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| | {{Languages|UbuntuHelp:SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows}} | | {{Languages|UbuntuHelp:SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows}} |
| | #title Switching to Ubuntu from Windows | | #title Switching to Ubuntu from Windows |
| − | * '''See the [https://help.ubuntu.com/8.10/switching/index.html Switching From Windows Guide] for an official version of this document.'''
| + | This community-written page discusses practical differences between Windows and Ubuntu. |
| − | If you are considering trying Ubuntu, or if you have already made up your mind to switch, welcome! This page is here to make the process as comfortable as possible. It describes differences in behavior between the two systems. When you decide to switch, [[UbuntuHelp:SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows/TransferringFilesAndSettings|Transferring Files and Settings]] shows how to transfer your data.
| + | == Installing Programs == |
| − | == Ubuntu 7.04 or later == | + | Windows software comes in `.exe` files, which you are expected to get from the web or from a store. Ubuntu software comes in ''packages'', which are installed and updated through a centralised system, like a more powerful version of ''Windows Update'' and ''Add/Remove Programs''. |
| − | Ubuntu 7.04 or later can import your Windows bookmarks, favorites, wallpaper, documents, and pictures. It also includes software (NTFS-3G / FUSE) to read and write files on your Windows drive. (there is also native FAT support)
| + | See [[UbuntuHelp:InstallingSoftware|the software installation guide]] for instructions on how to install new programs. Application packages will usually appear in the '''Applications''' menu, configuration tools will usually appear in the '''Preferences''' or '''Administration''' menu. |
| − | == Trying Ubuntu ==
| + | In the same way that Windows only runs software designed for Windows, applications must be made for Linux to be able to run on Ubuntu. Most Linux software is available for free over the Internet. The following pages feature a small selection of popular applications available for free in Ubuntu: |
| − | You can try Ubuntu without installing it or modifying your computer in any way. Just download the Ubuntu ISO and burn it to a blank CD-R (or CD-RW), or request free CDs from the website, then insert the CD into your computer and reboot (see [[UbuntuHelp:BootFromCD|BootFromCD]] if your computer will not boot from the CD).
| + | <<Include(../PopularPrograms)>> |
| − | Ubuntu will run from the CD. Feel free to explore; Nothing on your real system is being changed.
| + | === Firewalls and antivirus software === |
| − | This will give you a chance to get a feel for Ubuntu, to discover if Ubuntu is right for you, or to see if Ubuntu supports your computer's hardware.
| + | Ubuntu's main firewall program is called ''ufw'' ([[UbuntuHelp:apt:gufw|click here to install gufw]]). There are currently very few Linux viruses in the wild, so Ubuntu doesn't come with antivirus software installed. See [[UbuntuHelp:Antivirus|Antivirus]] for more information. |
| − | You can also try Ubuntu by:
| + | |
| − | * Using a friend's Ubuntu installation.
| + | |
| − | * Installing Ubuntu into a virtual machine on your existing operating system.
| + | |
| − | <u>Note</u>: Installing Ubuntu onto your hard disk is much faster than the [[UbuntuHelp:LiveCD|LiveCD]], and allows you to install many additional Linux applications.
| + | |
| − | == Planning ==
| + | |
| − | You may find a switching plan useful. The example below shows the steps for a typical home user.
| + | |
| − | <ol><li>Download, burn (see [[UbuntuHelp:BurningIsoHowto|BurningIsoHowto]]), and run the Ubuntu Live CD.
| + | |
| − | </li><li>Check the hardware support for your printer(s), scanner(s), broadband modem, wireless adapters, and any hardware you have attached to your computer.
| + | |
| − | </li><li>Browse the pre-installed applications on the [[UbuntuHelp:LiveCD|LiveCD]].
| + | |
| − | </li><li>For any remaining needs, check out http://help.ubuntu.com.</li></ol>
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | If you decide to install Ubuntu:
| + | |
| − | <ol><li>Backup your important files, just in case.
| + | |
| − | </li><li>Make a list of all your mail and Internet connection settings, user accounts, and saved passwords</li></ol>
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | 2.1. Mail: IMAP, POP, SMTP settings
| + | |
| − | 2.2. Firefox profiles (Bookmarks, passwords, add-ons) can be directly imported and should work allmost identically.
| + | |
| − | 2.3. With non-mozilla password stores you should copy down every username and password. Such programs are largely unnecessary in Ubuntu. Ubuntu provides a seamless encrypted password store (Gnome-keyring) for programs that support it which can protect your passwords. With 8.10 there is also support for private encrypted directories.
| + | |
| − | <ol><li>Install Ubuntu. Use the Ubuntu '''Migration Assistant''' to import My Documents, Pictures, and Favorites into Ubuntu.
