Getting Started with Ubuntu Desktop

Ubuntu uses a desktop environment called GNOME. It's different from Windows or macOS, but once you learn the layout, it's very intuitive.

The Top Bar

• Activities (top-left) - Click this or press the Super key (Windows key on your Mac's keyboard in VirtualBox) to see all open windows and search for apps
• Clock (center) - Shows date/time; click it to see calendar and notifications
• System Tray (top-right) - Volume, Wi-Fi, battery, and power options. Click for quick settings

The Dock (left side)

• Shows your favorite apps and currently running apps (with a dot underneath)
• The Files icon opens the file manager (like Finder on Mac)
• The grid icon at the bottom shows all installed applications

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The Files app (also called Nautilus) is Ubuntu's file manager - similar to Finder on Mac or File Explorer on Windows.

Opening Files

• Click the Files icon in the dock (looks like a folder)
• Or press Super and type "Files"

Key Locations (left sidebar)

Basic Operations

• Create folder: Right-click in empty space > "New Folder"
• Copy/Paste: Right-click file > Copy, then right-click destination > Paste
• Delete: Right-click > "Move to Trash" (or press Delete)
• Rename: Right-click > Rename (or press F2)

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Ubuntu has an app store called Ubuntu Software (or "App Center" in newer versions). It's the easiest way to install apps - no terminal required!

Opening Ubuntu Software

• Click the grid icon at the bottom of the dock
• Search for "Ubuntu Software" or "App Center"
• Or click its icon if it's already in your dock

Installing an App

1. Open Ubuntu Software
2. Use the search icon to find an app (e.g., "VLC", "VS Code")
3. Click on the app to see details
4. Click Install
5. Enter your password when prompted
6. Wait for installation to complete

Removing an App

1. Open Ubuntu Software
2. Click the Installed tab
3. Find the app you want to remove
4. Click Uninstall

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The Settings app lets you configure your system. Here are the most important sections for getting started.

Opening Settings

• Click the system tray (top-right) > click Settings (gear icon)
• Or press Super and type "Settings"

Key Settings You'll Use

Wi-Fi - Connect to wireless networks

• Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
• Click on a network name and enter the password

Displays - Screen resolution and scaling

• If text is too small or too big, adjust the Scale setting
• In VirtualBox, you might need to resize the window for best results

Appearance - Light/Dark mode and colors

• Choose between Light, Dark, or automatic appearance
• Select your accent color

Keyboard - Customize keyboard shortcuts

• View and modify system shortcuts
• Useful to know what shortcuts are available

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Learning these shortcuts will make you much faster at using Ubuntu. Remember: in Ubuntu (inside VirtualBox), you use Control (not Command).

System Shortcuts

Super	Open Activities overview (search apps, see windows)
Super + A	Show all applications
Super + L	Lock screen
Alt + F4	Close current window
Alt + Tab	Switch between open apps

File & Text Shortcuts

Ctrl + C	Copy
Ctrl + V	Paste
Ctrl + X	Cut
Ctrl + Z	Undo
Ctrl + S	Save

Files App Shortcuts

Ctrl + H	Show/hide hidden files
Ctrl + L	Show location bar (type a path)
F2	Rename selected file
Delete	Move to Trash

Terminal Shortcut

Ctrl + Alt + T

Open Terminal (this may not work in VirtualBox - use Activities instead)

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