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