~ubuntu-manual/ubuntu-manual/precise

%Chapter 2 - c7p, hannie
%editing 9/26/11, rickfosb
%edited 10/22/11, pfjapPaco (minor grammar changes, paragraph flow)
%edited 28/10/2011, cwoollard (spell check)
%edited 12/05/2012, jconnett (grammar changes, sentence flow)...still more to do.
%authored 28/05/2012 , jconnett (screenshots)
%HUD section written by Sayantan Das
%I am writing this as a separate document because I am unsure where exactly will HUD fit in. If required I will merge this in the main ubuntu-desktop file

\chapter{The Ubuntu Desktop}
\label{ch:the-ubuntu-desktop}
\section{Understanding the Ubuntu desktop}

\marginnote{Ubuntu 12.04 has an emphasis on ``social from the start'' and features social network integration in the desktop for sites like Twitter and Facebook.}
Initially, you may notice many similarities between Ubuntu and other operating systems such as Microsoft Windows or Mac \acronym{OS X}. This is because they are all based on the concept of a graphical user interface (\gls{GUI})\dash \ie, you use your mouse to navigate the desktop, open applications, move files, and perform most other tasks. In short, things are visually-oriented. This chapter is designed to help you become familiar with various applications and menus in Ubuntu so that you become confident in using the Ubuntu \acronym{GUI}.
\screenshot{02-1204-desktop.png}{ss:blank-desktop}{The Ubuntu 12.04 default desktop.}

\section{Unity}
\index{Unity}
All \acronym{GUI}-based operating systems use a \emph{desktop environment}. Desktop environments encompass many things, such as:

\begin{itemize}
  \item The look and feel of your system
  \item The way the desktop is laid out
  \item How the desktop is navigated by the user
\end{itemize}

\marginnote{To read more about other variants of Ubuntu, refer to \chaplink{ch:learning-more}.} 
In Linux distributions (such as Ubuntu), there are a number of desktop environments available. Ubuntu uses \application{Unity} as the default desktop environment. 
After installing and logging in to Ubuntu, you will see the \application{Unity} desktop. This initial view is comprised of the \seclink{sec:desktop-background} and two \emph{bars}\dash one is horizontally located at the top of your desktop and appropriately named \seclink{sec:top-bar}, and the other bar is vertically oriented at the far left, called \menu{the Launcher}.  

\subsection{The Desktop Background}\label{sec:desktop-background}
\index{desktop!background}
Below the top bar is an image that covers the entire desktop. This is the default desktop background, or wallpaper, belonging to the default Ubuntu 12.10 theme known as \emph{Ambiance.} To learn more about customizing your desktop (including changing your background), see the section on \seclink{sec:customizing-desktop} below.

\subsection{The top bar}
\label{sec:top-bar}
\index{desktop!top bar}
The top bar incorporates common functions used in Ubuntu 12.04. The \marginnote{The top bar is also referred as the top panel.} right part of the bar is called the \emph{indicator area}. Each installation of Ubuntu may contain slightly different types and quantities of icons based on a number of factors, including type of hardware and available on-board accessories. The most common indicators are (starting from the left):
\marginnote{For more about:
\begin{itemize}
  \item the \application{Messaging Indicator} see \seclink{sec:micro-blogging};
  \item the \application{Network Indicator} see \seclink{sec:getting-online};
  \item the \application{Session Indicator} see \seclink{sec:session-options}.
\end{itemize}}
\begin{description}
  \item[Keyboard indicator] allows you to select the keyboard layout you would like and change your keyboard preferences.
    \marginnote{The \emph{keyboard indicator} only shows when you have chosen more than one keyboard layout in the keyboard settings during installation.}
  \item[Messaging indicator] incorporates all your \emph{social applications}. From here, you can access your instant messenger, your email client, your microblogging application, and even \application{UbuntuOne}, your personal cloud!
  \item[Network indicator] allows you to manage your network connections and connect quickly and easily to a wired or wireless network.
  \item[Sound indicator] provides an easy way to adjust the sound volume as well as access your music player and sound settings.
  \item[Clock] displays the current time and provides an easy way to access your calendar and \emph{Time and Date settings}.
  \item[User menu] allows you to easily switch between different users and access your online and user \emph{accounts}.
  \item[Session indicator] provides an easy way to access \emph{System Settings}, \emph{Updates}, Printers, and session options for locking your computer, logging out of your session, restarting the computer, or shutting down completely.
\end{description}

