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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