| + | |
| − | </li><li>Use '''System''' → '''Preferences''' to set everything up how you like
| + | |
| − | </li><li>Install any extra programs through '''[[UbuntuHelp:SynapticHowto|Synaptic]]'''.</li></ol>
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | '''Note:''' ''While Ubuntu works well, installing an Operating System is a major change to your computer, and we '''highly''' recommend backing up your important data. '' | + | |
| − | == Differences between Ubuntu and Windows ==
| + | |
| − | Ubuntu and Windows are very different in many ways. It is important to be aware of those main concepts.
| + | |
| − | === Ubuntu Runs Linux Applications ===
| + | |
| − | In the same way that Windows only runs software designed for Windows, applications must be made for Linux to be able to run on Ubuntu. Rather than going into a store and buying a boxed version of software as you are likely to have done with Windows, most Linux software is delivered for free via the Internet. | + | |
| − | By default, Ubuntu comes with a pre-installed selection of useful software (Kubuntu and other spinoffs have similar equivalents):
| + | |
| − | * [http://www.getfirefox.com Firefox] web browser - The award-winning web browser with enhanced security, tabs, spell checking, phishing protection, and pop-up blocking that you may already be using.
| + | |
| − | * [http://www.gnome.org/projects/evolution/ Evolution mail] - A full-featured email and personal information manager that is as comfortable sending mail and calendar appointments to your friends at home as it is syncing to your corporate mail server (including Microsoft Exchange).
| + | |
| − | * [http://www.openoffice.org OpenOffice] - Open, edit, and save documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases in all the most popular formats - including Microsoft Office, Open``Document, PDF, and Flash.
| + | |
| − | * [http://pidgin.im/ Pidgin Instant Messenger (Previously known as Gaim)] - Chat with all your friends, regardless of whether they use MSN, Yahoo, AIM, Google Chat, IRC, or other networks.
| + | |
| − | * [http://www.gnome.org/projects/totem/ Totem Media Player] - A simple, easy to use audio and video player. Totem can play all the common multimedia formats if you install some [[UbuntuHelp:RestrictedFormats|additional software]]. (similar to in Windows Totem is just a user interface to a multimedia back end.(Gstreamer))
| + | |
| − | There are thousands upon thousands of Linux applications available for you to use on Ubuntu. See [[UbuntuHelp:InstallingSoftware|InstallingSoftware]] for details on how to install applications. The pages listed below feature a small selection of popular applications:
| + | |
| − | * [[UbuntuHelp:Games|Games]]
| + | |
| − | * [[UbuntuHelp:MultimediaApplications|Audio and Video applications]]
| + | |
| − | * [[UbuntuHelp:GraphicsApplications|Graphics]]
| + | |
| − | * [[UbuntuHelp:OfficeApplications|Office productivity software]]
| + | |
| − | * [[UbuntuHelp:Programming|Software Development]]
| + | |
| − | * [[UbuntuHelp:UbuntuScientists|Scientific Applications]]
| + | |
| − | Systems administrators may find [[UbuntuHelp:CorporateUbuntu|Corporate Ubuntu]], [[UbuntuHelp:Servers|Servers]], and [https://help.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/serverguide/C/index.html Ubuntu Server Guide] helpful.
| + | |
| − | [[UbuntuHelp:FreeSoftwareAlternatives|FreeSoftwareAlternatives]] is a good list for Ubuntu free software equivalents to Windows and Mac applications.
| + | |
| − | See [[UbuntuHelp:WindowsApplicationsEquivalents|WindowsApplicationsEquivalents]] for a more complete list of linux alternatives to Windows. If you are unable to find an alternative to a particular Windows application, you can usually run the Windows application on Ubuntu by installing some extra tools. See [[UbuntuHelp:SoftwareFromOtherOperatingSystems|Software from Other Operating Systems]].
| + | |
| − | === Installing Applications ===
| + | |
| − | Windows comes with only a small selection of software which you might want to use on your computer. Ubuntu comes with a useful selection of applications by default, such as an office suite, web browser, and sound and video players.
| + | |
| − | Installing additional software is simple and efficient. In Ubuntu, software comes in ''packages'', which you can download from one of Ubuntu's software channels or from a third-party website.
| + | |
| − | All packages are installed and updated in the same way (a refreshing change from Windows, which usually has separate programs that monitor and fetch new versions of Acrobat, Java, iTunes, etc.).
| + | |
| − | * When you install a package, you won't need to answer any questions. This means you can install one hundred applications as easily as you could install one.
| + | |
| − | * Application packages will appear in the '''Applications''' menu and configuration tools will appear in the '''Preferences''' or '''Administration''' menu.