\screenshot{02-indicators.png}{ss:indicators}{The Indicators of the top bar.}
Every application has a menu (like \menu{File}, \menu{Edit}, \menu{View}, etc.). In \application{Unity}, the \emph{application menu} isn't on the titlebar of the application as is commonly the case with other \acronym{GUI} environments. Instead, it is located on the left area of the top bar. To show an application's menu, just move your mouse to the top bar. This capability of \application{Unity} to only show the application's menu when needed is especially beneficial for netbook and laptop users as it provides you with more free work space.
\marginnote{Note that some older applications may still display their menu within the application window.}

\subsection{The Launcher}
\screenshot{02-Launcher.png}{ss:Launcher}{The Ubuntu 12.04 Launcher Panel on the left with a sample of applications on it.}
\index{Launcher}
The vertical bar of icons on the left side of the screen is called the Launcher. The Launcher provides easy access to applications, mounted devices, and the \menu{Trash}. All running applications on your system will place an icon in this Launcher while the application is running. 
The first icon at the top of the Launcher is the Dash, a major innovation and core element of \application{Unity} \dash we will explore the Dash in a later section of this chapter. By default, other applications appear on the Launcher, including applications such as \application{LibreOffice} and \application{Firefox}, the \menu{Workspace} lens, any mounted devices, and, of course, the always-important \menu{Trash} lens at the bottom of the Launcher.
\marginnote{\menu{Workspaces} helps you to select the workspace or the window you want. \menu{Trash} contains deleted files.}
\marginnote{Tip: Pressing \keystroke{Super+S} will show the \application{Workspaces}.}

\section{Using Launcher}\label{sec:launcher}
\subsection{Running applications}
\index{Launcher!running applications}
\index{applications!running}
\marginnote{If you hold the Super key, a number will appear on each of the first ten applications, along with a margin containing useful shortcuts. You can launch an application with a number $n$ on it by typing \keystroke{Super+$n$}.}
To run an application from the Launcher (or cause an already-running application to appear), just click on the application's icon. Running applications will have one or more triangles on the left side of its icon, indicating the number of application windows open for this application. The application in the foreground (meaning on top of all other open application windows) has a white triangle on the right side of its icon.
You can also run an application through the Dash. We will talk about the Dash, in the \seclink{sec:dash} section.
\marginscreenshot{02-Launcher-triangles.png}{ss:Launcher-items}{Just below the Home Folder icon, you will see the Firefox icon. Notice the triangle on the right side indicating it is the application in the foreground (on top of all other applications), and the triangle on the left side indicating there's only one window associated with Firefox at this time.}

\subsection{Adding and removing applications from the Launcher}
\index{applications!adding and removing}

There are two ways to add an application to the Launcher:

\begin{itemize}
  \item Open the Dash, find the application to add, and drag and drop it to the Launcher
  \item Run the application you want to add to the Launcher, right-click on the application's icon on the Launcher, and select \dropdown{Keep in the Launcher}. 
\end{itemize}

To remove an application from the Launcher, right-click on the application's icon, then select \dropdown{Remove from the Launcher} or deselect \dropdown{Keep in the Launcher} \dash if the application is running.

\section{The Dash}
\label{sec:dash}
\index{Dash}

\marginnote{The Dash allows you to search for information, both locally (installed applications, recent files, bookmarks, etc.) as well as remotely (Twitter, Google Docs, etc.). This is accomplished by utilizing one or more lenses, each responsible for providing a category of search results for the Dash. For more information about the Dash and its lens, see: \url{https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Unity}}
The Dash is a tool to help you access and find applications and files on your computer quickly. If you are a Windows user, you'll find the Dash to be a more advanced \emph{Start Menu}. If you are a Mac user, the Dash is similar to \application{Launchpad} in the dock. If you've used a previous version of Ubuntu or another \acronym{GNOME} Linux distribution, the Dash replaces the \acronym{GNOME 2} menus.
To explore the Dash, click on the top-most icon on the Launcher; the icon has the Ubuntu logo on it. 
\screenshot{02-dash-home.png}{ss:dash-home}{The Dash}
After selecting the Dash icon, another window will appear with a search bar on the top as well as grouping of recently accessed applications, files, and downloads. The search bar provides dynamic results as you enter your search terms. The five lenses at the bottom are links to your \emph{Home} lens, \emph{Applications} lens, \emph{Files} lens, and \emph{Music} and \emph{Videos} lenses. Lenses act as specialized search categories in the Dash.

