Ubuntu Desktop Training

189 / 335

Figure 6.54: Reloading Available Software Information

6.The progress indicator shows the status of package being installed or removed.

You can authenticate your downloads from the Authentication tab in the Software Sources dialogue box. When you do not authenticate your downloads, your computer may show the error shown below after downloading the package information. This error can be ignored. To authenticate the downloading process, you need to import the GPG key, which is different for every repository. Click Close in the dialogue box showing the error. This step will end the process of adding extra repositories and updating package information.

Figure 6.55: Public Key Error

6.10 Adding New Language Settings

Ubuntu provides the option to enable numerous language settings for your desktop.

Ubuntu Desktop Training

190 / 335

Support for new languages can be installed via Language Support, which is found in the Administration/System menu. Depending on the language, the input method and keyboard mapping may need to be changed as well. The Smart Common Input Method(SCIM) is used in Ubuntu to switch between different input methods for complex characters in many non-Latin languages. The ctrl space hotkey is a convenient switch between different input methods.

6.11 Lesson Summary

In this lesson, you learned that:

•GNOME is the default desktop for Ubuntu. You can use the Preferences option on the System menu to customise the Ubuntu desktop look and feel.

•You can manage your file system using the Nautilus file manager. Use the spatial mode to open each folder in a separate window and view the content of various folders simultaneously. Use the browser mode to open folders in a single window.

•Add/Remove Applications is the easiest tool to install or uninstall packages.

•You can use Synaptic Package Manager to install or uninstall advanced applications that cannot be installed using Add/Remove.

•To install a package that is not available in the Ubuntu archives, you can download and install it from Web sites. These files are associated with the package managers of specific Linux distribution and are referred to as single package files.

•Tarballs are zipped archive files that contain the source code of a programme. You can use advanced command line tools to install or uninstall the tarball file.

6.12 Review Exercise

Question: What is the default desktop for Ubuntu?

Answer:

Question: From which Web site can you download additional Ubuntu wallpapers and themes?

Answer:

Question: Mention any three features of the Nautilus file manager.

Answer:

Question: Which is the file manager for the KDE environment?

Answer:

Question: What is a package manager?

Answer:

Question: Differentiate between a graphical package manager and a command line package manager. Provide examples of each.

Answer:

Question: Software that is not licensed under Ubuntu’s main component licensing policy is referred to as _______________.

Answer:

Ubuntu Desktop Training

191 / 335

6.13 Lab Exercise

Exercise 1 You have installed Ubuntu 8.04 on your personal computer. You want to view your pdf files, use a spreadsheet application for creating your daily tasks and archive your files. Install the following packages:

a)xpdf

b)gnumeric

1.On the Application menu, click Add/Remove. The Add/Remove dialogue box opens.

2.In the Search box, type xpdf.

3.Select the check box next to xpdf.

4.Click Apply Changes.

5.Click Apply to make the changes.

6.In the New application has been installed dialogue box, click Close.

1.On the System menu, point to Administration and then click Synaptic Package Manager. The Synaptic Package Manager dialogue box opens.

2.Click Search to find gnumeric and select the gnumeric check box.

3.Select the Mark for Installation check box. A dialogue box displaying the dependencies of this package on other packages opens.

4.To continue making the required changes, click Mark.

5.To confirm making the marked changes, click Apply. The Summary dialogue box opens, prompting you for a final check before making the marked changes.

6.Click Apply to continue with the changes.

7.When all the marked changes are made, you are notified of the changes applied. Click Close.