Translations by Marv-CZ

The first method is to download an ISO image from a mirror server near you and make a CD to install Ubuntu. Two types of CDs are available:

<emphasis>Desktop CD</emphasis> - the desktop CD allows you to try Ubuntu without changing your computer at all, and at your option to install it permanently later. This type of CD is what most people will want to use.

<emphasis>Text-mode install CD</emphasis> - the text-mode install CD allows you to perform certain specialist installations of Ubuntu. This type of CD is intended for cases such as creating pre-configured OEM systems or setting up automated deployments; it can also be used as a package source for upgrading older installations.

If you don't have a CD burner or you have limited or expensive bandwidth, we can send you pressed copies of the 'Desktop CD' free of charge. You may request CDs via <ulink url="http://shipit.ubuntu.com">Shipit</ulink>, the Ubuntu CD Distribution System.

Ordered CDs may take several weeks to arrive.

Another method of obtaining Ubuntu is to join a local <emphasis>Linux Users Group</emphasis> (LUG) and ask if somebody can make you a copy. Normally, you will have to pay for the cost of the CD and delivery.

If you do not know of an LUG near you, a list can be found at <ulink url="http://lugww.counter.li.org/">Linux Users Groups WorldWide</ulink>.

Linux Basics

Linux is inspired by the Unix operating system which first appeared in 1969, and has been in continous use and development ever since. Many of the design conventions behind Unix also exist in Linux and are central to understanding the basics of the system.

Unix was primarily oriented towards the command line interface, and that legacy is carried on in Linux. Thus, the graphical user interface with its windows, icons and menus are built on top of a basic command line interface. Furthermore, this means that the Linux file system is structured to be easily manageable and accessible from the command line.

<filename>/media</filename> - mounted (loaded) removable <emphasis>media</emphasis> such as CDs, digital cameras, etc...

<filename>/root</filename> - <emphasis>root</emphasis> user home directory, pronounced 'slash-root'

<filename>/sbin</filename> - important <emphasis>s</emphasis>ystem <emphasis>bin</emphasis>aries

<filename>/sys</filename> - <emphasis>sys</emphasis>tem files

<filename>/tmp</filename> - <emphasis>t</emphasis>e<emphasis>mp</emphasis>orary files

<filename>/usr</filename> - applications and files that are mostly available for all <emphasis>us</emphasis>e<emphasis>r</emphasis>s to access

read

files can be displayed/opened

directory contents can be displayed

write

execute

executable files can be run as a program

directories can be entered

Terminals

Starting the Terminal

To start <application>Terminal</application> choose <menuchoice><guimenu>Applications</guimenu><guimenuitem>Accessories</guimenuitem><guimenuitem>Terminal</guimenuitem></menuchoice> .

Common Commands

Change Directories: - cd (/directory/location)

The <application>cd</application> (ChangeDirectory) command will change from your current directory to any directory you specify.

Copy Files/Directories: - cp (file or directory name) (to directory or filename)

The <application>cp</application> (CoPy) command will copy any files you specify. The <application>cp -r</application> command will copy any directories you specify.

Remove Files/Directories: - rm (file or directory name)

The <application>rm</application> (ReMove) command will delete any filename you specify. The <application>rm -rf</application> command will remove any directory you specify.

Rename Files/Directories: - mv (file or directory name)

The <application>mv</application> (MoVe) command will rename/move any file or directory you specify.

Find Files/Directories: - locate (file or directory name)

The <application>locate</application> command will search your computer for any filename you specify. It uses an index of the files on your system to work quickly: to update this index run the command <application>updatedb</application>. This command is run automatically each day, if you leave your computer on. It needs to be run with administrative privileges (see <xref linkend="root-and-sudo"/>).

Text Editing

If you need to use a text editor from the command line, you can use <application>nano</application>, which is a simple to use text editor. When running it from the command line, always use the following command, which ensures that the editor will not introduce line breaks:<screen>nano -w</screen>

Users and Groups

There are a number of places from which you can obtain help with your Ubuntu desktop system, these include:

Configuring Your System

This chapter contains information on configuring your system.

Desktop Tricks

This section details some tips for using and customising Ubuntu's desktop environment (called <application>GNOME</application>), and the file manager (called <application>Nautilus</application>).

Menu Editing

To change the order of menu entries, use the up and down arrows on the right-hand side of the <application>Alacarte</application> window.

To stop a menu entry from being displayed, use the checkboxes beside each entry. This does not erase the menu entry, so you can restore it later in the same way.