\subsection{Search for files and applications with the Dash}

The Dash is an extremely powerful tool and allows you to search your entire system for applications and filenames based on search terms.

\subsection{Find files/folder}

The Dash can help you find the names of files or folders. Simply type in what you remember of the name of the file or folder and the Dash will show results it finds as you type. Note that the \emph{Files} lens can also assist you in finding files or folders. The \emph{Files} lens shows you the most recent files accessed, as well as recent downloads. You can use the \emph{filter results} button in the top-right corner of the Dash to filter down the results to your requirements by file or folder modification times, by file type (.odt, .pdf, .doc, .tex., etc.), or by size.

\subsection{Find applications}
\index{applications!searching}

%did some changes in the style/language in order to exist consistency with the rest of the manual -c7p
The standard Ubuntu installation comes with many applications. Users can also download thousands more applications from the \application{Ubuntu Software Center}. \marginnote{Ubuntu Software Center and software management will be discussed in detail at \chaplink{ch:software-management}.} As you collect an arsenal of awesome applications (and get a bonus point for alliteration!), it may become difficult to remember the name of a particular application. Simply use the \emph{Application lens} on the Dash. This lens will automatically categorizes installed applications under ``Most Frequently Used,'' ``Installed,'' or ``Apps Available for Download.''\marginnote{If you are new to the world of Ubuntu, be sure to read the \chaplink{ch:default-applications}. It will provide you help in choosing the application(s) that suit your needs.}
You can also enter a name of the application or a part of it, and the Dash will return the results. Even if you don't remember the name of the application at all, type a keyword that is relevant to that application and Dash will find it, in most cases (\eg, type \userinput{music} and Dash will return you the default music player any any music player you've used).
%The Dash is quite clever. Even if you don't know the full name of the application, just type one keyword relevant to the application and it will find the right application in most of the cases. For example, if you want to find a mail client, type in \userinput{mail} or \userinput{send}, and the Dash will do the rest.
\screenshot{02-applications-lens.png}{ss:applications}{You can see the default results when you press Application lens, and also the criteria on the right side.}

\section{Workspaces}
\index{workspaces}

Workspaces are also known as virtual desktops. These separate views of your desktop allow you to group applications together, and by doing so, help to reduce clutter and improve desktop navigation. In one workspace, you can open all of your media applications; your office suite in another, and your web browser open in a third workspace. Ubuntu has four workspaces by default.

\subsection{Switching between workspaces}

To switch between workspaces, click on the \application{Workspaces} Switcher located on the Launcher. This lens allows you to toggle through the workspaces (whether they contain open applications or not), and choose the one you want to use.

\section{Managing windows}
\label{sec:managing-windows}
\index{windows}

When opening a program in Ubuntu (such as a web browser or a text editor\dash see \chaplink{ch:default-applications} for more information on using applications)\dash a \emph{window} will appear on your desktop. The windows in Ubuntu are very similar to those in Microsoft Windows or Mac \acronym{OS~X}. Simply stated, a window is the box that appears on your screen when you start a program. In Ubuntu, the top part of a window (the \emph{titlebar}) will have the title of the window centered (most often, the title will be the name of the application). A window will also have three buttons in the top-left corner. From left to right, these buttons represent \emph{close}, \emph{minimize} window, and \emph{maximize} window. Other window management options are available by right-clicking anywhere on the title bar.

