System Tools

Applications found under Applications->System Tools are useful for performing various system related tasks .

Add Remove Programs

Add Remove Programs Main Window

The Add Remove Programs application is a simple, easy-to-use tool that enables users to install new programs and remove already installed programs to and from the system.

Bug Report Tool

Bug Report Tool Main Window

The Bug Report Tool is for telling the Ubuntu team about problems you have with the software.

Configuration Editor

Configuration Editor Main Window

The Configuration Editor application allows users to modify their preferences for the entire GNOME Desktop and any applications which use GConf (GConf is the GNOME equivalent of the Windows Registry.) Additionally, system administrators can use Configuration Editor to set default and mandatory settings which will affect all users.

[Caution]

Configuration Editor is intended for system administrators and experienced users only. Changes made using this tool may cause undesirable side effects.

New users of Ubuntu should use the applications provided in the System Menu to make any changes to the system.

File Browser

File Browser Main Window

The Nautilus file manager provides an integrated access point to your files and applications. You can use the file manager to do the following:

  • Create folders and documents.

  • Display your files and folders.

  • Manage your files and folders.

  • Run scripts.

  • Customize your files and folders.

  • Open special URI locations.

  • Write data to a CD.

You can access your files and folders in the following ways:

  • Browse your files and folders

    The file browser window enables you to navigate between folders by changing the current location of the file manager within a file browser window.

  • Navigate your files and folders as objects

    The file manager can also represent your files and folders as individual objects. Each file or folder is displayed in an individual file object window. When you open files or folders from file object windows, each file or folder opens a new window.

Nautilus also manages the desktop. The desktop lies behind all of the other components on your visible desktop. The desktop is an active component of the user interface.

Floppy Formatter

Floppy Formatter Main Window

The Floppy Formatter prepares floppy disks for use with either the Linux file system or with the Windows file system.

[Caution]

Formatting will permanently delete all existing data on the disk. Use with care.

Network Tools

Network Tools Main Window

The GNOME Network Tool provides a graphical interface to some common command-line network tools.

New Login

The New Login option enables you to login to the system using another user account without logging out from the current session. When you logout from the new session you will automatically be returned to the first session.

In GNU/Linux this is known as using 'Virtual Consoles.' GNU/Linux has several virtual consoles. Each console may run in console mode (command line interface) or graphics mode. It is possible to toggle back and forth between virtual consoles. When changing between command line consoles, use the Alt-Function key combination. When changing between graphic mode consoles, use the Ctrl-Alt-Function key combination.

Therefore, in order to switch between your first session and the new session, press Ctrl-Alt-F7 to return to the original session still running in the background. To switch back to the new session press Ctrl-Alt-F8.

Root Terminal

Root Terminal Main Window

The Root Terminal provides a Command Line Interface (CLI) for the root user.

[Caution]

The Root Terminal is intended for system administrators and experienced users only. Changes made using this tool may cause undesirable side effects.

New users of Ubuntu should use the applications provided in the System Menu to make any changes to the system.

Run as different user

Run as different user Main Window

Sometimes applications need to be run with sudo as they require access to parts of the computer that you don't have access to. Other examples include some database systems which require that a user account be created especially for the purpose of administration. The database administrative account should not be run as root for security reasons. So, a special account is opened with special rights for administrating the database only.

In such cases you may need to run certain applications using the user properties of the account setup for the special purpose. This is where the Run as different user option is very handy. It enables you to run a specific application as another user without having to log out or start a new session.

System Log

System Log Main Window

The System Log option runs the System Log Viewer, an application that enables you to open, inspect and monitor files created by the logging system. On Ubuntu the System Log Viewer is run as your current user. Log files are generally located under /var/log/.

System Monitor

System Monitor Main Window

The System Monitor application enables you to monitor system processes and usage of system resources. It provides detailed information about individual processes, and enables you to control active processes. It also has a graphic display of the current use of CPU time, memory and swap space, and disk space on each device.

Terminal

Terminal Main Window

The GNOME Terminal starts a shell terminal session. This is your command line interface (CLI). The default shell is the Bourne Again Shell (Bash), a command line interpreter, it accepts and executes commands entered at the prompt.