2. Applications

2.1. File Manager

Two file managers are included - Thunar and Nemo.

2.1.1. Thunar

Thunar is the default file manager for Xfce desktop. It is configured for casual use.

2.1.2. Nemo

Nemo is included as an alternative for Thunar, and is configured for advanced use.

• Dual-pane list view

• Hidden files are visible

• Extra columns are displayed for owner, group and permissions

• Double-click empty area to go to parent folder

• Executable text files will be opened in text editor instead of prompting the user

Some additional shortcuts are enabled for convenience.

• Press F4 to open the current folder in a terminal window

• Press <Shift>F4 to open the current folder in the drop-down terminal window

• Press <Shift><Ctrl>C to copy selected items to opposite panel.

• Press <Shift><Ctrl>X to move selected items to opposite panel.

2.2. Terminal

2.2.1. Terminator

Terminator is the default terminal emulator. It integrates nicely with Xfce desktop and will open in full-screen mode by default.

• Use the F12 key to show or hide the Terminator window

Tip

When using Nemo, press F4 to open the current folder in Terminator

2.2.2. Xfce4 Terminal

Press the F1 key to toggle Xfce4 terminal in drop-down mode. The drop-down terminal always runs in the background and will hide when it loses focus.

Tip

When using Nemo, press <Shift>F4 to open the current folder in the drop-down terminal window.

2.3. Software Support

2.3.1. Snap Package Support

Snap packages are disabled by default. To enable or disable Snap package support, run the following commands in a terminal window.

Enable:

sudo apt-mark unhold snapd
sudo apt install -y snapd

Disable:

sudo apt autoremove --purge -y snapd
sudo apt-mark hold snapd

Snap packages can be installed from snapcraft.io

2.3.2. Flatpak Package Support

Flatpak packages are disabled by default. To enable or disable Flatpak package support, run the following commands in a terminal window.

Enable:

sudo apt-mark unhold flatpak
sudo apt install -y flatpak
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Disable:

sudo apt autoremove --purge -y flatpak
sudo apt-mark hold flatpak

Flatpaks can be installed from Flathub.com

2.3.3. AppImage Support

AppImageLauncher is pre-installed for running and integrating AppImages with the system.

Opening AppImage files from the file manager or web browser will display a prompt to either Run once, or to Integrate the AppImage.

Selecting Integrate and run will move the AppImage file into the directory ~/.appimage. A launcher will be added to the Application menu.

To remove the AppImage file, delete it from ~/.appimage. You can also right-click the launcher in the Application menu and select the option Remove AppImage from system.

2.3.4. Deb-Get

Deb-Get is included for installing software not available in Ubuntu’s repositories. For example, to install Google Chrome and some popular software run the following commands in a terminal:

sudo deb-get install google-chrome-stable
sudo deb-get install vivaldi-stable
sudo deb-get install microsoft-edge-stable
sudo deb-get install opera-stable
sudo deb-get install balena-etcher-electron
sudo deb-get install spotify-client
sudo deb-get install skypeforlinux
sudo deb-get install webex
sudo deb-get install zoom

2.3.5. Nala

Nala is a frontend for apt that can be used as a replacement for the apt and apt-get commands. Nala is included for installing packages from the command line.