\subsection{Closing, maximizing, restoring, and minimizing windows}
\index{windows!closing}
\index{windows!restoring}
\index{windows!minimizing}
\screenshot{02-window-buttons.png}{ss:window-buttons}{This is the top bar of a window, named \emph{Titlebar}. The close, minimize, and maximize buttons are on the top-left corner of window.}
To close a window, click on the \closebutton{} in the upper-left corner of the window\dash the first button on the left-hand side.
The button immediately to the right of the \closebutton{} is the \gls{minimize} button (\minimizebutton) which removes the window from the visible screen and places it in the Launcher. This button doesn't close the application, it just hides the application from view. When an application is minimized to the Launcher, the left-side of the icon in the Launcher will display a triangle showing you the application is still running. Clicking the icon of the application that is minimized will restore the window to its original position. 
Finally, the right-most button (\maximizebutton) is the \gls{maximize} button, which makes the application window fill the entire screen. Clicking the \gls{maximize} button again will return the window to its original size. If a windows is maximized, its top-left buttons and menu are automatically hidden from view. To make them appear, just move your mouse to the left side of the top bar.
\subsection{Moving and resizing windows}
\index{windows!moving}
\index{windows!resizing}
\marginnote{You can also move a window by holding the \keystroke{Alt} key and dragging the window.}
To move a window around the workspace, place the mouse pointer over the window's title bar, then click and drag the window while continuing to hold down the left mouse button. To resize a window, place the pointer on an edge or corner of the window so that the pointer turns into a larger, two-sided arrow, (known as the resize icon). You can then click and drag to resize the window.
\screenshot{02-workspaces-lens.png}{ss:workspaces}{The \emph{Workspaces Switcher} on the Launcher.}

\subsection{Switching between open windows}
\index{windows!switching}
In Ubuntu there are many ways to switch between open windows.
\marginnote{Super key is also known as the Windows key (Win key). Press \keystroke{Super+D} to hide all window and display the desktop, the same works to restore all windows.}

\begin{enumerate}
  \item If the window is visible on your screen, you can click any portion of it to raise it above all other windows.
  \item Use \keystroke{Alt+Tab} to select the window you wish to work with. Hold down the \keystroke{Alt} key, and keep pressing \keystroke{Tab} until the window you're looking for appears in the popup.
  \item Click on the corresponding icon on the Launcher. Move your mouse to the left side of your screen to show the Launcher, and right-click on the application icon. If the application has multiple windows open, double-click on the icon in order to select the window you want.
\end{enumerate}

\subsection{Moving a window to different workspace}
\index{windows!moving between}
To move a window to a different workspace, make sure the window isn't maximized. If it is maximized, click on the right-most button on the left side of the title bar to restore it to its original size. Then right-click on the window's title bar and select:

\begin{itemize}
  \item \dropdown{Move to Workspace Left}, to move the window to the left workspace
  \item \dropdown{Move to Workspace Right}, to move the window to the right workspace
  \item \dropdown{Move to Another Workspace}, and then choose the workspace you wish to move the window to.
\end{itemize}

\subsection{Window always on the top or on visible workspace}
\index{windows!force on top}
At times, you may want to have a \emph{window always on top} so that it can be seen or monitored while you work with other applications. For example, you may want to browse the web and, at the same time, view and answer to any incoming instant message.
To keep a window on top, right-click on the window's title bar, then select \dropdown{Always on the top}. Note that this window will be on the top of all windows that are opened in the current workspace.  
If you want to have a window always on the top regardless of the workspace, right-click on the window's titlebar, then select \dropdown{Always on Visible Workspace}. This window will now be on top of all other windows across all workspaces.

\section{Browsing files on your computer}
\index{files!browsing}
\marginnote{You can open your Home folder from the Launcher.}
There are two ways to locate files on your computer \dash either search for them or access them directly from their folder. You can search for a file via the Dash or \menu{Files \& Folders} in the Launcher. You can also use the \menu{Files \& Folders} tool to access commonly used folders (such as \menu{Documents}, \menu{Music}, \menu{Downloads}), as well as most recently accessed files. 

\subsection{Places}
\index{desktop!places}
To access \menu{Places}, move your mouse over the top bar and select \menu{Places}. \marginnote{If you do not see the desktop menu, click somewhere on the desktop and it will appear.}
The \menu{Places} menu holds a list of commonly used folders (such as \menu{Documents}, \menu{Music}, \menu{Downloads}, and the \menu{Home Folder}). You can also browse the files on your computer by clicking \dropdown{Computer} in this menu. If you set up a home network, you will find a menu item to access shared files or folders. You can also access the \dropdown{Search for Files} tool from the \menu{Places} menu, or browse a list of recently opened folders.

\subsection{Your Home Folder}
\index{home folder}

The home folder is used to store your personal files. Your home folder matches your login name.
When you open your personal folder, you will see there are several more folders inside, including: Desktop (which contains any files that are visible on the desktop), Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Public, Templates, and Videos. These are created automatically the installation process. You can add more files and folders as needed. 

