Ubuntu 11.04 Essentials

This Ubuntu eBook is currently under development and is scheduled for completion in June 2011. Chapters are added regularly, so please check back for updates.

Table of Contents

1. How to Download and Try Ubuntu 11.04
   • Ubuntu 11 Download Options
   • Writing the Ubuntu Image to a USB Flash Drive
   • Trying Ubuntu without Installing it
   • Installing Ubuntu on a Disk Drive Containing Microsoft Windows
   • Installing Ubuntu Inside a Windows Installation
   • Running Ubuntu in a Virtual Machine
   • Performing a Clean Ubuntu Installation
     
     
2. Performing a Clean Ubuntu 11.04 Installation
   • Beginning the Ubuntu Installation
   • Booting Ubuntu for the First Time
   • Testing Hardware for Unity Compatibility
   • Installing Unity 2D
   • Running Unity within a VirtualBox Virtual Machine
   • Installing Updates
     
     
3. Installing Ubuntu 11.04 on a Windows System (Dual booting)
   • Beginning the Ubuntu Installation
   • Configuring Time Zone, User and Keyboard Information
   • Booting Ubuntu for the First Time
   • Accessing the Windows Partition from Ubuntu
     
     
4. Installing Ubuntu 11.04 on a Windows Disk with Wubi
   • What is Wubi?
   • Downloading Wubi
   • Starting the Wubi Installer
   • Completing the Ubuntu Installation
   • Starting the Ubuntu System
   • Removing Ubuntu
     
     
5. Allocating an Existing Windows Partition to Ubuntu 11.04
   • Deleting the Windows Partition from the Disk
   • Formatting the Unallocated Disk Partition
   • Updating the Boot Menu
   • Mounting the New Partition
     
     
6. Configuring Ubuntu 11.04 Wireless Networking
   • Installing the Wireless Card
   • Configuring an Ubuntu Wireless Connection
   • Configuring Wireless Network Access using NetworkManager
   • Connecting to a Hidden Network
   • Disabling a Wireless Connection
   • Getting Information about a Wireless Connection
   • Editing Wireless Connection Settings
   • Troubleshooting an Ubuntu Wireless Connection
     
     
7. An Overview of the Ubuntu 11.04 Unity Desktop
   • What is Unity?
   • Unity vs. GNOME 3.0
   • Unity 3D vs. Unity 2D
   • The Unity Desktop
   • The Unity Launcher
   • Launcher Item Quick Lists
   • Workspace Switcher
   • The Home Button
   • The Application Menu
   • The Notification Area
   • The MeMenu
   • The Power Button
   • Applications Lens
   • File & Folders Lens
   • Window Controls
   • The Desktop
     
     
8. Configuring the Ubuntu 11.04 Unity Launcher and Workspaces
   • Adding and Removing Unity Launcher Items
   • Changing the Location of a Launcher Item
   • Changing the Size and Appearance of the Unity Launcher
   • Revealing a Hidden Launcher
   • Changing the Number of Workspaces
   • Enabling Workspace Edge Flipping
     
     
9. Changing the Ubuntu 11.04 Unity Desktop Background
   • Changing the Ubuntu Unity Desktop Background
   • Selecting a Background from the Wallpaper List
   • Creating a Solid or Graded Background
   • Specifying a Background Image
     
     
10. Ubuntu 11.04 Unity Screensaver, Desktop Lock and Power Management Configuration
    • The Desktop Screensaver
    • The Desktop Screen Lock
    • Ubuntu Power Management on Desktop Systems
    • Ubuntu Power Management on Laptop and Netbook Systems
      
      
11. Installing and Customizing Ubuntu 11.04 Unity Desktop Themes
    • What is a Desktop Theme?
    • Changing the Unity Desktop Theme
    • Customizing a Desktop Theme
    • Downloading and Installing a Theme
    • Creating a Custom Theme Package
      
      
12. Configuring Ubuntu 11.04 Unity Desktop Fonts
    • Font Options on Ubuntu 11.04
    • Changing Font Settings
    • Font Rendering Settings
    • Advanced Font Rendering
      
      
13. Browsing Computer, Files and Folders on the Ubuntu 11.04 Unity Desktop
    • Accessing Nautilus
    • Nautilus and the Computer Icon
    • Adding Emblems to Files and Folders
    • Changing File and Folder Permissions
    • Renaming and Deleting Files and Folders
    • Adding a Location to the Places Menu
      
      
14. Configuring the Ubuntu 11.04 Unity File Manager
    • Changing the File Manager Background Pattern and Color
    • Displaying Icons or Lists
    • Configuring the List View
    • Configuring the Icon View
    • Configuring Media Settings
      
      
15. Using the Bash Shell on Ubuntu 11.04
    • What is a Shell?
    • Gaining Access to the Shell
    • Entering Commands at the Prompt
    • Using the sudo Command
    • Getting Information about a Command
    • Bash Command-line Editing
    • Working with the Shell History
    • Filename Shorthand
    • File Name and Path Completion
    • Input and Output Redirection
    • Working with Pipes in the Bash Shell
    • Configuring Aliases
    • Environment Variables
    • Writing Shell Scripts
      
      
16. Ubuntu 11.04 Unity Desktop - Starting Applications on Login