Translations by Young Hua

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

Find files/folder

Using the Launcher

\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.}

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{More information and detailed instructions on partitioning are available at: \url{https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowtoPartition}.} After you have chosen the installation type, click \button{Continue}, or \button{Install Now}.

{Something else}

{Install alongside other operating systems}

\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:

{Erase \ldots\ and install Ubuntu}

\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.

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{\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{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.

[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}.

Ubuntu was conceived in 2004 by Mark Shuttleworth, a successful South African entrepreneur, and his company \Index[Canonical]{\gls{Canonical}}. \marginnote{Canonical is the company that provides financial and technical support for Ubuntu. It has employees based around the world who work on developing and improving the operating system, as well as reviewing work submitted by volunteer contributors. To learn more about Canonical, go to \url{http://www.canonical.com}.} Shuttleworth recognized the power of Linux and open source, but was also aware of weaknesses that prevented mainstream use.

in the desktop menu bar, click \menu{Help \then Ubuntu Help}.

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

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={Canonical}, description={Canonical, the financial backer of Ubuntu, provides support for the core Ubuntu system. It has over 500 staff members worldwide who ensure that the foundation of the operating system is stable, as well as checking all the work submitted by volunteer contributors. To learn more about Canonical, go to \url{http://www.canonical.com}.}

name={\acronym{CLI}}, description={\acronym{CLI} or command-line interface is another name for the \gls{terminal}.}

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={\acronym{DHCP}}, description={\acronym{DHCP} stands for \emph{Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol}, it is used by a \acronym{DHCP} \gls{server} to assign computers on a network an \acronym{IP} address automatically.}

name={dialup connection}, description={A dialup connection is when your computer uses a modem to connect to an \gls{ISP} through your telephone line.}

name={distribution}, description={A distribution is a collection of software that is already compiled and configured ready to be installed. Ubuntu is an example of a distribution.}

name={dual-booting}, description={Dual-booting is the process of being able to choose one of two different operating systems currently installed on a computer from the boot menu. Once selected, your computer will boot into whichever operating system you chose at the boot menu. The term dual-booting is often used generically, and may refer to booting among more than two operating systems.}

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.}

name={Ethernet port}, description={An Ethernet port is what an Ethernet cable is plugged into when you are using a \gls{wired connection}.}

name={\acronym{GUI}}, description={The \acronym{GUI} (which stands for Graphical User Interface) is a type of user interface that allows humans to interact with the computer using graphics and images rather than just text.}

name={\acronym{ISP}}, description={\acronym{ISP} stands for \emph{Internet Service Provider}, an \acronym{ISP} is a company that provides you with your Internet connection.}

name={kernel}, description={A kernel is the central portion of a Unix-based operating system, responsible for running applications, processes, and providing security for the core components.}

name={\acronym{LTS}}, description={\acronym{LTS} stands for long-term support and is a type of Ubuntu release that is officially supported for far longer than the standard releases.}

name={maximize}, description={When you maximize an application in Ubuntu it will fill the whole desktop, excluding the panels.}

name={minimize}, description={When you minimize an open application, the window will no longer be shown. If you click on a minimized application's icon in the Launcher, it will be restored to its normal state and allow you to interact with it.}

name={notification area}, description={The notification area is an applet on the panel that provides you with all sorts of information such as volume control, the current song playing in Rhythmbox, your Internet connection status and email status.}

name={output}, description={The output of a command is any text it displays on the next line after typing a command and pressing enter, \eg, if you type \commandlineapp{pwd} into a terminal and press \keystroke{Enter}, the directory name it displays on the next line is the output.}

name={package}, description={Packages contain software in a ready-to-install format. Most of the time you can use the \gls{Software Center} instead of manually installing packages. Packages have a \texttt{.deb} extension in Ubuntu.}

name={panel}, description={A panel is a bar that sits on the edge of your screen. It contains \glspl{applet} which provide useful functions such as running programs, viewing the time, or accessing the main menu.}

name={parameter}, description={Parameters are special options that you can use with other commands in the terminal to make that command behave differently, this can make a lot of commands far more useful.}

name={partition}, description={A partition is an area of allocated space on a hard drive where you can put data.}

name={partitioning}, description={Partitioning is the process of creating a \gls{partition}.}

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}

name={prompt}, description={The prompt displays some useful information about your computer. It can be customized to display in different colors, display the time, date, and current directory or almost anything else you like.}

name={proprietary}, description={Software made by companies that don't release their source code under an open source license.}

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.}

name={server}, description={A server is a computer that runs a specialized operating system and provides services to computers that connect to it and make a request.}

name={shell}, description={The \gls{terminal} gives access to the shell, when you type a command into the terminal and press enter the shell takes that command and performs the relevant action.}

name={Software Center}, description={The Software Center is where you can easily manage software installation and removal as well as the ability to manage software installed via Personal Package Archives.}