\section{Nautilus file manager}
\label{sec:nautilus}
\index{Nautilus}

Just as Windows has \application{Windows Explorer} and Mac \acronym{OS X} has \application{Finder} to browse files and folders, Ubuntu uses the \application{Nautilus} file manager by default.  We will now look at \application{Nautilus} in more detail.

\subsection{The Nautilus file manager window}
\index{Nautilus!window}

When you select the \menu{Home Folder} shortcut in the Launcher or click on a folder in the Dash, or double-click on a folder on the desktop, the \application{Nautilus} file manager window opens. The default window contains the following features:

\begin{description}
  \item[Menu bar] The menubar is located at the top of the screen. These menus allow you to modify the layout of the browser, navigate, bookmark \marginnote{If you bookmark a folder, it will appear in the \menu{Bookmarks} menu and in the left pane.} commonly used folders and files, and view hidden folders and files.
  \item[Toolbar] The toolbar contains tools for navigation as well as resizing the window. A drop-down list gives you the  option of switching the view from \menu{Icon View} to \menu{List View} or \menu{Compact View}. The search icon (which looks like a magnifying glass) opens a field so you can search for a file by name.
  \marginnote{If you start typing a location in the toolbar starting with a / character, \application{Nautilus} will automatically change the navigation buttons into a text field labeled \emph{Location}. It is also possible to convert the navigation buttons into a text field by pressing \keystroke{Ctrl+L}.} Just below the toolbar, you will see a representation of your current browsing. This is similar to the history function in most browsers; it keeps track of where you are and allows you to backtrack if necessary. You can click on the locations to navigate back through the file browser.
  \item[left page] The left pane of the file browser has shortcuts to commonly used folders. When a folder is bookmarked, it appears in the left pane. No matter what folder is open, the left pane will always contain the same folders. This left pane can be changed to display different features (such as Information, Tree, History, etc.) by clicking the down arrow beside ``Places'' near the top.
  \item[central pane] The largest pane shows the files and folders in the directory that you are currently browsing.
\end{description}

\screenshot{02-homefolder.png}{ss:nautilus-home}{Nautilus file manager displaying your home folder.}

\subsection{Navigating Nautilus}
\index{Nautilus!navigating}

\marginnote{What is a Directory? Or a Folder? A directory is a division of space in a file system that you can use to organize files. A folder is the name given to a directory in a Graphical User Interface (\acronym{GUI}) environment like \application{Nautilus}.}  
To navigate between folders, use the bookmarks in the left pane of the \application{Nautilus} file manager. You can also retrace your steps by clicking on the name of a folder in the path bar. Double-clicking on a visible folder will cause you to navigate to it.

\subsection{Opening files}
\index{files!Nautilus!opening files}
A file, in its simplest form, is data. Data can represent a text document, database information, or data that will be used to produce music or video. To open a file, you can either double-click on its icon or right-click the icon and select \button{Open With}.

\subsection{Creating new folders}
\index{files and folders!creating}

To create a new folder from within \application{Nautilus}, click \menu{File \then Create Folder}. Then, name the folder that appears by replacing the default ``Untitled Folder'' with your desired label (\eg, ``Personal Finances''). You can also create a new folder by pressing \keystroke{Ctrl+Shift+N}, or by right-clicking in the file browser window and selecting \button{Create Folder} from the popup menu (this action will also work on the desktop). 

\subsubsection{Hidden Files and Folders}
\index{files and folders!displaying hidden}

\marginnote{You can easily view hidden files by clicking \menu{View \then Show Hidden Files} or by pressing \keystroke{Ctrl+H}. Hiding files with a dot (.) is \emph{not} a security measure\dash it simply provides a way to keep folders organized and tidy.}
If you wish to hide certain folders or files, place a dot (.) in front of the name (\eg, ``.Personal Finances''). In some cases it is impossible to hide files and folders without prefixing them with a dot. In \application{Nautilus}, these folders can be hidden by creating a .hidden file. This is accomplished by opening the file and typing the name of the file or folder you wish to hide. Make sure that each file or folder is on a separate line. When you open \application{Nautilus}, the folder will no longer be visible.

