Beginning Ubuntu for Windows and Mac Users: Start your Journey into Free and Open Source Software

by Nathan Haines

Overview

Discover how to get the most out of Ubuntu for work, home, and play.  Learning a new operating system can feel daunting, especially if you're used to Windows or OS X. If you've been afraid to try Ubuntu because you don't know where to start, this book introduces you to a wide selection of software and settings that will make your computer ready to work for you.

You'll see how Ubuntu can make your computing life easy. In addition to a tour of Ubuntu's modern and easy-to-use interface, you'll also learn how 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, and embedded devices. There's never been a better time to install Ubuntu and move to an open source way of life. Completely updated for this exciting second edition, Beginning Ubuntu for Windows and Mac Users will help you start your journey into Free and Open Source Software with Ubuntu 16.04 LTS.
What You'll Learn

• Understand the advantages of Ubuntu and its variants—Kubuntu, Xubuntu, and more
• Install Ubuntu on its own or alongside your computer's existing operating system
  
• Search Ubuntu's catalog of thousands of applications—all ready to install with a single click
  
• Work with files and disks that were created with Windows and OS X
  
• Run simple, interesting tasks and games using the command line
  
• Customize Ubuntu in powerful ways and get work done with virtual machines

Who This Book Is For

Anyone who wants to move to using an open source operating system.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781484230008
Publisher:	Apress
Publication date:	08/25/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	196
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Nathan Haines is an author, instructor, speaker, and computer consultant who fell in love with Ubuntu in 2005, and helped found the Ubuntu California Local Community Team to share that excitement with others. As a current leader of Ubuntu California and a member of the Ubuntu Local Community Council, he works to help others share Ubuntu worldwide.

When not working with computers, he's more than likely admiring the latest Nintendo hardware, wishing he had more time for retro console and PC gaming, and indulging in linguistic curiosity by studying German or dabbling in Old English or Tolkien's constructed Elvish languages. The queue of scifi and fantasy books on his Kindle is probably growing instead of shrinking, although sometimes camping trips help with that.

As a hybrid author who enjoys stiff drinks, moonlit walks on the beach, and five-star reviews on his books, he would love to hear from you at [e-mail].

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Installing Ubuntu

• Preparing to Install Ubuntu
• Installing Ubuntu
• Installing Kubuntu
• Installing Xubuntu
• Installing Lubuntu
• Installing Ubuntu MATE
• Installing Ubuntu Unity
• Install Ubuntu Server
• Install a minimal Ubuntu system
• Multiple Operating Systems

 

Chapter 2: Getting Started with Ubuntu

• Ubuntu Desktop
• Installing and Updating Software
• Managing User Accounts
• Finding Things in Ubuntu Instead of Windows
• Finding Things in Ubuntu instead of macOS
• Connecting to a Windows Desktop Remotely
• Running Windows Applications
• Connecting to Windows Shared Folders and Printers
• Sharing Files and Printers with Other Computers
• Sharing Office Documents with Others
• Sharing Photos and Graphics with Others
• Formatting Disks to Work with Other Operating Systems

 

Chapter 3: Productivity at Home and Work

• Writing documents Without Distractions using FocusWriter
• Managing your Personal Finances Using HomeBank
• Managing Your Professional Email, Contacts, and Calendar Using Evolution
• Managing your Calendar with Thunderbird using Lightning
• Integrating your Online Accounts with Ubuntu
• Organizing Your Thoughts with Mind-Mapping Software using Freeplane
• Personal Wiki Note Taking Software Using Tomboy
• Installing Additional Language Support
• Keeping Track of Your Personal Time Management Using Hamster
• Organizing Collections of Books, Movies, Games, and More Using Tellico
• Managing Your Ebook Library Using Calibre
• Printing Labels and Cards Using gLabels
• Backing Up and Restoring Personal Files using Backup
• Capturing Screenshots and Recording Your Desktop Using Screenshot and Kazam

 

Chapter 4: Enjoying media and other entertainment

• Play DVDs and Media Files
• Organize Your CD and Digital Music Collection Using Rhythmbox
• Back Up and Create Music CDs Using Brasero
• Create Video DVDs using DevedeNG
• Organize and Edit Your Photos Using Shotwell
• Record and Process Audio Using Audacity
• Play MIDI Files
• Explore the Universe Using Stellarium
• Play Legacy PC Games
• Play Commercial Games Using Steam

 

Chapter 5: Command-Line Tricks and Applications

• Introduction to the Command Line
• See What’s Running on Your Computers
• Multitask on the Command Line
• Diagnose a Connection to a Server
• View Information About the Operating System
• Add New Users via Command Line
• Check Your Disk Space
• Edit Text Files
• Read Email
• Browse the Web
• IRC
• Play Text-Based Games

Chapter 6: Power User Tools

• Manage Running Processes
• Managing Disks and Thumb Drives
• Using Multiple Workspaces
• Installing Alternate Desktop Environments
• Installing Software from the Command Line
• Expand Your Software Options
• Creating Application Launchers for Programs
• Working with Virtual Machines