Beginning Ubuntu Linux, Fifth Edition

Beginning Ubuntu Linux, Fifth Edition

Released October 2010
Publisher(s): Apress
ISBN: 9781430230397

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Book description

Ubuntu Linux is the fastest growing Linux-based operating system, and Beginning Ubuntu Linux, Fifth Edition teaches all of us—including those who have never used Linux—how to use it productively, whether you come from Windows or the Mac or the world of open source.

Beginning Ubuntu Linux, Fifth Edition shows you how to take advantage of the newest Ubuntu release, Lucid Lynx. Based on the best-selling previous edition, Emilio Raggi maintains a fine balance between teaching Ubuntu and introducing new features. Whether you aim to use it in the home or in the office, you'll be introduced to the complete world of Ubuntu Linux, from simple word processing to using Cloud services. You'll learn how to control the Ubuntu system which you just installed from the Book DVD as you are guided through common tasks such as configuring the system GUI, listening to audio CDs and MP3s, producing documents, using VOIP and chat, and of course general system maintenance.

This book also supplies a series of comprehensive tutorials on Ubuntu administration and security—essential for any Ubuntu user—while not neglecting matters pertaining to office applications and the Cloud.

What you'll learn

  • Use Ubuntu as a daily desktop on your laptop or PC

  • Complete office tasks, such as creating Microsoft Office–compatible documents and spreadsheets, using e–mail, and managing contacts

  • Listen to MP3s, manage pictures and CDs, and watch movies using a user–friendly Linux desktop

  • Configure Ubuntu’s printer– and file–sharing features to share resources seamlessly with other computers on your network