\subsection{Copying and moving files and folders}
\index{files and folders!copying}
\index{files and folders!moving}

\marginnote{You can also use the keyboard shortcuts \keystroke{Ctrl+X}, \keystroke{Ctrl+C} and \keystroke{Ctrl+V} to cut, copy, and paste (respectively) files and folders.}
You can copy files or folders in \application{Nautilus} by clicking \menu{Edit\then Copy}, or by right-clicking on the item and selecting \button{Copy} from the popup menu. When using the \button{Edit} menu in \application{Nautilus}, make sure you've selected the file or folder you want to copy first (by left-clicking on it once). 
Multiple files can be selected by left-clicking in an empty space (\ie, not on a file or folder), holding the mouse button down, and dragging the cursor across the desired files or folders. This ``click-drag'' move is useful when you are selecting items that are grouped closely together. To select multiple files or folders that are not positioned next to each other, hold down the \keystroke{Ctrl} key while clicking on each item individually. Once multiple files and/or folders are selected, you can use the \menu{Edit} menu to perform actions just like you would for a single item.
\marginnote{When you ``cut'' or ``copy'' a file or folder, nothing will happen until you ``paste'' it somewhere. Paste will only affect the most recent item that was cut or copied.}
When one or more items have been ``copied,'' navigate to the desired location then click \menu{Edit \then Paste} (or right-click in an empty area of the window and select \button{Paste}) to copy them to the new location.
\marginnote{In the Nautilus \button{Edit} menu, you will also find the \button{Copy To} and \button{Move To} buttons. These can be used to copy or move items to common locations and can be useful if you are using panes (see below). Note that it is unnecessary to use \button{Paste} when using these options.} 
While the \emph{copy} command can be used to make a duplicate of a file or folder in a new location, the \emph{cut} command can be used to move files and folders around. That is, a copy will be placed in a new location, and the original will be removed from its current location.
To move a file or folder, select the item you want to move then click \menu{Edit \then Cut}. Navigate to the desired location, then click \menu{Edit \then Paste}.
\marginnote{If you click on a file or folder, drag it, and then hold down the \keystroke{Alt} key and drop it to your destination folder, a menu will appear asking whether you want to \emph{copy}, \emph{, move}, or \emph{link} the item. Notice that the symbol of the mouse cursor changes from an arrow into a question mark as soon as you hold down the \keystroke{Alt} key.}
As with the \emph{copy} command above, you can also perform this action using the right-click menu, and it will work for multiple files or folders at once. An alternative way to move a file or folder is to click on the item, and then drag it to the new location.

\subsection{Using multiple tabs and multiple Nautilus windows}
\index{Nautilus!multiple tabs}
\index{Nautilus!multiple windows}
Opening multiple \application{Nautilus} windows can be useful for dragging files and folders between locations. The option of \emph{tabs} (as well as \emph{panes}) is also available in \application{Nautilus}.
\marginnote{When dragging items between \application{Nautilus} windows, tabs, or panes, a small symbol will appear over the mouse cursor to let you know which action will be performed when you release the mouse button. A plus sign (+) indicates you are about to copy the item, whereas a small arrow means the item will be moved. The default action will depend on the folders you are using.}
To open a second windows when browsing a folder in \application{Nautilus}, select \menu{File \then New Window} or press \keystroke{Ctrl+N}. This will open a new window, allowing you to drag files and/or folders between two locations. To open a new tab, click \menu{File \then New Tab} or press \keystroke{Ctrl+T}. A new row will appear above the space used for browsing your files containing two tabs\dash both will display the directory you were originally browsing. You can click these tabs to switch between them to click and drag files or folders between tabs the same as you would between windows. You can also open a second pane in \application{Nautilus} so you can see two locations at once without having to switch between tabs or windows. To open a second pane, click \menu{View \then Extra Pane}, or press \keystroke{F3} on your keyboard. Again, dragging files and folders between panes is a quick way to move or copy items.

\section{Searching for files and folders on your computer}
\index{files and folders!searching|(}

\marginnote{Search for files and folders quickly by pressing \keystroke{Ctrl+F} in \application{Nautilus} and then typing what you want to find.}
You can search for files and folders using the Dash or \application{Nautilus}.

\subsection{Search using the Dash}

In the Dash, click \button{Search for Files}. Open the drop-down menu on the right side of the search bar. Select \emph{Folders}, \emph{All Files}, or one of the special folders, \eg, Documents. It is sufficient to type the first few letters of the file or folder for which you are searching.