| + | |
| − | For more information on installing new programs in Ubuntu, see [[UbuntuHelp:InstallingSoftware|Installing Software]].
| + | |
| − | === Where To Put Your Files === | + | |
| − | ==== Personal Files ====
| + | |
| − | Put your documents, photos, music, videos, settings, and other personal files in their respected default folders under your home directory.
| + | |
| − | Click '''Places''' --> '''Home Folder''' to view your Home directory. It may also be referred to as '''/home/''Your User Name''/'''.
| + | |
| − | Applications also store your personal settings in your Home directory.
| + | |
| − | ==== The rest of the System ====
| + | |
| − | In Windows, each hard drive, CD drive, floppy drive and remove device is given a letter, like C:, D:, or A:.
| + | |
| − | In Linux, one hard disk partition is marked as 'root', or '/'. Things like CDs, DVDs, Floppies, and Network Shares are attached (or 'mounted') to particular folders:
| + | |
| − | * CD or DVDs, when inserted, appear in '''/media/cdrom'''. You can see this in the file manager by clicking either '''Places''' -> '''CDROM''' or the shortcut that appears on the desktop.
| + | |
| − | * USB sticks, cameras and most portable media players have their own directory under '''/media''', for example '''/media/iPod'''. You can see this in the file manager by clicking either '''Places''' -> '''iPod''' or by clicking the shortcut that appears on the desktop.
| + | |
| − | When you are finished with a removable drive, select '''Unmount volume''' or '''Eject''', depending on what type of drive it is. This may take a few seconds.
| + | |
| − | As well as these folder names meaning something more than 'C:' or 'D:', this makes it easier to add storage. Run out of hard drive space? Move your files onto a portable USB drive, then mount that drive into your home folder. Your apps will not know the difference, because the files appear in the same folder - even though that folder is on a new hard disk.
| + | |
| − | Usually, all files that you try to save by an application (say such as gedit - similar to Notepad) are stored, by default in your home directory, by the name "/home/<username_used_to_login>". Under Windows, the "My Documents" folder is usually, where programs in Windows offer you to save files. The "My Documents" folder is nearly similar to your Home Directory.
| + | |
| − | If you have the habit of saving files to any random drive (for example, C: or D:), you can't do that in Ubuntu, because, you'll notice, that Ubuntu doesn't have "drives" as such. All '''your''', content goes into '''your''' home directory i.e. <code><nowiki>/home/$USER</nowiki></code>. (replace $USER with your login name) Therefore, you can opt to make different directories under the <code><nowiki>/home/$USER</nowiki></code> directory. However, if you wish to save it to a common partition accessible in dual boot machine, you could do it under <code><nowiki>/media/$DRIVENAME</nowiki></code>, if you have created such a directory, for that partition. If you have multiple hard drives you can also mount different drives/partitions under your home directory, for example <code><nowiki>/home/$USER/Music</nowiki></code>. For details see [[UbuntuHelp:Mount|Mount]](one time) or [[UbuntuHelp:Fstab|Fstab]](every time your computer starts).
| + | |
| − | For any temporary files, that you'll like to put and delete them, you can save those files to the <code><nowiki>/tmp</nowiki></code> directory. Note, however, do not delete any random file that you didn't save in that directory, as you may . The <code><nowiki>/tmp</nowiki></code> directory is deleted every time you restart your computer.
| + | |
| − | === Hardware support ===
| + | |
| − | Since Windows has a larger user base than Linux, some manufacturers may not release drivers for Linux as readily as they do for Windows. This is changing as the Linux community grows, but it is possible that you may have a device that does not have official vendor Linux support.
| + | |
| − | In general:
| + | |
| − | * Most hardware, particularly popular devices from well-known manufacturers, works out of the box.
| + | |
| − | * Some hardware requires a little work to set up.
| + | |
| − | * There are only a few types of devices which do not work at all. You can get alternative hardware that will be supported if you're really stuck.
| + | |
| − | * Older hardware can work in Linux but not recent Windows versions. Linux does not generally deprecate hardware.
