Ubuntu For First Time Users
It is important to learn a few things about Ubuntu before you begin to install this user-friendly operating system. Once you are familiar with the system you can optimize and customize it for better efficiency. On installation, the first time you boot the Ubuntu operating system you see a boot flash screen called USplash. Next, on the right side is the login screen with the date, time, and name of the computer. On the left are options to reboot, suspend, shutdown etc. After typing in your username and password the Ubuntu desktop appears.
Ubuntu uses the GNome desktop environment. If you have an automatic IP address Ubuntu configures the DHCP connections automatically. A notification message on the right upper screen prompts users to click on it to find software updates. Click the Install Updates icon and the system will install all updates through the Update Manager. This menu can be found under the System->Administration menu. Since this is an administrator's task you are required to type in a password. You will be prompted with another message to install drivers for your graphics card. Click on Enable to download and install the required drivers.
The Ubuntu desktop is known as the GNOME desktop which is different from Windows. The desktop has one panel at the top and one at the bottom with the same options and configurations.
The bottom panel includes the Show Desktop icon where the current windows opened are displayed. To the right is the trash icon and the Workspace Switcher which enables you to use multiple desktops. The upper panel features the Main Menu on the left which provides access to applications, folders, and system configuration tools. Also included are shortcuts for different applications you have installed on your computer. To add shortcuts, all you need to do is right click on the panel and click on the 'Add to Panel' option. In the next window click on the 'Application Launcher' icon on the lift and choose the applications you need shortcuts for. On the right side of the panel are the network monitor, sound, date, clock, and shutdown options.
Ubuntu is easy to use, even with basic operating needs, which is evident from its ever-growing user-base, and not just because of it being free. Overall, the operating system has been designed with normal users in mind although it is capable of handling complex environments. Besides, Ubuntu offers dual booting since it can be installed along with Windows.
Ubuntu is less vulnerable to viruses, which is one of the biggest advantages of a Linux based system. The centralized repository, Ubuntu One features thousands of free software programs that can be downloaded and installed with ease.
Users ought not be apprehensive about adjusting to a different operating system. Most of the basic functions are similar to Windows. Besides, the Ubuntu community provides plenty of support with tons of information to optimize your system. Last but not least, as it's important for a website to have a good website usability the Linux Ubuntu interface is very intuitive and user-friendly too! With the release of Ubuntu 10.10 things only seem to be getting better in the world of computing.