%\subsection{Search using the Launcher's \application{Files and Folders} lens}
%\index{Launcher!search}

%Go to the Launcher's \application{Files and Folders} lens. Open the drop-down menu on the right side of the search bar. Select Folders, All Files, or one of the special folders, \eg, Documents. It is sufficient to type the first few letters of the file or folder you are searching for.

\subsection{Search using \application{Nautilus}}

In \application{Nautilus}, click \menu{Go \then Search for Files}, or press \keystroke{Ctrl+F}. This opens the search field where you can type the name of the file or folder you want to find.
\index{files and folders!searching|)}

\section{Customizing your desktop}
\label{sec:customizing-desktop}
\index{desktop!customization}

\screenshot{02-SystemSettings.png}{ss:System Settings}{You can change most of your system's settings here.}
One of the advantages to a windowed environment through \application{Unity} is the ability to change the look and feel of your desktop. Don't like the default charcoal Ubuntu theme? Do you have a picture of your third cousin's aunt's uncle's nephew's pet chihuahua that you'd love to see on your desktop as wallpaper? All of this (and more) is possible through desktop customizations in \application{Unity}.
Most customizations can be reached via the \application{Session Indicator} and then selecting \menu{System Settings} to open the \application{System Settings} application window. The Dash, desktop appearance, themes, wallpapers, accessibility, and other configuration settings are available here. For more information see \seclink{sec:session-options}.

\subsection{Appearance}
\index{desktop!customization!appearance}

\screenshot{02-appearance.png}{ss:02-appearance}{You can change the theme in the \tab{Look} tab of the \window{Appearance} window.}
You can change the background, fonts, and window theme to further modify the look and feel of your desktop. To begin, open \application{Appearance} by either right-clicking on your background and selecting \menu{Change Desktop Background} or selecting \menu{Session Indicator \then System Settings \then Appearance}.

\subsubsection{Theme}
\index{desktop!customization!theme}

The \window{Appearance} window will display the current selected background wallpaper and theme. Themes control the appearance of your windows, buttons, scroll bars, panels, icons, and other parts of the desktop. The \emph{Ambiance} theme is used by default, but there are other themes from which you can choose. Just click once on any of the listed themes to give a new theme a try. The theme will change your desktop appearance immediately.

\subsubsection{Desktop background}
\index{desktop!customization!background}

Under \menu{Background}, you may choose from \button{Wallpapers}, \button{Pictures Folder}, and \button{Colors and Gradients}. When \button{Wallpapers} is selected, you will see Ubuntu's default selection of backgrounds. To change the background simply click the picture you would like to use. You're not limited to this selection though. To use one of your own pictures, click the \button{+\ldots} button, and navigate to the image you would like to use, double-click the image, and the change will take effect immediately. This image will then be added to your list of available backgrounds.
If you want to choose from a larger selection of desktop backgrounds, click the ``Get More Backgrounds Online'' link at the bottom of the ''Appearance Preferences'' window. This link will open your web browser, and direct you to the \url{http://art.gnome.org/backgrounds} website.

\section{Accessibility}
\index{accessibility}

Ubuntu has built-in tools that make using the computer easier for people with certain physical limitations. You can find these tools by opening the Dash and searching for ``Universal Access.'' On the \tab{Seeing} tab you can manage the text size, the contrast of the interfaces, enable a zoom tool and even a screen reader. Selecting high-contrast themes and larger on-screen fonts can assist those with vision difficulties. You can activate ``Visual Alerts'' though the \tab{Hearing} tab, if you have hearing impairment. Also you can adjust keyboard and mouse settings to suit your needs through the \tab{Typing} and \tab{Pointing and Clicking} tabs respectively.
\screenshot{02-universal-access.png}{ss:universal-access}{Universal allows you to enable extra features to make it easier to use your computer.}

\subsection{Orca screen reader}
\index{accessibility!screen reader}

\application{Orca} is a useful tool for people with visual impairments. \application{Orca} comes preinstalled in Ubuntu. To run \application{Orca}, click on the Dash and type \userinput{Orca}, and click on the displayed result. \application{Orca} is the ''Screen Reader'' part of \application{Universal Access} and can be launched once the ``Screen Reader'' is activated. Orca's voice synthesizer will activate and assist you through the various options such as voice type, voice language, Braille, and screen magnification. Once you have finished selecting your settings, you will need to log out of the computer (\application{Orca} will offer to do this for you). When you log back in, the \application{Orca} settings you selected will automatically run every time you use your computer.

