Dave's tech docs: Getting started with Xubuntu

This document introduces the basic features of Xubuntu, which is a lean and fast operating system that runs well on almost all PCs, including those that are old and/or slow. Xubuntu is community-developed Linux distribution based on Ubuntu core components and the Xfce Linux desktop environment.

Every operating system differs from all others. Therefore, Xubuntu does not have the same user interface as Windows, or even Ubuntu. This can be frustrating, especially if you are new to Linux. However, be patient, Xubuntu is only different, not complex.

After you have installed Xubuntu according to Installing Xubuntu, this document can help you learn to use basic Xubuntu components, including:

Desktop interfaces
Folders and files
Applications

Note: The examples in this document specifically apply to Xubuntu 12.04, and generally apply to all Xubuntu releases.

Desktop interfaces

Xubuntu desktop interfaces include a top panel, desktop icons, and a bottom panel.

Top panel - The panel at top of screen contains, from left to right, icons for the following:

Applications Menu (the white-mouse icon)
Open-window shortcuts (highlighting the active window)
Open-application icons
Messaging menu
Volume-control menu
Networking menu
Date and time display
Workspace switcher (two workspaces)
Shutdown menu (with your user name)

Desktop icons - The initial desktop icons (at top left of screen) include Home, File System, and Trash. You can add more desktop icons as you need them. For example, while working on a project, you can place various temporary folders and files on your desktop.

Bottom panel - The panel at the bottom of the screen contains icons through which you can launch primary Xubuntu applications. To display the bottom panel, move your mouse pointer to the bottom of the screen. To add icons, copy them to the bottom panel. For example, after you install a favorite application, you can use drag and drop to copy its icon from the Application Menu to the bottom panel.

Managing Folders and Files

Xubuntu lets you manage your folders, subfolders, and files through its File Manager. To open the File Manager, either double-click the Home desktop icon (top left of screen) or click the blue folder in the bottom panel (at the right) and then click Open Folder.

Note: Each time you start or restart Xubuntu, and first open File Manager, it might open very slowly. This bug has been reported. (Somehow, this problem no longer occurs on my Xubuntu PC.)

Launching Applications

Xubuntu lets you launch applications through the Applications Menu (white-mouse icon) on the top panel, or the application icons or Application Finder icon on the bottom panel. For example, to launch the GIMP image editor, do any of the following:

Click the Applications Menu (white mouse) icon in the top panel, select Graphics, and then click GIMP Image Editor.
Click the GIMP icon in the bottom panel.
Click the Application Finder (magnifying glass) icon in the bottom panel, select Graphics, select GIMP Image Editor, and then click Launch.