Ubuntu 10.10, which is also known as Ubuntu 10.10 Maverick Meerkat (reviewed here), is proving to be one of the best, most user-friendly distributions of the Linux operating system ever seen, so it's no wonder that businesses and individuals are adopting the new operating system in growing numbers every day.
What to do when you start your life with Linux
Though Ubuntu is now right up there with Mac OS X and Windows in terms of usability, it is still a bit different from those proprietary counterparts. Besides watching out for a few mis-steps common among first-timers, there are a few things newcomers should do to maximise their enjoyment of Ubuntu.
Particularly if you're new to Linux, here are a few things you should do first with your new operating system.
1. Customise the look
Few things will help you make Ubuntu feel like home better than customising the appearance of your desktop, and there are virtually limitless possibilities for doing that. You can try out different themes, backgrounds, and desktop effects, and you can even replace the GNOME interface that currently comes standard with Ubuntu with a different one altogether, such as KDE.
Customisability is one of Linux's key strengths, and you should explore for yourself just how much you can do. In Maverick, start under the 'System' tab and choose 'Preferences' and then 'Appearance'. Here, you'll get options for Themes, Background, Fonts and Visual Effects. Once you've exhausted the possibilities listed there, you can also try visiting the Ubuntu Software Center (below) for more options.
2. Check out the Software Center
One of the biggest things to get used to for veterans from the Windows world, in particular, is that you don't need to hunt around on the Web and then haul out your credit card to get new applications. Rather, there's the Ubuntu Software Center for that, and its power is breathtaking.
The Ubuntu Software Center is what's known as a package manager, and it shows by category a raft of (usually open source) applications that you can download, generally for free. So, when you want to get an application of some sort, you should begin there. Go to 'Applications' on the main Ubuntu page and you'll see it listed at the bottom of the drop-down menu that follows.
Once you're there, you'll see apps categorised into several sections, including Accessories, Education, Games, Graphics, Internet, Office, Sound & Video, Themes & Tweaks, and System. Click on the category you're interested in, and you'll see a variety of choices listed that are available for download. Click on one, and it is yours. Couldn't be much easier.
NEXT PAGE: Explore the community
- What to do when you start your life with Linux
- Explore the community
See also: Opinion: Who's afraid of the Maverick Meerkat?
See also: Living with Linux: installing and using Ubuntu Netbook Edition
Comments
Nyghtowl said: lol I agree
Acibeb said: what a retarded article
Cyteck said: As a Techie I really really like this release of Ubuntu Linux and I especially liked the way it allowed me to set up a duel boot system on my desktop machine Now I have XP SP3 amp Maverick Meerkat 1010 Maverick is excellent 10 out of 10 I havent found anything I dont like so would highly recommend this excellent OS to anyone who is looking for a top notch alternative to windows or Mac OS
Coltch said: I havent tried 1010 yet but if its anything like 1004 Ill stick with Fedora for now and wait for Debian 6 Using Fedora 13 amp Debian 5 on Laptop and Desktop
KJR said: I find that I am using Ubuntu far more than windows It does about 95 of the things that I usually do on windowsI recently decided to give the 64 bit version a try and while its OK it doesnt have the support that the 32 bit one doesKJR
florus said: It took me about a week to get used to Ubuntu Now I find Linux intuitive and Windows confusing and frustrating
E.Mayler said: Your comments on Ubuntu 1010 just about says it all you need a bit of perseverance but its well worth it and you can try it without installing using the live CD