  • Administer and secure your Ubuntu machine

    •

    Table of contents

    1. Title Page
    2. Dedication
    3. Contents
    4. About the Authors
    5. About the Technical Reviewers
    6. Introduction
      1. What You'll Find in This Book
      2. What's New in the Fifth Edition
      3. About the DVD-ROM Supplied with This Book
      4. Conventions Used in This Book
    7. PART 1: Introducing the World of Linux
      1. CHAPTER 1: Meet Ubuntu Linux
        1. What Is Ubuntu Linux Anyway?
        2. The Ubuntu Linux Experience
        3. Praise for Ubuntu Linux
        4. Summary
      2. CHAPTER 2: GNU “slash” Linux
        1. UNIX
        2. The Rise of the IBM PC… and of Microsoft
        3. RMS on Free Software
        4. Copyleft
        5. The Quest for a UNIX-like Operating System
        6. Linus Torvalds and His Little Project
        7. GNU “slash” Linux
        8. The Linux Diaspora
        9. Open Source
        10. The South African Factor
        11. The Year of the Linux Desktop
        12. Summary
    8. PART 2: Installing Ubuntu
      1. CHAPTER 3: Pre-installation Steps
        1. Understanding Partitioning
        2. Freeing Up Space
        3. Backing Up Your Data
        4. Summary
      2. CHAPTER 4: Installing Ubuntu
        1. An Overview of the Installation Process
        2. A Stage-by-Stage Installation Guide
        3. Summary
      3. CHAPTER 5: Solving Installation Problems
        1. A. Preinstallation Problems
        2. B. Installation Problems
        3. C. Postinstallation Problems
        4. Graphical Problems
        5. Summary
    9. PART 3: The No-Nonsense Getting Started Guide
      1. CHAPTER 6: Booting Ubuntu for the First Time
        1. Starting Up
        2. Logging In
        3. Exploring the Desktop
        4. Running Programs
        5. Working with Virtual Desktops
        6. Using the Mouse
        7. Cutting and Pasting Text
        8. Summary
      2. CHAPTER 7: Getting Everything Up and Running
        1. Will Ubuntu Support My Hardware?
        2. Configuring Ubuntu
        3. Configuring Input Devices
        4. Getting Online
        5. Adding a Printer
        6. Using Digital Cameras, MP3 Players, and USB Memory Sticks
        7. Configuring a Scanner
        8. Installing 3D Drivers and Activating Desktop Visual Effects
        9. Configuring Bluetooth
        10. Configuring Sound Cards
        11. Using Power-Management Preferences
        12. Summary
      3. CHAPTER 8: How to Secure Your Computer
        1. Windows Security vs. Linux Security
        2. Root and Ordinary Users
        3. Encryption
        4. Commonsense Security
        5. Online Updates
        6. Configuring the Ubuntu Firewall
        7. Adding Virus Scanning to Ubuntu
        8. Summary
      4. CHAPTER 9: Personalizing Ubuntu: Getting Everything Just Right
        1. Changing the Look and Feel
        2. Adding and Removing Desktop Items
        3. Summary
      5. CHAPTER 10: Managing Your Data
        1. Using Nautilus
        2. Understanding File System Concepts
        3. Real Files and Virtual Files
        4. Working with Disks and Volumes
        5. Advanced File Operations
        6. Summary
    10. PART 4: Working and Playing with Ubuntu
      1. CHAPTER 11: A World of Applications
        1. Available Software
        2. A Quick Start with Common Ubuntu Programs
        3. Other Handy Applications
        4. Summary
      2. CHAPTER 12: Working with Text Files
        1. Text: A History Lesson
        2. Working with Text Files
        3. Summary
      3. CHAPTER 13: Making the Move to OpenOffice.org
        1. Similarities to Microsoft Office
        2. OpenOffice.org Key Features
        3. File Compatibility
        4. The Right Fonts
        5. Introducing the Interface
        6. Customizing the Interface
        7. Using OpenOffice.org Core Functions
        8. Beginning OpenOffice.org Applications
        9. Summary
      4. CHAPTER 14: Communicating with Others
        1. Introducing Evolution
        2. Basic E-Mail Tasks
        3. Advanced E-Mail Tasks
        4. Contacts
        5. Calendars
        6. Additional Calendars
        7. Memos and Tasks
        8. Configuring Instant Messaging
        9. Installing Skype
        10. Ekiga
        11. Summary
      5. CHAPTER 15: Social Networks and Cloud Computing
        1. Social Networking Applications
        2. Cloud-Based Services
        3. Summary
      6. CHAPTER 16: Digital Audio
        1. Issues Surrounding Multimedia Playback
        2. Playing Audio Files
        3. Purchasing from Online Music Stores
        4. Tuning In to Online Radio Stations
        5. Listening to Podcasts
        6. Creating Your Own CDs
        7. Recording from a Microphone
        8. Summary
      7. CHAPTER 17: Movies and Multimedia
        1. Installing Playback Software
        2. Watching Movies
        3. Watching DVDs
        4. Watching TV
        5. Summary
      8. CHAPTER 18: Digital Photos
        1. Downloading and Cataloging Images
        2. Using GIMP for Image Editing
        3. Summary
      9. CHAPTER 19: Playing Games
        1. Linux Games
        2. Adobe Flash and Web-based Gaming
        3. Installing Windows Games
        4. Summary
    11. PART 5: Keeping Your System Running
      1. CHAPTER 20: Installing and Removing Software
        1. Using the Ubuntu Software Center
        2. Software Installation Basics
        3. Advanced Application Management
        4. Managing Ubuntu Software Options
        5. Adding Software Sources
        6. Managing Software Updates
        7. The Synaptic Package Manager in Depth
        8. Manually Installing Using Gdebi
        9. Installing Windows Applications with Wine
        10. Installing from Source
        11. Summary
      2. CHAPTER 21: Understanding Linux Users and File Permissions
        1. Understanding User and Group Accounts
        2. Understanding File and Folder Permissions
        3. Summary
      3. CHAPTER 22: Optimizing Your System
        1. Speeding Up Booting
        2. Prelinking
        3. Optimizing the Kernel
        4. Freeing Up Disk Space
        5. Summary
      4. CHAPTER 23: Backing Up Data
        1. What Data Should You Back Up?
        2. Using Simple Backup
        3. Summary
      5. CHAPTER 24: Scheduling Tasks
        1. Scheduling with GNOME Scheduler
        2. Scheduling with anacron
        3. Summary
      6. CHAPTER 25: Accessing Computers Remotely
        1. Using Secure Shell
        2. Accessing GUI Applications Remotely
        3. Connecting to Remote Windows Computers
        4. Summary
      7. CHAPTER 26: Taking Control of the System
        1. Viewing Processes
        2. Controlling Processes
        3. Controlling Jobs
        4. Summary
    12. PART 6: Appendixes
      1. APPENDIX A: Introducing the BASH Shell
        1. What Is the BASH Shell?
        2. Why Bother with the Shell?
        3. When Should You Use the Shell?
        4. Getting Started with the Shell
        5. Working with Files
        6. Using Autocompletion
        7. Using Keyboard Shortcuts
        8. Using the Command History
        9. Piping and Directing Output
        10. Using Brace Expansion
        11. BASH Command Index
      2. APPENDIX B: Glossary of Linux Terms
        1. Symbols
        2. A
        3. B
        4. C
        5. D
        6. E
        7. F
        8. G
        9. H
        10. I
        11. J
        12. K
        13. L
        14. M
        15. N
        16. O
        17. P
        18. R
        19. S
        20. T
        21. U
        22. V
        23. W
        24. X
      3. APPENDIX C: Getting Further Help
        1. Read the Manual!
        2. Getting Help Online
      4. APPENDIX D: Exploring the DVD-ROM and Other Ubuntu Versions
        1. Version Numbers, Code Names, and Support
        2. Other Versions of Ubuntu
        3. Creating Bootable CDs from ISO Images
    13. Index

    Product information

    • Title: Beginning Ubuntu Linux, Fifth Edition
    • Author(s):
    • Release date: October 2010
    • Publisher(s): Apress
    • ISBN: 9781430230397