| + | |
| − | The following devices could be a problem:
| + | |
| − | * Internal dial-up Modems (external ones are well supported) - [[UbuntuHelp:DialupModemHowto|DialupModemHowto]] http://linmodems.org/
| + | |
| − | * USB Adsl Modems (Ethernet ones are well supported) [[UbuntuHelp:UsbAdslModem|UsbAdslModem]]
| + | |
| − | * Wireless cards - [[UbuntuHelp:WifiDocs|WifiDocs]]
| + | |
| − | * Some printers - [[UbuntuHelp:Printers|Printers]] http://www.linux-foundation.org/en/OpenPrinting/Database/DatabaseIntro
| + | |
| − | * Scanners - http://www.sane-project.org/sane-supported-devices.html http://www.buzzard.me.uk/jonathan/scanners-usb.html
| + | |
| − | * Webcams - http://mxhaard.free.fr/spca5xx.html http://www.linux.com/howtos/Webcam-HOWTO/index.shtml
| + | |
| − | * Laptop-specific hardware (such as smart-card readers and S-Video output) - http://www.linux-laptop.net/
| + | |
| − | If you do get problems, what should you do? Well, you can try these:
| + | |
| − | <ol><li>Check for your device in the Ubuntu [[UbuntuWiki:HardwareSupport|Hardware|Support list]].
| + | |
| − | </li><li>Check to see if the device's manufacturer ''does'' provide a Linux driver.
| + | |
| − | </li><li>Search for "<devicename> linux driver" on Google to see if someone knows how to get your device working.
| + | |
| − | </li><li>Ask someone on the forums if they have any ideas - see [[UbuntuHelp:UbuntuForums|UbuntuForums]] for more information.
| + | |
| − | </li><li>File a bug requesting support for this device.
| + | |
| − | </li><li>Call or e-mail the manufacturer to ask for sufficient documentation for the Ubuntu developers to create a Linux driver.
| + | |
| − | </li><li>Create a driver for the device yourself.
| + | |
| − | </li><li>Buy alternative, supported hardware from a manufacturer that supports Linux.
| + | |
| − | </li><li>Use a ''[[UbuntuHelp:WindowsDualBoot|dual-boot]]'' set-up and switch between Windows and Ubuntu.</li></ol>
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | If you get to number 6, it may take a while for your device to be supported by Ubuntu. We don't expect you to create your own driver, so it is normally best to skip number 7. In a perfect world, all hardware would be supported, but unfortunately that is not the case. If you do end up having to buy alternative hardware, consider telling the manufacturer they have lost a customer due to poor Linux support! That way, they just might change their attitude towards supporting Linux.
| + | |
| − | === Security ===
| + | |
| − | Linux, including Ubuntu, is generally considered more secure than Windows. The risk of getting a virus, adware, spyware, or malware is greatly reduced.
| + | |
| − | * Linux asks users to enter their password before doing anything that could be harmful (recently, Windows Vista also does this).
| + | |
| − | * Software updates can be installed without restarting the entire computer, making them more convenient to install. (only exception is the kernel)
| + | |
| − | * Web-browsers such as Firefox come with privacy options by default.
| + | |
| − | * Fewer people use desktop Linux than desktop Windows (though that does not explain why there are hundreds of thousands of viruses for Windows, and a handful for Linux).
| + | |
| − | Ubuntu comes with a firewall (not active by default). To configure it, you could install the '''Firestarter''' or '''gufw''' package (see [[UbuntuHelp:InstallingSoftware|InstallingSoftware]]), or use the [[UbuntuHelp:iptables|iptables]] command.
| + | |
| | === The Terminal === | | === The Terminal === |
| − | The terminal is just another way of using the computer. Instead of clicking icons using a mouse, you can type commands and have Ubuntu carry them out directly. Terminals are seen as an advanced way of operating a computer and tend to be used very rarely on Windows (where it is called the ''Command Prompt''). However, Ubuntu's terminal is very powerful and can be used to accomplish many useful tasks. Click '''Applications''' → '''Accessories''' → '''Terminal''' to start it.
| + | Linux includes a text-based interface like `cmd.exe`, called the ''terminal''. Many Linux guides ask you to run commands in the terminal, which should be available from ''Applications > Accessories > Terminal''. See [[UbuntuHelp:UsingTheTerminal|Using the Terminal]] for more information. |
| − | While beginners may want to steer clear of the terminal altogether, it can be handy for users to have some basic knowledge of terminal commands. Often, help guides will ask you to type a command into the terminal, so it can be a useful tool even if you don't use it for day-to-day tasks. See [[UbuntuHelp:UsingTheTerminal|Using the Terminal]] for more information.
| + | === Task Manager === |
| − | === Ctrl + Alt + Delete === | + | Ubuntu's ''System Monitor'' is the closest equivalent to the Task Manager in Windows. It's available through ''System > Administration > System Monitor''. |
| − | In Windows you may be used to invoking the Windows Task Manager whenever an application misbehaves or hangs or when the system is less responsive and you would like to know which process takes up too much of CPU or memory.
