Beginning Ubuntu for Windows and Mac Users

Book description

Beginning Ubuntu for Windows and Mac Users is your comprehensive guide to using Ubuntu. You already know how to use a computer running Windows or OS X, but learning a new operating system can feel daunting. If you've been afraid to try Ubuntu because you don't know where to start, this book will show you how to get the most out of Ubuntu for work, home, and play. You'll be introduced to a wide selection of software and settings that will make your computer ready to work for you.

Ubuntu makes your computing life easy. Ubuntu's Software Updater keeps all of your software secure and up-to-date. Browsing the Internet becomes faster and safer. Creating documents and sharing with others is built right in. Enjoying your music and movie libraries helps you unwind.

Ubuntu is the world’s third most popular operating system and powers desktop and laptop computers, servers, private and public clouds, phones and tablets, and embedded devices. There's never been a better time to install Ubuntu and move to an open source way of life. Get started with Beginning Ubuntu for Windows and Mac Users today!

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title
  3. Copyright
  4. Dedication
  5. Contents at a Glance
  6. Contents
  7. About the Author
  8. About the Technical Reviewer
  9. Acknowledgments
  10. Introduction
  11. Chapter 1: Installing Ubuntu
    1. Preparing to Install Ubuntu
      1. System Requirements
      2. Creating an Ubuntu DVD
      3. Creating a Bootable Ubuntu USB Drive
      4. Booting into Ubuntu
    2. Installing Ubuntu
      1. Beginning the Install
      2. Setting Regional Settings
      3. Creating the Primary User Account
    3. Install Proprietary Graphics and Network Drivers
      1. Manually Install AMD Graphics Drivers
      2. Manually Install Nvidia Graphics Drivers
    4. Additional Ubuntu Flavors
    5. Installing Kubuntu
      1. System Requirements
      2. Preparing to Install Kubuntu
      3. Using Kubuntu
    6. Installing Xubuntu
      1. System Requirements
      2. Preparing to Install Xubuntu
      3. Using Xubuntu
    7. Installing Lubuntu
      1. System Requirements
      2. Preparing to Install Lubuntu
      3. Using Lubuntu
    8. Installing Ubuntu GNOME
      1. System Requirements
      2. Preparing to Install Ubuntu GNOME
      3. Using Ubuntu GNOME
    9. Installing Ubuntu Server
      1. System Requirements
      2. Installing Ubuntu Server
      3. Using Ubuntu Server
    10. Installing a Minimal Ubuntu System
      1. System Requirements
      2. Installing a Minimal System
      3. Using a Minimal Ubuntu System
    11. Multiple Operating Systems
      1. Dual-Boot with Ubuntu and Windows
      2. Dual-Boot with Ubuntu and OS X
    12. Summary
  12. Chapter 2: Getting Started with Ubuntu
    1. Ubuntu Desktop
      1. Unity Launcher
      2. Unity Dash
      3. Unity Menu Bar and Indicators
      4. Unity HUD
      5. Managing Windows
    2. Installing and Updating Software
      1. Ubuntu Software Center
      2. Updating Ubuntu
      3. Upgrading Ubuntu
    3. Managing User Accounts
      1. Guest Access
    4. Finding Things in Ubuntu Instead of Windows
    5. Finding Things in Ubuntu Instead of OS X
    6. Connecting to a Windows Desktop Remotely
    7. Running Windows Applications
    8. Connecting to Windows Shared Folders and Printers
    9. Sharing Files and Printers with Other Computers
      1. Sharing Printers between Computers
    10. Sharing Office Documents with Others
    11. Sharing Photos and Graphics with Others
    12. Formatting Disks to Work with Other Operating Systems
    13. Summary
  13. Chapter 3: Productivity at Home and Work
    1. Writing Documents without Distractions Using FocusWriter
    2. Managing your Personal Finances Using HomeBank
    3. Managing Your Professional Email, Contacts, and Calendar Using Evolution
