Ubuntu Pocket Guide V1-1.Pdf

Ubuntu Pocket Guide and Reference Keir Thomas Ubuntu Pocket Guide and Reference (PDF Edition) Version: PDF1.1 www.ubuntupocketguide.com Copyright © 2009 by Keir Thomas All rights reserved. This book is distributed in two editions: as a printed book (“Print Edition”), and as a PDF computer file (“PDF Edition”). No part of the Print Edition of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Permission is granted to redistribute electronically the unmodified and complete computer file that comprises the PDF Edition of this work. This permission does not impair or restrict the author’s moral rights, or granty an additional permissions. Without the prior written permission of the copyright owner any or all of the following is not permitted: (i) altering, editing, or otherwise modifying the file that comprises the PDF Edition of this work; (ii) printing or publishing this work in any form (including but not limited to print‐ on‐demand services); (iii) selling, retailing, or offering in exchange for any kind of compensation the file that comprises the PDF Edition of this work or any of its content; (iv) redistributing some or all extracted or excerpted content from this work; (v) redistributing some or all content of this work in a different format (for example but not limited to HTML or plain text). ISBN (EAN‐13): 978‐1440478291 The Ubuntu logo is a registered trademark of Canonical Ltd and is used with permission. Trademarked names may appear in this book. Rather than use a trademark symbol with every occurrence of a trademarked name, we use the names only in an editorial fashion and to the benefit of the trademark owner, with no intention of infringement of the trademark. For information on translations and/or licensing, please email [email protected]. The information in this book is distributed on an “as is”s basi without warranty. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this work, neither the author nor publishers shall have any liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this work. Contents About the author ...............................................................ix A brief introduction............................................................xi What is Ubuntu? ........................................................................... xi GNU.......................................................................................... xi The Linux kernel........................................................................xii Linux distros.............................................................................xiii What makes Ubuntu special.........................................................xiii Focus on desktop users ............................................................xiv Philosophy and community ......................................................xiv Ease of use................................................................................xv What Ubuntu offers ....................................................................xvii How to read this book .................................................................xvii Typing commands..................................................................xviii Menu options.........................................................................xviii What to click ..........................................................................xviii Ubuntu versions .....................................................................xviii CHAPTER ONE: Installing Ubuntu ........................................1 Types of installation....................................................................... 1 #1: Dual‐booting........................................................................ 1 #2: Installing within Windows .................................................... 2 #3: Virtual computer .................................................................. 2 Preparing your PC for Ubuntu ........................................................ 2 Ensuring enough disk space is free.............................................. 2 Defragmenting the hard disk...................................................... 3 Checking the Windows filesystem for errors ............................... 3 Getting Ubuntu.............................................................................. 4 Choosing a version ..................................................................... 4 Choosing a release ..................................................................... 6 Downloading Ubuntu ................................................................. 7 Creating an install CD..................................................................... 8 Step‐by‐step: Installing Ubuntu ..................................................... 9 Standard (repartitioning)............................................................ 9 Within Windows (Wubi).............................................................13 Virtual computer .......................................................................15 Problematic installations (alternate install)............................... 16 Getting Ubuntu onto an Apple Mac ...........................................17 iii CHAPTER TWO: Configuring Ubuntu ................................. 19 Getting started ............................................................................ 19 Keyboard and mouse/trackpad .................................................... 20 Switching keyboard languages................................................. 20 Mouse...................................................................................... 20 Graphics ...................................................................................... 21 Changing screen resolution ...................................................... 21 Installing proprietary drivers..................................................... 21 Activating desktop visual effects .............................................. 22 Configuring a second monitor .................................................. 23 Changing screen backlighting................................................... 24 Screensaver ............................................................................. 24 Sound.......................................................................................... 24 Getting online.............................................................................. 25 Wireless ................................................................................... 25 Wired (Ethernet) ...................................................................... 26 Printers........................................................................................ 27 Printing a test page .................................................................. 27 Setting default print options..................................................... 27 Managing print jobs ................................................................. 28 Installing a network printer....................................................... 28 Removable storage...................................................................... 29 Scanners...................................................................................... 30 Bluetooth..................................................................................... 30 Pairing (Ubuntu 8.10) ................................................................31 Pairing (Ubuntu 8.04) ................................................................31 Transferring files .......................................................................31 CHAPTER THREE: Getting to grips with the desktop............33 Logging in.....................................................................................33 Wubi (Windows install)............................................................. 34 Dual‐boot................................................................................. 34 The layout of the desktop .............................................................35 Panels .......................................................................................35 Main menus ..............................................................................35 Icons and applets...................................................................... 36 Virtual desktops............................................................................37 Personalizing ............................................................................... 38 Themes.................................................................................... 38 Fonts........................................................................................ 38 Login screen............................................................................. 39 Configuring menus................................................................... 39 Customizing desktop icons....................................................... 40 Useful applications....................................................................... 40 iv Cutting, copying, and pasting....................................................... 40 Desktop search ...........................................................................

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