Nautilus is Ubuntu's default file manager and it provides a basic file search engine. But there are many more efficient search tools available.

Tracker Search:
MetaTracker is a search tool that gives gives categorized results.
Applications->Accessories->Tracker Search Tool

Beagle:
Beagle is a desktop search that displays results a lot quicker. Install beagle using Synaptic.
- beagle
- libbeagle1
- python-beagle

Deskbar Applet:
The most useful search utility is the deskbar. Its like a super indexer of other search engines. Deskbar can include Tracker and Beagle results as well as custom backend searches as plugins. Add it to your desktop panel.

Add Beagle to Deskbar extensions (python-beagle is used by Deskbar for this)

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Keep your Ubuntu up-to-date. Install ALL available updates for the current release. Updates contain security updates, bug-fixes, enhancements etc. and need an internet connection. You may also update from a storage media.
System->Administrator->Update Manager

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pppoeconf:
To connect to broadband internet provided by your ISP, you need "pppoeconf". This is a simple interface to configure and make a connection. Type pppoeconf on the terminal.

ADSL PPPoE Internet Connection Settings

Network Manager:
PPPoE settings can also be done using "Network Manager".
System-Administration->Network

gnome-ppp:
For a dial-up connection using phone line, install "gnome-ppp".

usbadslmodemmanager:
For connecting through a USB ADSL modem, install "usbadslmodemmanager".

usbadslmodemmanager

Proxy Settings:
System->Preferences->Network Proxy

Advanced Configuration:
Command Line Network Configuration

Network Tools:
System->Administration->Network Tools

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Root terminal:
Use the root terminal so that you need not type "sudo" before commands that require root privileges.
Applications->System Tools->Root Terminal

Edit->Profiles

To convert user terminal to root terminal
$ sudo -s
$ whoami
- check the terminal user
$ exit
- go back to previous user

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Date Time:
Ubuntu has a built in world clock GUI and gives you an instant world time picture and local weather report. Add clocks for different cities of your choice.

For advanced configuration and network time synchronization
Ubuntu Time

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Mount NTFS drives:
You may be having NTFS formatted partitions on your HDD. The stable ntfs-3g driver now allows Linux systems to read and write NTFS formatted partitions. The ntfs-3g packages comes pre-installed with the newest versions of Ubuntu, but you still need to install ntfs-config if you want the GUI configuration tool. Search for "ntfs-config" in Synaptic or install via terminal:

$ sudo apt-get install ntfs-config

Applications->System Tools->NTFS Configuration Tool

Mounting Windows partitions

You may manually mount/unmount partitions using following commands:

$ sudo mkdir -p /mnt/SOFTWARES- /mnt/SOFTWARES is the mount point$ sudo mount -t ntfs-3g /dev/sda5 /mnt/SOFTWARES -o force- force parameter is used in case normal mount fails)- sda5 is the physical partition name given by linux$ sudo umount /dev/sda5

To mount USB drives automatically on connection install "usbmount"

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Keyboard Shortcuts:
System->Preferences->Keyboard Shortcuts
You definitely want the "Windows" key to work. Ubuntu names this key as "Super".

For using a combination of the "windows key" and other keys e.g Win+r to open a "Run" dialog
System->Preferences->Keyboard->Layouts->Layout Options

Then while configuring Keyboard Shortcuts "Super" will appear as "Mod4". "Super" would not work by itself as earlier. It will only work in combinations e.g. <Mod4>r

For a more advanced configuration of keyboard shortcuts/commands

$ gconf-editor

In apps->metacity->keybinding_commands you can make use of any of the empty commands e.g command_1, command_10 and enter the command you want to execute as the value.

Then in apps->metacity->global_keybindings enter the key combination for the command e.g run_command_1

To display the keyboard modifier map and keymap table

$ xmodmap -pke

To get a description of every key press

$ xev

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Audio:
The ALSA sound driver is provided by default.
System->Preferences->Sound

Video:
If you have a graphics card installed on your system, you may need to install the latest video drivers for it. Ubuntu provides the basic drivers for you. Specifically, if you have an HDTV hooked to your PC as a monitor then the screen just after installation may be misaligned.

System->Administration->Synaptic Package Manager
Search for the latest drivers. e.g. nvidia

The Synaptic package manager is a one-stop-shop for Linux softwares. Its similar to Add/Remove Programs in Windows but along with a search tool and a listing of a huge repository of Linux softwares. Installing Linux softwares is so easy and fast; no repetitive "Next" button clicks needed.

Enable the nVidia driver.
System->Administration->Hardware Drivers

Adjust the screen resolution.
System->Preferences->Screen Resolution

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You can try out Ubuntu without altering your existing system using the CD in Live mode. Just pop-in the CD and restart your computer. Experience the features Ubuntu has to offer. Following programs are pre-installed:
- Firefox 3 browser
- Evolution email client
- OpenOffice.org 2.4
- Transmission bittorrent client
- Brasero disc burning
- GIMP image editor

Installing Ubuntu is a breeze; its a quick and simple process. Here is an example of what your hard disk configuration should be like for installing Ubuntu.

Suppose you have 6 partitions on you HDD and the first partition is where your current operating system is, then Ubuntu can be installed in that first partition along with the current operating system or just by itself. Ubuntu needs 3 partitions to install itself:
- "/" partition
- "swap" partition
- "/home" partition

These 3 sub-partitions can be made inside the first partition mentioned above. Following are some really good tutorials to get you through:
Partitioning
Dual boot Windows with Linux - Windows installed first
Installing Ubuntu

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Fed up of Windows and Windows viruses?
Ever thought of replacing Windows?
Can Linux replace Windows as a desktop operating system?
Which is the best Linux desktop operating system?

Well, Ubuntu may have all the answers!
Ubuntu Features
Moreover, you get a free CD shipped @ your doorstep!
Order Ubuntu free CD

Through a series of posts we will see how Ubuntu gets closer and closer towards proving itself capable of replacing the most popular operating system - Windows.

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