1.14 - Terminal

1.14.1 - Brief Overview

Besides the desktop graphical user interface (GUI), there is also a command-line interface (CLI) that is more commonly known as the terminal. The terminal can be launched by selecting Start > Accessories > Terminal or using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T.

A command is typed using the keyboard and pressing the Enter key. For example, typing the command ls and pressing Enter will list contents of a directory and ls -l will list contents of a directory with more detail.

1.13 - dconf Editor

1.12 - Ubuntu Tweak

1.11 - Synaptic Package Manager

1.10 - Software Center

The Software Center is the easiest way to search, install and remove applications on your computer. There are many applications available to choose from various categories (i.e., Education, Games, Internet,  Office, Sound & Video) that are in the official Ubuntu repositories. You need administrator privileges and connection to the Internet to download and install new software.

1.9 - Update Manager

1.8 - Nautilus (File Manager)

1.8.1 - Brief Overview

Nautilus is the file manager for Zorin OS 6 that is similar to Explorer in Windows. This is where you manage your files and folders on your computer. There is excellent documentation available on how to use Nautilus by selecting Help and All Topics or pressing the F1 key for more specific topics if you wish to learn more.

1.8.2 - Quick Tips

Tip #1:
Activate the Status Bar. Select View and Statusbar. The status bar appears at the bottom of the Nautilus window. This displays the number of items of a particular folder currently in view and the available space on the hard drive.

Tip #2:
Change the Date format in List View from long to short. Select Edit > Preferences > Display > Format.

1.7 - Desktop Environment

1.7.1 - The Zorin Look Changer

The easiest way to change the look of your desktop environment is with the Zorin Look Changer.

The Zorin Look Changer offers three choices: Windows 7, Windows XP and GNOME2.

Windows 7

Windows XP

GNOME 2

1.6 - Login Screen

1.6.1 - Original Default Setup

Zorin OS 6 uses LightDM with the default Unity Greater front-end for the login screen.

Login Screen

A. Computer Name

Display computer name. This is located in the upper-left hand corner of the screen.

Computer Name

B. Active Users

This is where you select your user name. Use the keyboard up and down keys to select user or point to it with the mouse. Below is an example with multiple users.

Login Screen with multiple users

C. Desktop Environment Selector

Allows user to select the type of Desktop Environment to use at the time of login.

D. Password

Enter your password in this box to login.

E. Guest Session

Allow a guest to use your computer with limited access.

F. Login Screen Logo

Display login screen logo. This is located in the lower-left hand corner of the screen.

G. Toggle Onscreen keyboard/High Contrast/Screen Reader

Onscreen keyboard

H. Keyboard

Update keyboard language.

I. Volume Control

Adjust the volume from the login screen.

J. Time

Clicking the time displays the day, date, month and year plus a calendar of the current month.

K. Suspend/Shutdown Button

Allows the user to Suspend or Shutdown the computer from the login screen.