Welcome to the community documentation for Ubuntu - created by users just like you!
Official Documentation
Click the link above to view the official Ubuntu documentation.
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.
NOTE: Documentation in other languages is also available.
Getting Started with Ubuntu
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. But don't worry because we have you covered. You can learn commonly used terms from our Glossary. To learn about Ubuntu, like anything else you want to learn about, you must know and understand the terminology.
Switching From Another Operating System
Are you thinking about switching to Ubuntu, or have you already made the switch? Then the following articles are essential reading material for you:
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 the command line--your invaluable asset in Linux.
FAQs
Still have questions? You are 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.
For a video tutorial on the full installation process, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8a-smrPlvE&hd=1
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 - Making 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. And they are free!
Contributing
If you want to contribute to these pages, the DocumentationTeam/Wiki page is 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?
Try Ubuntu Signpost or ask live in channel #ubuntu-signpost on irc.freenode.net
Index of all available pages - List of all community documentation pages.