| + | == Where To Put Your Files == |
| − | Ubuntu has a number of excellent alternatives for the various aspects of the Windows Task Manager: | + | Linux doesn't use drive letters, so there's no `C:` drive and no `D:` drive. You'll get used to Linux's filesystem gradually, but for now here are the most important locations: |
| − | * '''The "Force Quit" Panel Application:'''
| + | /home/<your user name>:: This is your ''home folder'', which is fairly similar to ''My Documents'' in Windows. You can access this folder by clicking '''Places''' > '''Home Folder'''.<<BR>>Because this folder is used so often, many programs refer to it as "$HOME" or "~" ("tilde", pronounced "till-der". For example, saving a file as `~/my-file.txt` is the same as saving it as `/home/<your user name>/my-file.txt` |
| − | *This panel application lets you close a frozen application by simply clicking its window. In most cases, this is the fastest option.
| + | /home:: This is folder contains everybody's home folders, and is fairly similar to ''Documents and Settings'' in Windows.<<BR>>The main thing to remember is that despite the name, '''this is not ''your'' home folder'''. If somebody tells you to go to your home folder, they mean ''/home/<your user name>''. |
| − | *'''How-to:''' First install the panel application: Right-click the top panel, select '''Add to Panel...''', select '''Force Quit''' from the list in the dialog and click '''Add''' at the bottom. The icon should end up at the center of the top panel. To put it somewhere more desirable, right-click it and select '''Move'''.
| + | /media:: This folder contains CD-ROMs, memory sticks, and other removable media.<<BR>>Individual drives will also appear in the '''Places''' menu item and on your desktop. |
| − | * '''System Monitor:'''
| + | /tmp:: This folder contains temporary files, and is cleaned out when you reboot. |
| − | *Very useful for all those cases where the system seems slow without any apparent reason.
| + | === Safely removing drives === |
| − | *'''How-to:''' Accessible from '''System''' → '''Administration''' → '''System Monitor'''. This lets you view the current CPU load, memory usage and network traffic under the '''Resources''' tab. Disk type and usage details is available under the '''File systems''' tab and, finally, all the currently running processes are available under the '''Processes''' tab. Simply sort the running processes by CPU load to find the CPU hog and right-click it to view the alternatives for ending the process.
| + | When you are finished with a removable drive, right click on the drive's desktop icon and select '''Unmount volume''' or '''Eject''', depending on what type of drive it is. |
| − | The System Monitor launcher is also a very good thing to keep handy at the top panel (top task-bar) since the menus often do not work properly when some application hangs. To put it on the top panel, simply find it in the menu, right-click the icon and select '''Add this launcher to panel'''.
| + | == See Also == |
| − | Programs that do not take as much system resources as System Monitor are '''top''' and '''htop''' (you will have to install htop).
| + | * The [[UbuntuHelp:SwitchingToUbuntu/|all-systems switching guide]] |
| − | * '''Ctrl + Alt + F1''' will take you to a terminal screen where you can log in again and use '''ps''', '''top''' or '''htop''' to monitor the current running processes and end any that might be hanging or '''kill''', '''killall''' if you just want to end a process and happen to know the process id (PID) or '''/etc/init.d/gdm restart''' to immediately end the graphic session. '''Ctrl + Alt + F7''' will show the desktop again. '''Ctrl + Alt + Backspace''' will do the same as '''/etc/init.d/gdm restart''' in Ubuntu up to version 8.10.
| + | * The [https://help.ubuntu.com/9.04/switching/index.html official guide] |
| − | * '''Ctrl + Alt + Delete'''
| + | * The [[UbuntuHelp:SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows/Philosophy|Ubuntu vs. Windows philosophy guide]] |
| − | * Finally, actually pressing the '''Ctrl + Alt + Del''' key combination pops up the '''Log out/switch user''' dialog in [http://gnome.org/ GNOME].
| + | * [[UbuntuHelp:SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows/TransferringFilesAndSettings|Transferring Files and Settings]] |
| − | == Transferring your files and settings from Windows ==
| + | * [http://sourceforge.net/projects/ext2fsd Ext2fsd] lets you see your Linux drives from Windows [http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?func=detail&aid=2720943&group_id=43775&atid=437371 (EXT4 Support requested)] |
| − | Ubuntu 7.04 contains a number of new features for people switching from Windows.
| + | * [[UbuntuHelp:SettingUpSamba|Configuring Ubuntu to work in a complex Windows network]] |
| − | * The '''Migration Assistant''' can transfer files and settings from Windows. It is able to handle the following types of data:
| + | * [[UbuntuHelp:SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows/Configuring|Making Ubuntu feel more like Windows]] |
| − | * My Documents folder
| + | * [[UbuntuHelp:SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindowsRu|Russian translation]] |
| − | * Music
| + | |
| − | * Images
| + | |
| − | * Favorites
| + | |
| − | * Desktop Background
| + | |
| − | * A new version of the '''NTFS driver''', so Ubuntu can now [[UbuntuHelp:MountingWindowsPartitions|read and write files on your Windows drive]].
