Editing Linux Basics Tutorial (section)

== Ubuntu Basics ==

The standard Ubuntu interface is set up to make it easy for you to launch and manage applications without needing to worry about using the console. Of course, if you choose to use the console, you are able to do a lot more with the inner workings of your computer, and make your daily computer use much more efficient. Most of this tutorial regards this more complex form of Linux use, but if you just want the very most basic computer experience, you can just use the standard interface. This section will explain the basics.

=== The Application Menu ===

The application menu is where you can launch new applications that are not currently running. You can also use it to search for files on your computer. You can think of it like the "Start" button in Windows. The button to launch the application menu is located on the sidebar, and depending on the version of Ubuntu you use, it could either look like the circular Ubuntu logo, or a grid of 9 dots (similarly to a generic "app menu").

From here, you can see recently used apps, or type a keyword to search for applications or files. Ubuntu will sort files and applications by category.

=== General Use Applications ===

The following are some applications that the typical Ubuntu user might use. These all happen to be pre-installed with Ubuntu, but if you want, you can install different software and use that (more on that later):

* '''Firefox''' - A popular web browser.

* '''Thunderbird''' - A desktop email client by the makers of Firefox. Note: Thunderbird may not play well with Rose-Hulman's exchange server, so if you have trouble connecting it, '''Evolution''' is a nice alternative.

* '''LibreOffice''' - An office suite with apps for documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. Similar to Microsoft Office, but without all of its fanciest features.

* '''Files''' - Ubuntu's built-in file browser, follows most of the same conventions as Windows Explorer (e.g. ctrl+c to copy, ctrl+v to paste, shift+del to permanently delete, etc).

=== Ubuntu Software ===

The Ubuntu Software app is a tool to easily search for and install new software, similarly to an app store on other OS's. You can use this to install alternatives to pre-installed software (like Google Chrome), or software for completely new uses (like Spotify).