Ubuntu new user FAQ
How do I get started?
What software is included?
The Free Geek Ubuntu box has a full complement of useful software. The list below is not exhaustive.
- The Gimp - Image processing software roughly equivalent to Adobe Photoshop
- OpenOffice - Word Processing, Database, Spreadsheet, Drawing, Presentation Manager
- Firefox - Internet browser
- Evolution - Email, Calendar, Personal Information Manager
- Nautilus - File Manager and CD/DVD creator
- gThumb - Photo archive and Camera reader
- XSane - Scanner Software
- Lots of games
- Many utilities such as a calculator, screenshot taker, dictionary
How do I create new users?
New users are created by going to System>Administration>Users
How do I change my password?
Your password can be changed in System>Preferences>About Me.
Alternatively, all user passwords can be changed in System>Administration>Users
How do I add a printer?
Make sure the printer is cabled to the computer and turned on. Go to System>Administration>Printers. Double-click on "New Printer". You will need to enter your password at this point. A dialog box will pop up. The large box in the middle should have the name of your printer in it, and if you press "Forward", reasonable defaults should already be filled in.
How do I connect to the internet?
The gnome panels (the strips containing menus, icons and buttons on the top and bottom of the screen) are very easy to customize, and so are very easy to mess up. The following tips can help you recover them.
missing panel
It is easy to delete one of the panels. To replace it, right-click on the remaining panel, and choose "New Panel" from the menu. This will give you a new blank panel. You will need to replace the menus and other features of the panel.
You can add most features of the panels by right-clicking on the panel and choosing "Add to Panel". You will be presented with a large list of features to be added. Try them out. You can always delete them by right-clicking on the feature and selecting "Remove from Panel". Note that the Menu which was there originally is "Menu Bar", not "Main Menu".
Application icons are added by clicking on the menu and then right-clicking on the application icon in the menu and selecting "Add this launcher to panel"
panel in the wrong place
Panels can be moved to different sides of the screen by clicking and dragging.