| + | |
| − | A guide to migrating data from common Windows applications can be found at [SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows/TransferringFilesAndSettings Transferring Files and Settings].
| + | |
| − | == Playing Your Audio and Video Files ==
| + | |
| − | Ubuntu can play most common audio and video formats used in Windows, including:
| + | |
| − | * DVDs
| + | |
| − | * WMA music files
| + | |
| − | * AAC music files
| + | |
| − | * WMV and Quicktime videos
| + | |
| − | * RAW images from some digital camera manufacturers
| + | |
| − | However, because Ubuntu is completely free, copyright issues prevent the playback of certain formats by default, such as MP3 files, and AACS encrypted DVDs. For more information on how to access these formats, see [[UbuntuHelp:RestrictedFormats|Restricted Formats]].
| + | |
| − | == Accessing your Ubuntu files from Windows ==
| + | |
| − | You can access files in Ubuntu from within Windows, using [http://sourceforge.net/projects/ext2fsd Ext2fsd]. (There is also [http://www.fs-driver.org/index.html FS-Driver] but it is non-free software). | + | |
| − | === Accessing Windows files from Ubuntu over a Network ===
| + | |
| − | Ubuntu can connect to Windows network shares, so if you have installed Ubuntu onto a machine connected to a Windows network, it is possible to copy your files from another computer on the network to your Ubuntu computer.
| + | |
| − | For most Windows networks, all you have to do is ensure that you are connected to the network, click '''Places''' → '''Network Servers''', and navigate to the computer on which the files are stored, entering your Windows username and password if prompted.
| + | |
| − | If you have a more advanced Windows network, see [[UbuntuHelp:SettingUpSamba|SettingUpSamba]] for more information on how to connect to it.
| + | |
| − | == Making Ubuntu feel more like Windows ==
| + | |
| − | Ubuntu has its own style and its own way of working. But we appreciate that you might initially feel more comfortable in Windows, so there are a few ways of getting a Windows "look and feel" from within Ubuntu.
| + | |
| − | === Ubuntu-specific ===
| + | |
| − | These instructions apply specifically to the plain Ubuntu desktop version of Ubuntu, which uses the GNOME desktop environment.
| + | |
| − | ==== Taskbar panel settings ====
| + | |
| − | You can set-up the desktop panels of Ubuntu in a similar way to the Windows taskbar.
| + | |
| − | There are panels at the top and bottom of the screen, which we can adjust so that they are similar to the default Windows layout.
| + | |
| − | <ol><li>Click and hold on the bottom panel and move it to the right or left side of the screen.
| + | |
| − | </li><li>Click and hold on the top panel and move it to the bottom of the screen. ''(This is considered the main panel.)''
| + | |
| − | </li><li>You can now move the original bottom panel anywhere, or even delete it if you desire. Just right click on it and choose an option.
| + | |
| − | </li><li>The various utilities that live on the panel are called ''applets'', and can be added by right clicking in an empty area of panel and choosing ''Add To Panel''. You will be presented with several options, and ones which may interest Windows users are the '''Window List''' (a bar containing buttons for each open window, minimized or not), the ''Main Menu'' (which is like the default menu system, but combines '''Applications''', '''Places''' and '''System''' into one button), the '''Notification Area''' (which is a system tray) and of course the '''Clock'''. To emulate a "quick launch" area you can simply drag applications from the '''Applications''' menu onto the panel. Changing applets (like moving them) is either done by right clicking on the applet, or an empty looking area to the left of the applet called it's ''handle'', depending on which applet you want to mess with. Of course you can customize the panels any way you like, and even nest panels inside each other using the '''Drawer''' applet.</li></ol>
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | On the bottom desktop panel there are 4 small squares, called the ''Workspace Switcher''. This is something new to Windows users but a very handy feature; each square button will open a different desktop with empty panel space (if you like the idea of Mac OS X's ''Spaces'' then you will be glad to know that Ubuntu and other Linux systems have been using them for years). This arrangement lets you manage several desktops (or ''workspaces'') at once. For example, if you open graphics-related windows on one workspace and office-related windows on another, they are separated. You can work on each workspace without worrying about the applications from the other cluttering up the panel on that particular desktop. This way you can group applications and keep things out of the way while you're working on something else.
| + | |
| − | ==== Desktop view ====
| + | |
| − | Ubuntu's desktop by default is empty, but if you want to add items to it then you can drag and drop folders and application shortcuts onto it to quickly access them. To have desktop icons similar to your Windows environment, follow this procedure:
| + | |
| − | <ol><li>Click '''Places''' on the top panel and drag the '''Computer''' icon into an empty space on the desktop. This is equivalent to the '''My Computer''' folder found on Windows, and can be used to access your storage devices.
