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New to linux Ubuntu..How do you launch programs..I have all the software but dont know how to use iy Thanks John H

Asked by John Huisman on 2011-08-04

I'm totally new to Linux...I just want to know all the steps I need to know how to launch and use the software..For instance I have downloaded all N vidia drivers GeForce 8500 GTand I want to enhance my desktop behavior ie. making pages fade, wobble, fold etc....That's just one example...I'm retired and 68 yrs old and simply, just want to learn Ubuntu..All this has been overwhelming at times...Could someone please give me the "Readers Digest" version of Ubuntu...If "command Line" is something "I HAVE TO"
use, perhaps I'm in the wrong place...I really want to do this...Thank you in advance...John Huisman

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Language:: English Edit question

Status:: Answered

For:: Ubuntu ubuntu-docs Edit question

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Last query:: 2011-08-04

Last reply:: 2011-08-04

Link existing bug

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mycae (mycae) said on 2011-08-04:

There is a good short introduction to Ubuntu here, which is available either as a free PDF or as a for-purchase book:

http://ubuntupocketguide.com/index_main.html

Note that this does not cover the latest version of ubuntu's (natty narwhal, 11.04) new interface, known as unity, however the "classic" desktop is still supported.

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said on 2011-08-04:

If you installed the nvidia drivers ok then use software centre to install compizconfig-settings-manager. You can do this easily in terminal using:

sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager

You can now press ALT+F2 and run:

ccsm

And enable / disable the plugins you desire.

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marcus aurelius (adbiz) said on 2011-08-04:

most of the drivers you need are already included in ubuntu. the nvidia drivers that came with it should operate your graphics card correctly.

to make your screen wobble and what-not, you have to enable compiz. i don't use compiz because it doesn't work on my machines, so i can't tell you how to enable it. it may not work on yours either.

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marcobra (Marco Braida) (marcobra) said on 2011-08-04:

New to Ubuntu some resources:

the Ubuntu Manual, it's very informative: http://ubuntu-manual.org/
Click on the "download Button" to download the latest PDF version.

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Natty

The Ubuntu 11.04 Unity interface
http://theravingrick.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-effort-at-writing-help-for-unity.html
The Unity interface: http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/natty/#what

- https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows
- The Ubuntu pocket guide: http://www.ubuntupocketguide.com/
- The online help https://help.ubuntu.com/10.10/index.html

Ubuntu web sites:
http://yaserxp.wordpress.com/2008/05/29/discover-the-best-ubuntu-resources-on-the-web/

Ubuntu online magazine: Full Circle Magazine - Ubuntu's 'unofficial' magazine.
http://fullcirclemagazine.org

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation
https://help.ubuntu.com/11.04/ubuntu-help/index.html
http://castrojo.tumblr.com/post/4795149014/the-power-users-guide-to-unity