Please see this article for how to change desktop environments: If the GNOME desktop environment isn't for you, it can be changed easily. And to see if programs are open, look for the arrows around the icon. To run a program not in the launcher, search for it, and then right-click on the program to keep in launcher. GNOME Shell's launcher handles programs nearly identical to Apple's dock. GNOME Shell defaults to having its launcher on the left side of the screen. We will go through some of the most common operating system tasks, and show where they are located in GNOME Shell. Additional software can be installed, and the desktop environment can be changed to make the experience quite different. Ubuntu, included software, and Ubuntu's default desktop environment, GNOME Shell, will handle most needs. Generally, all operating systems accomplish the same functions: running programs, managing files, installing software, watching funny cat videos, sending email, and low-level functions, such as networking, keyboard input, and displaying images.

Some software will have the same names, while some tasks need different software. If you are just coming to Ubuntu from Apple, it can be a little confusing where everything is.

Open on ubuntu vs mac