Question: There is not an `Edit | Preferences` option. How do I get the files to display in a list view with details, and not as icons?

Answer: 
Open your file manager then move your mouse to the left of the top panel
and select 'View' then 'List' (near the bottom) or try CTRL+2.
In 13.04 "Raring Ringtail":

1. Open "Files" or just some folder like Documents, Music etc.
2. Move your mouse pointer to the top - left corner and click on Files -> Preferences. Or the new **smart way**: Press the `ALT` key (do not hold it, just press for less than one second) to open [HUD](https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Unity/HUD) and start typing *Preferences*, select it and press `ENTER`.
3. In the *Views* tab, set *View new folders using* to *List View*. Optional: For small screens I like to set the default zoom level for list view to 33%.
4. Close all folder windows and reopen them. Everything should be fine now.