The University's Linux Desktop is designed for use on some Computer Science courses and not as an an alternative to the University Windows Desktop. While the Linux desktop will work for some general computing uses, word processing, web browsing etc. unlike the University Windows 7 Desktop it isn't possible to install additional software. If you can't find the software you need on Linux Desktop you should use the University Windows Desktop.

If you are using Linux Desktop as part of a Computer Science course please contact................... for help and support.

Otherwise please contact the IT Service Desk: it-servicedesk@sheffield.ac.uk

To sign in to the Linux Desktop simply use your normal University username and password

You can find and access software applications from the main Unity menu using the search option.

• Either browse application categories to find the application you want
• Or if you know the name of the application, simply start typing and it will appear.

Please note: unlike the University Windows 7 Desktop it isn't possible to install additional software

When using the Linux Desktop you should save your work to your University Filestore. The Linux Desktop uses a minimal home directory, primarily intended for storing dotfiles.This will mean you can access those files from the Windows University Desktop and from UniDrive.

To save your work to your University Filestore take the following steps:

1. Double-click the U-drive icon on your desktop and follow the prompts to get your U drive storage connected
2. From your application select the Save as option
3. When the Save dialogue box appears, click your username to ensure that you’re in your home directory then double-click the Windows folder. You will then be taken to your U drive storage and can choose where to save.

If you got here by accident, just reboot the workstation and either select Windows from the menu or wait and the workstation will boot into the University of Sheffield Windows Desktop.