The Ubuntu 10.10 Desktop Handbook covers the Ubuntu 10.10 (Maverick Meerkat) release. The emphasis here is on what users will face when using Ubuntu, covering topics like installation, applications, software management, the GNOME and KDE4 desktops, shell commands, network connections, and system administration tasks. Ubuntu 10.10 introduces several new features, as well as numerous smaller modifications. It is a short-term support release. Changes include refinements to the Ubuntu Software Center, Ubuntu One setup and configuration, a new photo manager called Shotwell, a new installation interface and procedure, the incorporation of playback controls into the volume control applet, and the new Unity interface for the notebook edition. Office, multimedia, mail, and Web applications are reviewed. Desktops are examined in detail. Though administrative topics are covered, the emphasis is on what a user would need to know to perform tasks. Certain key tools are covered in detail like Network Manager, which supports both wireless 3G and Ethernet connections, the Ubuntu Software Center for easy software selection and installation, and the Ubuntu One synchronization and sharing service along with the Ubuntu Music service. Gufw provides a user interface for managing the ufw firewall, the default firewall. Advanced components of Ubuntu 10.10 are also examined such as the GRUB 2 boot loader, Computer Janitor for removing unused software, PulseAudio sound configuration, and Disk Utility (Udisks) for storage device configuration and information (SMART).