Ubuntu 9.04 Desktop Handbook

The Ubuntu 9.04 desktop Handbook covers the latest Ubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope) features of interest to users. The emphasis here is on what users will face when using Ubuntu, covering topics like installation, applications, software management, the GNOME and KDE4 desktops, shell commands, and both the Ubuntu 9.04 administration and network tools. Office, multimedia, mail, and Web applications are reviewed. Desktops are examined including features like the Brasero DVD/CD disc copy, check, and erase capability. The KDE4 desktop provides a completely new KDE desktop with a new panel, menu, desktop, configuration tools, ZUI, and plasmoid applets. Though administrative topics are covered, the emphasis is on what a user would need to know to perform tasks. Desktop effects as implemented by GNOME's Compiz-fusion and KDE's KWin with 3D workspace and windows switching are examined. Certain new tools are covered in detail like Network Manager which now supports both wireless 3G and Ethernet connections. Gufw provides a user interface for managing ufw firewall, the default firewall. Advanced components of Ubuntu 9.04 are also examined such as Dynamic Kernel Module Support (DKMS) now use for vendor graphics drivers, Private Encrypted Directories, and the creation of Ubuntu Live USB drives, as well as Ubuntu Live Netbook USB drives (Ubuntu Netbook Remix, UNR). Numerous smaller enhancements are also discussed like the Synaptic Package Manager quick searches and sample screenshots, the PulseAudio Device Chooser applet for accessing all Pulse Audio tools, GNOME's file manager support for tabs, and the combined user switcher and shut down applet. Alternate multimedia releases like Ubuntu Studio and Mythbuntu are also referenced.