In the past, Ubuntu used a system of menus to guide users in searching for
programs, but now there is an easier, faster way: Use search to find programs.
You access search by clicking Activities at the upper left of the screen, and
then you can start typing in the search box to find specific programs or
documents on your system (see Figure 1.5). The desktop (also known as the
GNOME user interface) is covered in more detail in Chapter 3, “Working
with GNOME.”
FIGURE 1.5 Search is the place to find programs and files.
Software Updater
Software Updater is covered in greater detail in Chapter 9, “Managing
Software,” but it is worthy of a quick mention now so that from the start you
can benefit from any available security and bug fixes. The easiest way to
check for updates is to use Software Updater. Open Software Updater from
search by typing software updater to search for it. When the window
opens, Update Manager checks the Ubuntu software repositories to determine
whether any updates are available. When it detects that new versions of
installed software are available, it displays them in the window. Uncheck the
check box next to any item if you don’t want to install that particular software
update. Click Install Now to complete the process (see Figure 1.6). Software
repositories are discussed later in this chapter.