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| − | </li><li>You can also drag the '''Home''' folder onto the desktop - this is equivalent to '''My Documents''' on Windows.
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| − | </li><li>The '''Recycle Bin''' on Windows is equivalent to the '''Trash''' folder on Ubuntu. There is a location on the original bottom panel where it is placed by default. If you prefer it on your desktop, click '''Applications''' → '''System Tools''' → '''Configuration Editor''' (on older version of Ubuntu, hit Ctrl F2 and type '''gconf-editor'''). In there look under '''apps''' then '''nautilus''' then '''desktop''', and click '''trash_icon_visible'''. The changes are applied immediately so you can just quit the application.</li></ol>
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| − | | + | |
| − | ==== Start menu ====
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| − | The Ubuntu logo on the main taskbar panel is similar to the Start button of your Windows environment. One noticeable difference is that Windows gives you just one button from which you must choose all options, whereas in Ubuntu there are three categories, called '''Applications''', '''Places''' and '''System'''. '''Applications''' contains a categorized list of currently installed applications, '''Places''' contains links to common locations and recently used files and ''System'' contains preferences, help and power options. You can access the menu (Applications) by pressing <code><nowiki><Alt></nowiki></code>} and <code><nowiki>F1</nowiki></code> on your keyboard at the same time.
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| − | If you would prefer to use something more like the Windows Start menu, install the '''gnome-main-menu'''' package (see [InstallingSoftware Installing Software]). You can add the GNOME main menu by right-clicking the top desktop panel, selecting '''Add to Panel...''' and dragging ''Main Menu'' (the one with the computer icon) to a location on the panel.
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| − | ==== Run dialog ==== | + | |
| − | In Windows there is an option called ''Run...'' on the Start menu, which allows you to run applications by typing their name. Ubuntu has a more powerful alternative, called the ''Run Application dialog''. You can access this by pressing <code><nowiki><Alt></nowiki></code> and <code><nowiki><F2></nowiki></code> on your keyboard at the same time. There is also <code><nowiki>gnome-do</nowiki></code>.
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| − | ==== Quick-Launch ====
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| − | On the top panel, near the main menus, there is space for a quick-launch section where there should already be several quick-launch links (called ''launchers'') such as '''Firefox''', '''Evolution mail''' and '''Help'''. You can add your favorite applications to this area by dragging their icons next to the current icons in that area, or by right-clicking a blank part of the top panel, selecting '''Add to panel...''' and clicking the '''Application Launcher...''' button.
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| − | === Fonts from Windows === | + | |
| − | Ubuntu includes high-quality alternatives to common Windows fonts. However, these alternatives are not identical so your existing documents may not look exactly the same under Ubuntu.
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| − | You can use the most common Windows fonts by installing the '''msttcorefonts''' package - see [[[UbuntuHelp:InstallingSoftware|InstallingSoftware]] Installing Software]. The new fonts will be immediately available
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| − | === Making Firefox Autoselect Text in the Address Bar ===
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| − | Under Windows, clicking on the address bar in Firefox automatically selects the entire text. By default Firefox running under Ubuntu does not. To achieve the same functionality in Ubuntu follow these steps:
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| − | <ol><li>In the address bar, type `about:config <return>`
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| − | </li><li>In the filter text field, type `browser.urlbar.clickSelectsAll`
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| − | </li><li>Set this value to, `true` by double clicking (or right clicking and selecting toggle.)</li></ol>
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| − | | + | |
| − | === Running Windows applications in Ubuntu ===
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| − | It is possible to run Windows applications in Ubuntu with the help of some additional software. There are two main approaches to this - installing a Windows compatibility-layer to run the programs from Ubuntu itself, or to install Windows on a virtual machine.
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| − | The compatibility-layer option is the simplest to set up, is completely free and open-source software, and allows easy direct access to your files. However, not all Windows programs are supported and you may find that some applications are unstable with this method. This compatibility layer is called Wine and is available in Ubuntu as the <code><nowiki>wine</nowiki></code> package in the <code><nowiki>universe</nowiki></code> software channel. See [[UbuntuHelp:Wine|Wine]] for more information.
