Welcome to the community documentation for Ubuntu - created by users just like you. This is a reference for Ubuntu-related "Howtos, Tips, Tricks, and Hacks."

Note that this is not the official documentation.

Getting Started!

Terminology

If you are new to Linux or Ubuntu, some of the terms that are used throughout these documents might seem like a foreign language to you. Don't worry -- we have you covered. You can learn commonly-used terms as you go along from our Glossary. To learn about Ubuntu (like anything else), you must get used to the terminology, and the easiest way to start doing so is to take the plunge.

FAQs

Do you have questions that aren't answered here? Here are some common questions that new Ubuntu users ask.

Installation

Ready to Begin?

There are a number of different ways of installing Ubuntu. For example, the computer on which you wish to install Ubuntu may not have a CD drive, or you may be upgrading from an older version of Ubuntu, or you may be installing Ubuntu on a computer with no operating system at all. See Installation for full information on your installation options.

Switching From Another Operating System

Windows, Mac OS X, Linux

Are you thinking about switching to Ubuntu from another operating system, or have you already made the switch? The following articles will make your transition to Ubuntu easier:

• 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 the command-line interface (CLI) (also known as the Terminal Program). This might be a new idea to assimilate, especially if you are migrating from another operating system. Before you jump in, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the command-line interface. However, don't panic! Nearly all everyday tasks can be achieved by comfortable GUIs.

Getting to know and work with your system

Hardware

The following pages provide information on getting various hardware to work with Ubuntu:

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

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

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

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

• Printers - Setting up and using your printer.

• Scanners - Setting up and using your scanner.

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

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

Software

• Internet and Networking - Information about the software side of connecting to the Internet and working with networks. For information about applications themselves which use the Internet, see Internet Applications (part of Applications below).

• Applications - Lists of software available for Ubuntu for achieving various day-to-day tasks (including recommended software and equivalents to commonly-used Windows-based and Apple-based programs).

• Building Software - How to build Flash and Web Server applications.

Customizing and Maintaining Ubuntu

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

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

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

• Thin Clients - Setting up and using thin clients.

• Security - Keeping your computer safe.

• System Administration - Maintaining your computer.

• Troubleshooting guides - Solving troubles with configurations and software.

• Business Environment - Suggestions for configuring Ubuntu for use in business environments.

Finding your way in Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a big place. Follow these directions to find where you want to go.

You may also want to browse this wiki by category.

See also

• Official Ubuntu Documentation - The official documentation, developed and maintained by the Ubuntu Documentation Project.

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

• Manual Pages - Full archive of man pages for all of the commands and programs available in Ubuntu.

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

• Ubuntuguide - Comprehensive guides to all versions of Ubuntu (supported and unsupported).

• Kubuntuguide - Comprehensive guides to all versions of Kubuntu (supported and unsupported). Kubuntu is an official derivative of the Ubuntu operating system using the KDE Plasma Desktop.

• Other Guides - A list of other independently maintained guides.