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Log In to Ubuntu and Navigate the Desktop

Learn how to sign in to Ubuntu, understand the Unity desktop, launch applications, use system indicators, and shut down safely.

This lesson explains how to sign in to an installed Ubuntu system, recognize the main Unity desktop controls, launch an application, find common settings, and end your session safely. The instructions focus on Unity, the desktop interface used by the Ubuntu release represented by this lesson.

You need an installed Ubuntu system, basic keyboard and mouse skills, and the user account created during installation. The same steps apply when Ubuntu runs directly on a computer or inside a virtual machine.

Reach the Ubuntu Login Screen

When the computer or virtual machine finishes booting, Ubuntu normally displays a graphical login screen. This is the screen used to select an account and authenticate before starting a desktop session.

1. Boot the computer, or start the Ubuntu virtual machine.
2. Wait for Ubuntu to reach the graphical login screen.
3. If more than one local account is listed, select the account you intend to use.

A username is the account identifier created during installation. A display name is the friendly name shown on the login screen, such as “Alex Smith.” These names may differ: the display name identifies the person visually, while the username identifies the account internally. Select the account whose username and password you know.

Enter Your Ubuntu Credentials

After selecting an account, enter the password created for that account during installation. Submit the form using the login button or the Enter key.

• Password characters are intentionally hidden while you type. Ubuntu may show no characters or only concealed markers; this is normal and does not mean the keyboard is inactive.
• Credentials are case-sensitive where applicable. For example, uppercase and lowercase letters are different.
• Pay attention to the active keyboard layout. A password containing symbols, numbers, or non-US characters may produce different characters if another layout is active.
• Check whether Caps Lock is enabled before trying again.

If the login screen provides a keyboard-layout indicator, use it to verify or change the layout before entering a password with special characters.

First-login procedure

1. Select the user account created during installation.
2. Enter that account's installation-created password.
3. Submit the login form.
4. Wait while Ubuntu starts the graphical desktop session.

Successful authentication starts your desktop session. This is the graphical working environment where you open applications, work with files, manage devices, and change basic system settings.

Recognize the Ubuntu Desktop

The desktop is your main workspace after login. Its appearance, menu placement, and available controls can vary among Ubuntu releases and desktop environments. The following orientation uses Unity terminology.

Unity Desktop Orientation

Unity is a historical Ubuntu desktop interface featuring the Launcher, Dash, and top-panel indicators. In a Unity session, these areas work together:

• The Launcher on the left starts or switches applications and can expose selected locations.
• The Dash near the upper-left searches for and discovers applications and content.
• The indicator or system-menu area near the upper-right exposes status information and session controls.

Use the Unity Launcher

The Launcher is Unity's left-side application dock. Its icons provide direct access to pinned applications and to applications that are currently running.

1. Select an application icon to launch that application.
2. Select an icon for an already open application to bring its window to the front.
3. Look for the Launcher state or indicator associated with an icon to identify a running application.

Depending on the Unity configuration, the Launcher can also provide access to workspaces, mounted removable devices such as USB drives, and the Trash.

A workspace is a separate virtual desktop used to organize open windows. A removable device is storage media, such as a USB drive, that can appear after it is connected and mounted.

Search with the Dash

The Dash is Unity's search and discovery interface. It can locate applications and user content, including files, music, videos, and recently used items.

1. Open the Dash near the upper-left of the desktop.
2. Select the search field and type a descriptive term.
3. Review the results and identify the appropriate application or item.
4. Select the result to open it.

Example: find an image viewer

1. Open the Dash.
2. Search for an image-related term such as image or photos.
3. Find the image-viewing application in the results, such as Image Viewer.
4. Select the result to launch the application.

This workflow avoids searching through menus manually. A descriptive search term can find an application even when you do not remember which menu contains it.

Use System Indicators and Menus

The top-right area of a Unity desktop contains indicators and menus for common system and session functions. Open the relevant indicator to inspect its controls.

• Network: view the active connection and manage available wired or wireless connections.
• Keyboard layout: verify or change the active keyboard layout.
• Sound: view or adjust the output volume and related audio controls.
• Date and time: view the clock and, where permitted, access time and date settings.
• Session and power: lock the screen, log out, suspend, restart, or shut down.

For a safe, non-destructive practice task, open a top-right indicator, view the active network, or adjust the volume. If a control is not present in an indicator, open the system settings application and look for the corresponding category.

End a Session Safely

Use Ubuntu's power menu instead of abruptly removing power or closing a running virtual machine. A normal shutdown gives applications and the operating system time to save data and finish filesystem operations.

1. Open the system or session menu in the top-right area.
2. Choose the shutdown action.
3. Confirm the shutdown request in the dialog that appears.
4. Wait until Ubuntu has completely powered off.

When Ubuntu runs in a virtual machine, wait for the guest operating system to finish powering off before closing the host-side virtual machine window or using host controls to turn off the machine.

Unity and Current Ubuntu Interfaces

Unity terminology is release-specific. Newer Ubuntu installations commonly use a GNOME-based desktop, so you may not see a Dash or a left-side Unity Launcher.

If your current Ubuntu desktop has Activities, a dock, and a top bar instead of Unity's Dash and Launcher, use those comparable controls. The underlying tasks—starting applications, searching, adjusting settings, and shutting down—remain similar.

Troubleshooting

The password is rejected

Check the selected account first. Then verify the keyboard layout, check Caps Lock, and re-enter the password carefully. Symbols may be produced differently under another layout, and the password may not be the one you currently remember. If you cannot recall it, use an approved account-recovery procedure rather than repeatedly guessing.

The Dash or Launcher is missing

Your system may use a newer Ubuntu GNOME desktop or another desktop environment. Look for the application overview, dock, or top bar instead. Interface layouts vary by Ubuntu version.

A network, sound, keyboard, or clock control is missing

Open the top-right indicator area first. If the control is not there, open system settings and locate the relevant network, sound, keyboard, or date-and-time category. A release may place a control in a different location.

The virtual machine turns off too early

Start shutdown from inside Ubuntu, not from the host-side virtual machine controls. Wait until the guest operating system has fully stopped before closing the virtual machine window or powering off the host.

Exam-Relevant Notes

• The login screen selects an account and authenticates the user before the desktop session begins.
• The username is the account identifier; the display name is the friendly name shown to a person.
• Password input is hidden and is case-sensitive where applicable.
• In Unity, the Launcher starts and switches applications, the Dash searches, and indicators provide status and session controls.
• Shutdown powers off the system; restart boots it again, suspend uses low power, lock screen protects the session, and log out ends the session without powering off.
• Always wait for Ubuntu or the virtual machine guest to finish shutting down before removing power.