🐧 Lecture 2: Linux Desktop (GUI) and User Management

This lecture explores the components of the Ubuntu graphical user interface (GUI) and introduces the different types of users in Linux, focusing on how to manage them via the GUI.

The Ubuntu Desktop Interface

The Ubuntu desktop is composed of several key areas:

1. Top Bar:
   • Activities: A button in the top-left corner that, when clicked, allows you to access all your open windows and applications.
   • Clock & Calendar: Located in the center. Clicking it shows the current date, a calendar, and a list of appointments and notifications.
   • System Information Menu: Located in the top-right. This menu provides quick access to network connections (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, battery status, sound volume, system preferences (Settings), and the Power Off/Log Out options.
2. The Dash (Side Bar):
   • This is the vertical bar on the left side that holds program icons.
   • Icons can be added, removed, or reordered.
   • It includes the Files/Folders icon (to access directories and devices like USBs) and the Shopping Bag icon (to download new software).

Types of Users

Linux has three main types of users, each with different permissions:

• Normal User: Has limited permissions and cannot make significant system changes.
• Privileged User: A user who can use the sudo command to temporarily gain root privileges for specific tasks.
• Root User: The administrator account that has all privileges and can make any system change.

Managing Users via GUI

You can create, delete, and manage users graphically:

1. Access Settings: Click the System Information menu (top-right) and select Settings.
2. Open User Panel: In the Settings window, scroll down and click Users.
3. Unlock: You must click the Unlock button (top-right) and enter the administrator password to make changes.
4. Add User: Click the Add User... button.
5. Set Account Type: You can choose between:
   • Standard: A limited account (Normal user).
   • Administrator: A privileged account.
6. Set Details: Fill in the user's Full Name and Username.
7. Set Password: You can choose to "Allow user to set a password when they next login" or "Set a password now". You can also click the gear icon to generate a random password.
8. Finish: Click Add to create the account.

You can also click on an existing user (after unlocking) to modify their settings, such as changing their name, switching their account type, changing their language, enabling/disabling automatic login, or clicking Remove User... to delete them.