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| − | The virtualization option requires a full installation of Windows to be made on a virtual machine, which requires a licensed Windows install CD. As such, this option is more costly, but will guarantee Windows compatibility for applications. [[UbuntuHelp:KVM|KVM]] and '''virt-manager''' are easy to install, if your CPU does not support KVM you can use [[UbuntuHelp:Kqemu|Kqemu]] through <code><nowiki>virt-manager</nowiki></code> or [[UbuntuHelp:VirtualBox|VirtualBox]]. | + | |
| − | == You are Involved! ==
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| − | Ubuntu is different from Windows in a very important way - we listen to and use our users' input to a massive extent. Remember that Free and Open-source Software (FOSS) is a community effort; you are part of the community and we want you to have your say.
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| − | When you first start using Ubuntu you can go online and find help from others. Later, you may feel like contributing back by helping others in chat rooms, editing wiki pages like this one (made by people just like you), contributing artwork, reporting bugs, or writing software for the next version.
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| − | If something goes wrong, such as something not working, an unexpected error, weird behavior, some nonsensical text or just a missing feature, please file a ''bug report''. You can find out how to do this on the [[UbuntuHelp:ReportingBugs|ReportingBugs]] page.
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| − | == Discovering things ==
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| − | We cannot possibly cover all of the differences you will encounter, so how can you go about finding out how things work for yourself? Here are a few tips:
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| − | * '''Right-click everything''' - Right-click anything you do not understand. Click some options, have a play with it. You will soon get used to the way things work.
| + | |
| − | * '''Help yourself''' - Practically every application has a ''Help'' menu. Click that and have a quick read through the documentation, you might just find exactly what you are looking for.
| + | |
| − | * '''Do not be afraid to ask''' - If you do not understand something or you cannot seem to find a feature which you had in Windows, ask on the forums or IRC! Someone will help, and while it might take a little bit of time for them to reply, someone will generally be able to help.
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| − | == Additional Guides and Resources ==
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| − | * [[UbuntuHelp:SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows/TransferringFilesAndSettings|Transferring Files and Settings]]. | + | |
| − | * [http://www.drivesnapshot.de/en/ Windows back-up] - Application for backing-up your data. | + | |
| − | * [http://web.archive.org/web/20070303083947/http://wiki.motin.eu/BackingUpALinuxDesktopTheKillerStrategy Guide on backing-up] Linux-based systems such as Ubuntu.
| + | |
| − | * [[UbuntuHelp:OSEmulation|Running software from other Operating Systems]] inside Ubuntu. | + | |
| − | * [[UbuntuHelp:MountingWindowsPartitions|MountingWindowsPartitions]] - Access files in Windows from within Ubuntu. | + | |
| − | * [http://sourceforge.net/projects/ext2fsd Ext2fsd] - Access files in Ubuntu from within Windows
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| − | * [[UbuntuWiki:SoftwareEquivalents|Software Equivalents]] - A list of the best open-source applications available and supported for Ubuntu for new Linux users to explore. | + | |
| − | ----
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| − | [[category:CategoryCleanup]]
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| | | | |
| | [[category:UbuntuHelp]] | | [[category:UbuntuHelp]] |
This community-written page discusses practical differences between Windows and Ubuntu.
Windows software comes in `.exe` files, which you are expected to get from the web or from a store. Ubuntu software comes in packages, which are installed and updated through a centralised system, like a more powerful version of Windows Update and Add/Remove Programs.
See the software installation guide for instructions on how to install new programs. Application packages will usually appear in the Applications menu, configuration tools will usually appear in the Preferences or Administration menu.
In the same way that Windows only runs software designed for Windows, applications must be made for Linux to be able to run on Ubuntu. Most Linux software is available for free over the Internet. The following pages feature a small selection of popular applications available for free in Ubuntu:
<<Include(../PopularPrograms)>>
Linux doesn't use drive letters, so there's no `C:` drive and no `D:` drive. You'll get used to Linux's filesystem gradually, but for now here are the most important locations:
/home/<your user name>:: This is your home folder, which is fairly similar to My Documents in Windows. You can access this folder by clicking Places > Home Folder.<
>Because this folder is used so often, many programs refer to it as "$HOME" or "~" ("tilde", pronounced "till-der". For example, saving a file as `~/my-file.txt` is the same as saving it as `/home/<your user name>/my-file.txt`
/home:: This is folder contains everybody's home folders, and is fairly similar to Documents and Settings in Windows.<
>The main thing to remember is that despite the name, this is not your home folder. If somebody tells you to go to your home folder, they mean /home/<your user name>.
/media:: This folder contains CD-ROMs, memory sticks, and other removable media.<
>Individual drives will also appear in the Places menu item and on your desktop.
/tmp:: This folder contains temporary files, and is cleaned out when you reboot.
When you are finished with a removable drive, right click on the drive's desktop icon and select Unmount volume or Eject, depending on what type of drive it is.
