Beginning Ubuntu Linux, Sixth Edition

Beginning Ubuntu Linux, Sixth Edition

Released October 2011
Publisher(s): Apress
ISBN: 9781430236269

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Book description

This sixth edition of Beginning Ubuntu Linux introduces all of us—newbies, power users and system administrators—to the Natty Narwhal Ubuntu release.

Based on the bestselling fifth edition, this edition introduces the new Unity interface while not neglecting the finely-tuned administration techniques for new users present in previous editions. 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 as you are guided through common tasks, such as configuring the system's graphical user interface, listening to audio CDs and MP3s, producing documents, using VoIP and chat, and of course, general system maintenance. Emilio also introduces the improved software center and Ubuntu's multitouch capabilities. This book 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

  • Configure and use Ubuntu's multitouch capabilities

  • Administer and secure your Ubuntu machine

Who this book is for

Everyone interested in or already using Ubuntu—no exceptions.

Table of contents

  1. Title
  2. Dedication
  3. Contents at a Glance
  4. Contents
  5. About the Authors
  6. About the Technical Reviewer
  7. Introduction
    1. What's New in the Sixth Edition
    2. What You'll Find in This Book
    3. Conventions Used in This Book
  8. Chapter 1: Meet Ubuntu Linux
    1. What Is Ubuntu Linux Anyway?
    2. The Ubuntu Linux Experience
    3. Praise for Ubuntu Linux
    4. Summary
  9. 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. An Operating System for the Future
    12. Summary
  10. Chapter 3: Pre-installation Steps
    1. Understanding Partitioning
    2. Freeing Up Space
    3. Backing Up Your Data
    4. Summary
  11. Chapter 4: Installing Ubuntu
    1. An Overview of the Installation Process
    2. A Stage-by-Stage Installation Guide
    3. Summary
  12. Chapter 5: Solving Installation Problems
    1. A. Preinstallation Problems
    2. B. Installation Problems
    3. C. Postinstallation Problems
    4. Graphical Problems
    5. Summary
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. Chapter 9: Personalizing Ubuntu: Getting Everything Just Right
    1. Unity or Classic
    2. Changing the Look and Feel
    3. Adding and Removing Desktop Items
    4. Summary
  17. 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
  18. Chapter 11: A World of Applications
    1. Available Software
    2. A Quick Start with Common Ubuntu Programs
    3. Other Handy Applications
    4. Summary
  19. Chapter 12: Working with Text Files
    1. Text: A History Lesson
    2. Working with Text Files
    3. Summary
  20. Chapter 13: Making the Move to LibreOffice
    1. Introduction to LibreOffice
    2. LibreOffice Key Features
    3. File Compatibility
    4. The Right Fonts
    5. Introducing the Interface
    6. Customizing the Interface
    7. Using LibreOffice Core Functions
    8. Beginning LibreOffice Applications
    9. Summary
  21. 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
  22. Chapter 15: Social Networks and Cloud Computing
    1. Social Networking Applications
    2. Cloud-Based Services
    3. Summary
  23. 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
  24. Chapter 17: Movies and Multimedia
    1. Installing Playback Software
    2. Watching Movies
    3. Watching DVDs
    4. Watching TV
    5. Summary
  25. Chapter 18: Digital Photos
    1. Downloading and Cataloging Images
    2. Using GIMP for Image Editing
    3. Summary
  26. Chapter 19: Playing Games
    1. Linux Games
    2. Adobe Flash and Web-based Gaming
    3. Installing Windows Games
    4. Summary
  27. 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 Ubuntu Software Center
    9. Installing Windows Applications with Wine
    10. Installing from Source
    11. Summary
  28. Chapter 21: Understanding Linux Users and File Permissions
    1. Understanding User and Group Accounts
    2. Understanding File and Folder Permissions
    3. Summary
  29. Chapter 22: Optimizing Your System
    1. Speeding Up Booting
    2. Prelinking
    3. Optimizing the Kernel
    4. Freeing Up Disk Space
    5. Summary
  30. Chapter 23: Backing Up Data
    1. What Data Should You Back Up?
    2. Using Simple Backup
    3. Summary
  31. Chapter 24: Scheduling Tasks
    1. Scheduling with GNOME Scheduler
    2. Scheduling with anacron
    3. Summary
  32. Chapter 25: Accessing Computers Remotely
    1. Using Secure Shell
    2. Accessing GUI Applications Remotely
    3. Connecting to Remote Windows Computers
    4. Summary
  33. Chapter 26: Taking Control of the System
    1. Viewing Processes
    2. Controlling Processes
    3. Controlling Jobs
    4. Summary
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. Appendix C: Getting Further Help
    1. Read the Manual!
    2. Getting Help Online
  37. Index

Product information

  • Title: Beginning Ubuntu Linux, Sixth Edition
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: October 2011
  • Publisher(s): Apress
  • ISBN: 9781430236269