Ubuntu Linux® For Dummies®

Chapter . Introduction

Ubuntu Linux For Dummies tells you how you can use the fastest growing Linux distribution on the planet. Ubuntu Linux is very easy to use (even if you've only used Windows before) and provides a powerful platform on which to get your work done. Ubuntu is also fun to use!

You can use Ubuntu Linux as fast as you can rip the companion CD out of its plastic sleeve in the back of the book, pop it into your CD‐ROM drive, and reboot your computer. Ubuntu Linux is available as a live Linux distribution, which means it boots directly from the CD‐ROM included with this book, and you can start using it right away.

When you get the feel for Ubuntu Linux, you can install it on your computer from the Ubuntu Linux For Dummies CD‐ROM. One of Ubuntu's strengths is — in my opinion — its easy‐to‐use installation system. Answer a handful of questions, and you've got yourself a full‐blown Linux computer. Easy.

You'll also find that Ubuntu Linux works great as your everyday computer workstation. Ubuntu is designed to help you perform all of your primary tasks, such as word processing and Web browsing — and most of the other things you might want to do, such as instant messaging. If you've got a job for a PC, Ubuntu can do it for you.

About This Book

I wrote Ubuntu Linux For Dummies to help you get started using Ubuntu Linux and have some fun along the way. First, the book helps you get started using Ubuntu by covering the essentials, such as booting Ubuntu live and then installing it ...