Translations by jarin

Use the Launcher to start applications

Launcher icons

If an application that you want to start using is present in the Launcher, you can click on that application's icon, and it will start up, ready for you to use.

To learn more about the Launcher, explore any of the Launcher help topics below.

User accounts

Each person that uses the computer should have a different user account. This allows them to keep their files separate from yours and to choose their own settings. It's also more secure. You can only access a different user account if you know the password.

Manage user accounts

Add new users so that other people can log in to the computer.

Add a new user account

You can add multiple user accounts to your computer. Give one account to each person in your household or company. Every user has their own home folder, documents, and settings.

You can change which users are allowed to make changes to the system by giving them administrative privileges.

Change who has administrative privileges

Close the User Accounts window. The user's privileges will be changed when they next log in.

You need admin privileges to change important parts of your system.

How do administrative privileges work?

The way that they are protected is by only allowing users with <em>administrative privileges</em> to change the files or use the applications. In day-to-day use, you won't need to change any system files or use these applications, so by default you do not have admin privileges.

What does "super user" mean?

A user with admin privileges is sometimes called a <em>super user</em>. This is simply because that user has more privileges than normal users. You might see people discussing things like <cmd>su</cmd> and <cmd>sudo</cmd>; these are programs for temporarily giving you "super user" (admin) privileges.

Why are admin privileges useful?

Requiring users to have admin privileges before important system changes are made is useful because it helps to prevent your system from being broken, intentionally or unintentionally.

If you had admin privileges all of the time, you might accidentally change an important file, or run an application which changes something important by mistake. Only getting admin privileges temporarily, when you need them, reduces the risk of these mistakes happening.

You can only do some things, like installing applications, if you have admin privileges.

Problems caused by administrative restrictions

Installing new applications

You can <link xref="user-admin-change">change who has admin privileges</link>.

Keep your account secure by changing your password often in your account settings.

It is a good idea to change your password from time to time, especially if you think someone else knows what your password is.

Make sure you <link xref="user-goodpassword">choose a good password</link>. This will help to keep your user account safe.

Change the keyring password

Enter your <gui>Old Password</gui>, followed by your new <gui>Password</gui>, and <gui>Confirm</gui> your new password by entering it again.

Click <gui>OK</gui>.

Change your login screen photo

When you log in or switch users, you will see a list of users with their login photos. You can change your photo to a stock image or an image of your own. You can even take a new login photo with your webcam.

Remove users that no longer use your computer.

Delete a user account

You can add multiple user accounts to your computer. See <link xref="user-add"/> to learn how. If somebody is no longer using your computer, you can delete that user's account.

Advanced techniques for resetting your password

I forgot my password!

If you have an encrypted home directory, you will not be able to reset a forgotten password.

If you simply want to change your password, see <link xref="user-changepassword"/>.

Reset password using Grub

If you are unable to get into the Grub boot menu, and therefore cannot choose to boot into recovery mode, you can <link xref="user-forgottenpassword#live-cd">use a live CD to reset your user password</link>.

Press the down arrow on your keyboard to highlight the line that ends with the words 'recovery mode', then press <key>Enter</key>.

Your computer will now begin the boot process. After a few moments, a <gui>Recovery Menu</gui> will appear. Use your down arrow key to highlight <gui>root</gui> and press <key>Enter</key>.

At the <cmd>#</cmd> symbol, type:

<cmd>passwd <var>username</var></cmd>, where <var>username</var> is the username of the account you're changing the password for.

You will be prompted to enter a new UNIX password, and to confirm the new password.

Then type:

After you successfully log in, you will not be able to access your keyring (since you don't remember the old password). This means that all your saved passwords for wireless networks, jabber accounts, etc. will no longer be accessible. You will need to <link xref="#delete-keyring">delete the old keyring</link> and start a new one.

Reset password using a Live CD or USB