    4. Managing Your Calendar with Thunderbird Using Lightning
    5. Integrating Your Online Accounts with Ubuntu
    6. Chatting Online with Friends
    7. Organizing Your Thoughts with Mind-Mapping Software Using Freemind
    8. Personal Wiki Note Taking Software Using Tomboy
    9. Installing Additional Language Support
      1. Configuring Language Support
      2. Configuring Your Text Entry Settings
      3. Adjusting Keyboard Settings
      4. Installing Language Fonts
    10. Keeping Track of Your Personal Time Management Using Hamster
    11. Organizing Collections of Books, Movies, Games, and More Using Tellico
    12. Managing your Ebook Library Using Calibre
    13. Printing Labels and Cards Using gLabels
    14. Backing Up and Restoring Personal Files Using Déjà Dup
      1. Restoring Files
    15. Capturing Screenshots and Recording Your Desktop Using GNOME Screenshot and Kazam
      1. GNOME Screenshot
      2. Kazam
    16. Summary
  14. Chapter 4: Enjoying Media and Other Entertainment
    1. Play DVDs and Media Files
    2. Organize Your CD and Digital Music Collection Using Rhythmbox
      1. Copy Audio CDs to Your Computer
      2. Listen to Podcasts
    3. Back Up and Create Music CDs Using Brasero
      1. Backing Up a Music CD
      2. Burning a Disc Image to Blank Media
      3. Creating a Music CD
    4. Create Video DVDs Using DeVeDe
    5. Organize and Edit Your Photos Using Shotwell
      1. Importing Photos
      2. Managing Events
      3. Working with Photos
      4. Editing Photos
      5. Sharing Photos
      6. Advanced Photo Editing Using GIMP and Darktable
    6. Record and Process Audio Using Audacity
    7. Play MIDI Files
    8. Explore the Universe Using Stellarium
    9. Play Legacy PC Games
      1. Purchase Legacy Games from GOG.com
      2. Run DOS Games and Software Using DOSBox
      3. Play Adventure Games Using ScummVM
    10. Play Commercial Games Using Steam
    11. Summary
  15. Chapter 5: Command-Line Tricks and Applications
    1. Introduction to the Command Line
      1. Accessing the Command Line
      2. The Ubuntu Command Line
      3. Working with Files and Directories (Folders)
      4. Running Commands
      5. Redirecting Output
    2. See What’s Running on Your Computer
    3. Multitask on the Command Line
    4. Diagnose a Connection to a Server
    5. View Information about the Operating System
      1. Determine Your Distribution and Version
      2. Determine your Architecture and Kernel Version
    6. Add New Users via Command Line
    7. Check Your Disk Space
    8. Edit Text Files
    9. Read Email
    10. Browse the Web
    11. IRC
      1. Connecting to a Server
      2. IRC Etiquette
    12. Play Text-Based Games
    13. Summary
  16. Chapter 6: Power User Tools
    1. Managing Running Processes
    2. Managing Disks and Thumb Drives
    3. Using Multiple Workspaces
    4. Installing Alternate Desktop Environments
    5. Installing Software from the Command Line
      1. Understanding Ubuntu’s Software Collection
      2. Keeping Software Up to Date
      3. Searching for Software
      4. Installing New Software
      5. Removing Software
    6. Expand Your Software Options
    7. Creating Application Launchers for Programs
    8. Working with Virtual Machines
      1. Creating a Virtual Machine
      2. Running Your Virtual Machine
      3. Installing Guest Additions
      4. Recommended Uses
    9. Summary
  17. Appendix A: Ubuntu Releases
    1. Release Schedule
    2. Long-Term Support
    3. List of Ubuntu Releases
  18. Appendix B: The Future of Ubuntu
    1. Phones
    2. Snappy
    3. Ubuntu Personal
    4. Summary
  19. Index

Product information

  • Title: Beginning Ubuntu for Windows and Mac Users
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: September 2015
  • Publisher(s): Apress
  • ISBN: 9781484206089