Ubuntu

Ubuntu on managed computer

Introduction

On managed computers we install Ubuntu 12.04 LTS. Ubuntu 12.04 LTS is an operating system that will be supported for 5 years. This means that computers that are being installed in spring 2012 does not need to be reinstalled during the lifetime (in the theory).

Windows manager

Unity is Ubuntu's own windows manager based on Gnome 3. Unity can run in two modes, 3D and 2D.

3D mode only works with video cards that have sufficiently fast 3D performance and good enough drivers.

Ubuntu tries to automatically use 2D mode if necessary.

User Interface

Unity, the Ubuntu 12.04 user interface, can run on 3D-mode or 2D-mode.

The 3D mode is only available when sufficient drives are in use, and when a graphics card, with sufficiently fast 3D-functionality, is in use.

If necessary, the operating system will automatically attempt to use the 2D-mode.

To learn more about Unity click here

Software

To install software, use the Ubuntu software centre.

The software centre program can be opened by pressing “ALT + F2”, typing “software centre”, and pressing enter.

The software centre allows you to scroll through available programs and search for specific programs.

To learn more about the software centre click here.

Monitor settings

There are three different monitor configurations that are handy to know about.

1. Laptop/Laptop with additional screen

2. Stationary/Stationary with additional screen

3. Projector

There are also two different display modes to choose from when an additional screen is available.

1. Extended display

2. Clone display

Ubuntu automatically detects the mointors in use.

To learn more about configuring a display in Ubuntu click here

Printing

Network Printers

Printing from Ubuntu client machines is done the same manner as on other client machines

1. Choose the function “print” in the program you are using.

2. Choose a printer.

3. Locate the printer and swipe your card.

Local Printers

It is possible to use local printers for some Ubuntu clients, mainly laptops, via CUPS’s administrator tools. This is a graphic tool that runs via the web browser, and can be reached by going to http://127.0.0.1:631.