Introduction

Linux applies an alternate philosophy to computing that revolves around the sharing of not only software but also knowledge. To use Linux is to become part of a huge global community of people who have caught on to a phenomenon that is changing the world.

Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com) is the natural continuation of these goals. It's a project founded by entrepreneur businessman Mark Shuttleworth with the intention of bringing a freely available, high-quality operating system to the world. To this end, Shuttleworth invested $10 million of his own money to guarantee that this will be the case for many years to come. In 2011, the project has moved closer to becoming self-sustaining as Ubuntu becomes part of the mainstream for desktop, and server users.

The fundamental concept is that Ubuntu is available for use by anyone in the world, no matter who or where they are. As such, many different languages are supported, and the operating system can also be accessed by those with disabilities, such as partial sight or hearing. Ubuntu might just as easily be found on a Wall Street banker's laptop as on a battered old computer in a Brazilian favela.

Ubuntu is built around one of the most established versions of Linux: Debian (http://www.debian.org). The Debian Project was started back in 1993, shortly after the very first version of the Linux software was released, and has become one of the pioneering varieties of Linux. Ubuntu and Debian Linux both share common goals and are closely allied, but Ubuntu focuses largely on the desktop. For example, it provides a powerful office suite by default, as well as some excellent pieces of Internet software. Only recently has a dedicated server version become available.

It's also very easy to use. Ubuntu works straight out of the box. As soon as it's installed, you should be ready to start using it without any further work. In addition, tasks such as updating your software are as easy under Ubuntu as they are under Windows—in many cases, easier. Above all, however, Ubuntu is designed to be shared. You can download Ubuntu from www.ubuntu.com and install Ubuntu on as many computers as you want. You can also copy the software as many times as you want and give those copies to your friends. We're serious! This isn't some kind of trick, either—Ubuntu isn't a trial version that will quit running in a month. You will never find yourself having to pay a fee further down the line, even if you want to install additional software. Ubuntu, and much of the software that runs on top of it, will always be free of charge.

Since its inception in 2004, Ubuntu has literally taken the world of Linux by storm and has even broken out of the technically demanding world of open source software. It's consistently voted the most popular desktop Linux and has even garnered a handful of celebrity users along the way: Jamie Hyneman of the popular TV show MythBusters is a fan, as is novelist and blogger Cory Doctorow. Within some Internet communities, such as Digg.com and Reddit, you may struggle to find individuals who don't use Ubuntu.

What's New in the Sixth Edition

The original edition of Beginning Ubuntu Linux was the first English-language book to provide a guide to using Ubuntu, and it remains one of the best. Successive editions of the book have tracked the changes within the Ubuntu project and have improved each time.

This edition of Beginning Ubuntu Linux has been thoroughly updated and revised to take into account improvements with the 11.04 release of the software, code-named Natty Narwhal. The previous edition covered the 10.04 release. The most important improvement that you'll read about in this edition is the inclusion of the new Unity graphical desktop. The book has also been updated to describe all new software programs that have become standard in 11.04.

What Youll Find in This Book

Beginning Ubuntu Linux, Sixth Edition is divided into five parts, each of which contains chapters about a certain aspect of Ubuntu use. These parts can be read in sequence, or you can dip in and out of them at will. When a technical term is mentioned, it is defined on first use in the chapter, or a reference is made to the chapter where the term is explained.

Part 1 examines the history and philosophy behind Ubuntu and the Linux operating system. We aim to answer many of the common questions about Linux. Such knowledge is considered to be as important, if not more so, than understanding the technical details on how Linux works. But although these chapters should be read sooner rather than later, they don't contain any technical information that you absolutely require to get started with Ubuntu.

Part 2 covers installing Ubuntu on your computer. An illustrated guide is provided, and all installation choices are explained in depth. Additionally, you'll find a problem-solving chapter to help, just in case anything goes wrong.

Part 3 focuses on getting started with Ubuntu. It covers setting up the Linux system so that it's ready to use. First we explore the graphical interface, so you know where to go to perform the most basic tasks. One chapter is dedicated to setting up common hardware devices, such as printers, and another explains how you can secure your system. You'll also learn how to fully personalize Ubuntu so you feel more at home with it, and how to work with your files.

In Part 4, we take a look at how you can use Ubuntu to perform your day to day tasks. We list the most common Ubuntu applications as an introduction for users more acquainted with Windows. Then we take a look at working with text files and with LibreOffice, the complete office suite built into Ubuntu. Then we explore ways to get connected with other people through e-mail or instant messaging. The next chapter takes a look at hot topics like social networks and cloud computing, and how Ubuntu can help you make the most of them with minimal effort. We also look at working with audio, movies and multimedia, and digital photos. And we finish Part 4 by going over different options for playing games with your Ubuntu machine.

Part 5 is dedicated to give you the skills necessary to keep your system running smoothly. You'll learn how to install new software, manage users, optimize your system, back up essential data, schedule tasks, and access computers remotely.

Finally, Part 6 contains three appendixes. The first is a full introduction to the command-line prompt, and includes a quick reference to the most used commands. Appendix B is a glossary of Linux terms used not only in this book but also in the Linux and Unix worlds, and the third appendix explains how to get further help when using Ubuntu.

Conventions Used in This Book

The goal when writing Beginning Ubuntu Linux was to make it as readable as possible while providing the facility for readers to learn at their own pace.

Throughout the book, you'll find various types of notes and sidebars complementing the regular text. These are designed to provide handy information to help further your knowledge. They also make reading the book a bit easier.

In the sidebars, we take a moment to explain something that you should know, but that isn't vital to an understanding of the main topic being discussed. You don't need to read the sidebars there and then; you can return to them later if you like.