\section{Session options}
\label{sec:session-options}

When you have finished working on your computer, you can choose to log out, suspend, restart, or shut down through the \menu{Session Indicator} on the far right side of the top panel. You can also quickly access these options by pressing the \keystroke{Ctrl+Alt+Del} keys.

\subsection{Logging out}
\index{logging out}

Logging out will leave the computer running but return you to the login screen. This is useful for switching between users, such as when a different person wishes to log in to their account, or if you are ever instructed to ``log out and back in again.'' 
\marginnote{Before logging out, you should always verify your work in any open applications is saved.}

\subsection{Suspend}
\index{suspending the computer}

To save energy, you can put your computer into \emph{suspend mode}, which will save its current condition to internal memory, power off all devices, and allow you to start back up more quickly. While in a suspended state, the computer will use just a trickle of energy; this is required because the session is saved to internal memory, and if no power goes to internal memory, the data will be lost.

\subsection{Rebooting}
\index{rebooting}

To reboot your computer, select \menu{Shut Down\ldots} from the ``Session Indicator'' and click on \button{Restart}.

\subsection{Shut down}
\index{shutting down}

To totally power down your computer, select \menu{Shut Down\ldots} from the ``Session Indicator'' and click on \button{Shutdown}.

\subsection{Other options}
\index{locking the screen}

\marginnote{You can lock your screen quickly by using the keyboard shortcut \keystroke{Ctrl+Alt+L}. Locking your screen is recommended if you move away from your computer for a short amount of time.}
From the Session Indicator, you can also select \menu{Lock Screen} to require a password before using the computer again \dash this is useful if you need to leave your computer for some duration. You can also use the \menu{Session Indicator} to set up a guest session for a friend, or to \emph{switch users} to log into another user account without closing your applications.

\section{Getting help}

\subsection{General Help}
\index{help!general help}
\marginnote{Many applications have their own help section which can be accessed by clicking the \menu{Help} menu within the application window.}
Ubuntu, just like other operating systems, has a built-in help reference called the \application{Ubuntu
Desktop Guide}. To access it, click on the Dash and type \userinput{Help}. Alternately, you can press \keystroke{F1} while on the desktop, or click \button{Ubuntu Help} in the top bar.

\subsection{Heads-Up Display help}
\index{help!heads-up display (\acronym{HUD})}
The \acronym{HUD} (heads-up display) is a new help feature introduced in Ubuntu 12.04. This is a keyboard-friendly utility to help you find commands, features, and preferences embedded deep within the menu structure of an application.
\screenshot{02-HUD-message.png}{ss:HUD-message}{The HUD (heads-up display) shows application-specific help information based on your general input.}
Activate the \acronym{HUD} by pressing the left \keystroke{Alt+F2} keys on the keyboard. If you want to search a menu item such as creating a new message in \application{Thunderbird}, then just type \emph{message} in the \acronym{HUD} and the option for composing a new email message will come up in the list of matching results. You can press the \keystroke{Enter} key to active the command. \marginnote{The HUD feature may not be available in all applications as this is a new capability in Ubuntu 12.04. Your mileage may vary!} The \acronym{HUD} works for almost all applications that are natively installable in Ubuntu; it also works for some applications running under wine. \marginnote{\acronym{WINE} is an acronym for Wine Is Not an Emulator. It allows you to run some Windows-based applications in Ubuntu. Discussion of how to use WINE is beyond the scope of this manual, but it is worth checking out if you need to run Windows applications under Ubuntu.}

\subsection{On-Line help}
\index{help!online}
If you can't find an answer to your question in this manual or in the \application{Ubuntu Desktop Guide}, you can contact the Ubuntu community through the Ubuntu Forums (\url{http://ubuntuforums.org}). 
\screenshot{02-help-center.png}{ss:help-center}{The built-in system help provides topic-based help for Ubuntu.}
\marginnote{We encourage you to check any information you find on other websites with multiple sources when possible, but only follow directions if you understand them completely.} 
Many Ubuntu users open an account on the forums to receive help, and in turn provide support to others as they gain more knowledge. Another useful resource is the Ubuntu Wiki (\url{https://wiki.ubuntu.com}), a website maintained by the Ubuntu community.