Welcome to the community documentation for Ubuntu - created by users just like you!

Official Documentation

• help.ubuntu.com

This is the official current version of the Ubuntu Documentation. If you need to see one of the older versions, you can select the version you want from one of the tabs at the top right of this page.

• Release Notes - Information on new features and help specific to each Ubuntu release.

NOTE: Documentation in other languages is also available.

Getting Started with Ubuntu

Terminology

If you're new to Linux and/or Ubuntu, some of the terms that are going to be used throughout these documents might seem slighly like a foreign language to you. We've got you covered. Check out our Glossary of commonly used terms. As with anything else you want to learn about, it helps to know the terminology.

Switching From Another Operating System

Thinking about switching to Ubuntu, or have already made the switch? Then the following articles are for you and should be considered essential reading material:

• Switching from Windows

• Switching from Mac OS X

• Switching from another Linux distribution

The Terminal is your Friend

Perhaps the most powerful tool in Linux is your Terminal Program. Before you jump in, take a moment to familiarize yourself with this invaluable asset- the command line.

FAQs

Still have questions? You're not alone. Stop by the most common questions that new Ubuntu users frequently ask.

Installation

• See Installation for both basic and advanced methods of installing Ubuntu, as well as information about supported hardware.

• Read the Upgrade Notes to find out how to upgrade your system from older versions of Ubuntu.

Getting to know and work with your system

Hardware

The main hardware support page can be found at: Ubuntu Hardware Support.

Among the items covered include:

• Drives and Partitions - Adding storage, partitioning, accessing your Windows files, and more.

• Portable Gadgets - Syncing and transferring files from PDAs, audio players, mobile phones, and cameras.

• Input Devices - Setting up your keyboard, mouse, and other input devices.

• Laptops - Reports on using Ubuntu on a portable computer.

• Network, wireless, and internet devices - Setting up networking and internet devices.

• Printers - Setting up and using your printer.

• Sound - Setting up and using sound cards, speakers, and musical instruments.

• Thin Clients - Setting up and using thin clients.

• Video - Setting up your graphics card and external hardware such as video cameras.

Software

See Applications for listings of software available for Ubuntu, including recommended software and equivalents to commonly-used Windows programs.

Customizing and Maintaining Ubuntu

• Accessibility - Make Ubuntu easier to use for those with physical or visual challenges.

• Business Environment - Configuring Ubuntu for use in business environments.

• Troubleshooting guides - Solving troubles with configurations and software.

• Eye Candy - Making your computer look and work cooler.

• Servers - Setting up web servers, file servers, and more.

• Security - Keeping your computer safe.

• System Administration - Maintaining your computer.

Getting Help

• Other Places to Get Help - Here you will find resources for Ubuntu users, including suggestions for what to do before you ask for help. There are links to some very useful tutorials and beginner documentation in this section.

• Ubuntu Screencasts - The Ubuntu Screencasts are a great way to get an introduction to Ubuntu. They move along somewhat quickly, but you can watch them as many times as you like. They are free!

Contributing

If you want to contribute to these pages, the WikiToDo and WikiTeam pages are a good place to start. Please read the Wiki Guide before making any edits.

• Get Involved is the place to start helping other Ubuntu users.

• The Ubuntu Community page has several options for helping out.

Learn More

Delve into some more advanced topics, and develop your Ubuntu skills.

• Programming - Creating software.

Can't Find What You're Looking For?

• Index of all available pages - List of all community documentation pages.

• Discuss this page