Welcome to Ubuntu 11.10
Ubuntu 11.10 features Unity, a completely reimagined user interface. Unity is designed to minimize distractions, give you more room to work, and help you get things done.
This guide is designed to answer your questions about using Unity and your Ubuntu desktop. First we will take a moment to look at some Unity's key features, and how you can use them.
Getting started with Unity

The Dash
The Ubuntu Button sits near the top left corner of the screen and is always the top item in the launcher. If you click the Ubuntu Button, Unity will present you with an additional feature of the desktop, the Dash.

The Dash is designed to make it easier to find, open and use applications, files, and music. For example, if you type the word "document" into the Search Bar, the Dash will show you applications that help you write and edit documents. It will also show you relevant folders and documents that you have been working on recently.
The Dash also gives you shortcuts to often-used Internet, photo, email, and music applications.
This is just the beginning of what the Dash can do for you. If you want to get the most out of the Dash, check out the Dash tips-and-tricks.
Further Reading
More About
- Overview of the desktop — An overview of the different parts of the desktop.
- Ubuntu Desktop Guide — Ubuntu Desktop Guide
See Also
- About this guide — A few tips about using the Ubuntu Desktop Guide.