Instant Ubuntu

Christer Edwards

• Publisher: Packt Publishing
• Year: 2013
• eBook ISBN: 9781783280872
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Computer Science
• Subtopic: Desktop Applications
• Index: Computer Science

In Detail

Ubuntu is widely considered the worlds' most popular Linux distribution. Focusing on simplicity and ease of use, it provides an intuitive desktop environment suitable even for the novice user. Built by a worldwide team of developers, Ubuntu provides a welcoming approach to software.

"Instant Ubuntu" will guide you through the steps required to begin using the Ubuntu Linux distribution on your desktop or laptop. This book provides a guided tour of the installation, followed by an overview of the desktop environment, and an introduction to all of the top applications.

Starting out with detailed instructions on the installation, this book will walk you step-by-step through the basics of getting started. Once you're up and running, you'll be given a full tour of the Ubuntu Dash and Launcher, followed by an outline of the top applications and features.

Approach

Get to grips with a new technology, understand what it is and what it can do for you, and then get to work with the most important features and tasks. This title is a step-by-step guide to installing and using Ubuntu easily and quickly.

Who this book is for

If you are interested in exploring what Ubuntu Linux has to offer, this is the book for you."Instant Ubuntu" is written from the standpoint of a beginner. All you need to get started with this book is a very basic understanding of computing, such as the ability to burn a DVD and navigate the Internet.

Instant Ubuntu

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Instant Ubuntu

Copyright © 2013 Packt Publishing

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embedded in critical articles or reviews.

Every effort has been made in the preparation of this book to ensure the accuracy of the information presented. However, the information contained in this book is sold without warranty, either express or implied. Neither the author, nor Packt Publishing, and its dealers and distributors will be held liable for any damages caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this book.

Packt Publishing has endeavored to provide trademark information about all of the companies and products mentioned in this book by the appropriate use of capitals. However, Packt Publishing cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.

First published: September 2013

Production Reference: 1230913

Published by Packt Publishing Ltd.

Livery Place

35 Livery Street

Birmingham B3 2PB, UK.

ISBN 978-1-78328-087-2

www.packtpub.com

Credits

Author

Christer Edwards

Reviewer

Goldin Evgeny

Acquisition Editors

Erol Staveley

Pramila Balan

Commissioning Editor

Poonam Jain

Technical Editor

Kapil Hemnani

Project Coordinator

Sherin Padayatty

Proofreader

Elinor Perry-Smith

Production Coordinator

Manu Joseph

Cover Work

Manu Joseph

Cover Image

Aditi Gajjar

About the Author

Christer Edwards began his career as a professional Linux instructor and avid technical blogger, publishing regular tutorials on using and improving Ubuntu systems. His love for teaching soon led him to a part- time instructor position at the University of Utah, where he has taught a variety of topics. In his day job, he currently works as a System Administrator for a large international company maintaining thousands of servers worldwide. He currently lives in Utah, where he enjoys exploring the outdoors.

I'd like to thank Casandra for her support in writing this book.

About the Reviewer

Goldin Evgeny is a veteran Java developer, starting with JVM bytecode instrumentation at IBM, and going all the way through enterprise application and web development at BMC and Thomson Reuters. He currently works as a build, automation, and release engineer.

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Chapter 1. Instant Ubuntu

Welcome to Instant Ubuntu. This book has been especially created to provide you with all the information that you need to set up Ubuntu. You will learn the basics of Ubuntu, get started using your new desktop, and discover some tips and tricks for using your new system.

This document contains the following sections:

• So, what is Ubuntu? helps you find out what Ubuntu actually is, what you can do with it, and why it's so great.
• Installation helps you learn how to download and install Ubuntu with the minimum fuss and then, set it up so that you can use it as soon as possible.
• Quick start – desktop tour will give you a tour of the Ubuntu desktop and quickly show you where you can find the tools you need.
• Top 10 features you need to know about helps you discover much of the software Ubuntu provides and learn how to use it. By the end of this section, you'll be able to get online, work with documents, and even play games!
• People and places you should get to know provides you with many useful links to the project page and forums, as well as a number of helpful articles, tutorials, blogs, and the Twitter feeds of Ubuntu super-contributors.

So, what is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is a free, open source operating system available for use on desktops, laptops, and servers. Since its initial release in 2004, Ubuntu has quickly become one of the most popular and widely used desktop Linux distributions in the world. Spend just a little time with Ubuntu and you'll discover why it is so widely adopted, and why its users are so passionate about using and sharing it.

At its core, Ubuntu is founded on the open source ideals of software freedom and accessibility. These fundamental principles are enshrined in the Ubuntu philosophy,

"We believe that every computer user":

• Should have the freedom to download, run, copy, distribute, study, share, change, and improve their software for any purpose, without paying licensing fees
• Should be able to use their software in the language of their choice
• Should be able to use all software regardless of disability

Ubuntu follows these principles by distributing only free software and allows users to improve upon the software as they see it. This development model has allowed Ubuntu to grow by leaps and bounds in a short time. With new versions released twice each year, Ubuntu rapidly improves and refines all of its included software.

Every Ubuntu installation provides all the tools you need to be productive online or off. Whether it's web browsing and e-mail, or spreadsheets and presentations, Ubuntu provides a full suite of software out of the box.

• Web browsing: Ubuntu provides the award-winning Firefox web browser for secure and fast web browsing. Google Chrome and other free browsers are also available.
• Social and e-mail: Ubuntu makes communication with family and friends simple. With e-mail, instant messaging, microblogging, and video chat support available.
• Productivity: LibreOffice is an easy to use ...

Table of contents

• Instant Ubuntu