If you are just coming to Ubuntu from Apple, it can be a little confusing where everything is. Some software will have the same names, while some tasks need different software. Generally, all operating systems accomplish the same functions: running programs, managing files, installing software, watching funny cat videos, sending email, and low-level functions, such as networking, keyboard input, and displaying images.

Ubuntu, included software, and Ubuntu’s default desktop environment, GNOME Shell, will handle most needs. Additional software can be installed, and the desktop environment can be changed to make the experience quite different. We will go through some of the most common operating system tasks, and show where they are located in GNOME Shell.

Running And Managing Programs

GNOME Shell defaults to having its launcher on the left side of the screen. GNOME Shell’s launcher handles programs nearly identical to Apple’s dock. To run a program, click on it. To run a program not in the launcher, search for it, and then right-click on the program to keep in launcher. And to see if programs are open, look for the arrows around the icon.

If the GNOME desktop environment isn’t for you, it can be changed easily. Please see this article for how to change desktop environments:

Desktop Environment

Installing Software

Ubuntu comes with a full featured GNOME Software to search for new software, games, programs, and other applications for your computer.

Workspaces And Window Management

Ubuntu has Workspaces and they are dynamically created which means more can be created when needed. Each workspace can be switched to, and windows can be moved between workspaces.

Finding Programs And Files

Ubuntu has a Dash much like Apple’s Spotlight search. If you press the Super key all graphical software and files can be searched for easily.

File Management

The file managers are largely the same. Each file manager starts with a standard set of shortcuts, and additional shortcuts can be added by dragging a folder to the left panel. The way files are shown is customizable in both operating systems. In Ubuntu, there is an “Applications” folder that contains shortcuts to all GUI applications on your computer. Navigate to /usr/share/applications and drag the folder to the left panel to have a list of currently installed programs readily available.

Cloud Storage

Dropbox and Mega.nz currently have desktop integrations for Ubuntu, while Google Drive and Box.com currently do not. All four major cloud storage solutions can be accessed from a web browser in Ubuntu.

Watching Videos

The open source video player, VLC, can be downloaded for both Apple and Ubuntu, and will play just about anything. Ubuntu doesn’t come with proprietary decoders for DVDs and some audio, but they can be installed with ease.

Please see this article for steps to install software for DVD playback:

Codecs

Networking

Networking is adjusted in very similar ways. A drop-down menu in the top right allows for picking WiFi access points and changing network access. There are also system settings to configure more advanced networking, including VPN, Proxy, DNS settings, and more.

Web Browsing

Ubuntu comes with Firefox by default. Most major web browsers are universally available and look nearly identical between operating systems. Safari is an Apple only web browser, and is not available in Ubuntu.

Emailing

Ubuntu comes with Thunderbird as its default email program. It has similar functionality to Apple’s Mail program, and is highly configurable with plugins. A calendar can be added, address books can be synced, and the look and feel can be customized. The plugins Lightning, Thunderbird Conversations, and GContactSync, are a few of the common ones installed. Evolution is another free E-mail client that looks and feels like Apple’s Mail program.

Communicating With Friends/Co-workers

Many communication programs are available for both operating systems. Skype, Slack, Google Hangouts, Hip Chat, and others are available on Ubuntu. There is also a program called Pidgin included with Ubuntu to connect to IRC, AOL IM, and many others, all within the same program.

Working With Images

Ubuntu has several powerful image manipulation programs. Gimp, darktable, and Inkscape will do what Adobe products can. Plus, they are free, which is a huge bonus. Adobe products don’t currently run on Ubuntu, but there are plenty of replacement software options.

Document Editing

Libre Office is included by default in Ubuntu, and is very similar to Open Office. There is a bit of a learning curve if coming from Microsoft programs, but the functionality is the same. Libre Office will open and save documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in Microsoft formats. Documents saved in the open document format will translate better both directions than the proprietary format, but the issues are fewer and fewer over time.

Managing Music

Spotify is fully supported in the Ubuntu operating system, along with other web based players such as Pandora and Google Music. Ubuntu also comes with Rhythmbox which is a replacement for Apple iTunes, and Clementine is another open source, cross platform tool that provides an awesome music library experience. Although iTunes doesn’t run on Ubuntu, music libraries can be moved. Several programs are available for music editing, mixing, and DJ-ing as well, including Audacity, Mixxx, and Ardour.

Playing Games

Steam on Ubuntu is gaining more and more games in its library every day. Many popular games can be found in the Steam program, including several you won’t find anywhere else. It may not have every top game, but there is no shortage of entertainment to be found! The Ubuntu Software Center also has a collection of free games for every level of gamer.

Installing Steam

Writing Software

Anyone familiar with writing software on a Mac will be at home with writing software on Ubuntu. Atom, Sublime, and other editors are available for both systems. Compilers can be used directly, and many web applications including Apache can be run natively in Ubuntu, without the need for Virtual Machines.

Working In The Terminal

If you are used to an Apple terminal, Ubuntu’s terminal will feel right at home. The brew package manager quickly translates to the apt package manager, and many commands are the same or only slightly different.