security for 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 Linux or \Index{Unix}. The popular Android system for smartphones is a Linux variant; modern in-car computers usually run on Linux. Even the Mac \acronym{OS~X} is based on Unix. The Linux \Index{kernel} is best described as the core\dash almost the brain\dash of the Ubuntu operating system.

The 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 grown in 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}.}

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 in Ubuntu. You should expect to find that some things are different from what you are used to. We also suggest taking the following into account:

Ubuntu is community based.

That is, Ubuntu is developed, written, 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}.

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Conventions used in this book