The Ultimate Ubuntu Handbook: A complete guide to mastering Ubuntu 24.04-from installation to advanced security and development

by Ken VanDine, Alan Pope (Foreword by)

Overview

Master Ubuntu 24.04 effortlessly—from desktop essentials to advanced setups—empowering both tech enthusiasts and professionals alike

Key Features

• Dive into the latest Ubuntu 24.04 features and master desktop usage
• Fortify your Ubuntu experience with solid security practices, from firewall configuration to encryption
• Written by Ken VanDine, a key member of the Ubuntu development team, providing in-depth insights
• Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Book Description

Step into the dynamic world of Ubuntu 24.04, where innovation meets accessibility. Our upcoming book is your passport to unlocking the full potential of Ubuntu, catering to beginners and intermediates alike. You will embark on a journey through the foundational aspects of Ubuntu, exploring its latest features and highlighting the advantages of Open Source Software. From mastering Ubuntu Desktop usage to deciphering software support lifecycles, this section lays the groundwork for a comprehensive understanding of the Ubuntu ecosystem. Transitioning seamlessly, you will delve deeper into essential topics often overlooked by desktop users: security and privacy. Learn how to fortify your Ubuntu experience with solid security practices, including firewall configuration and encryption. Finally, we venture into the realm of advanced topics such as virtualization, containers, and Kubernetes, catering to all your needs. Authored by a seasoned member of the core Ubuntu development team, this book is not just a guide—it's a roadmap to success in your Ubuntu journey. With practical insights, engaging exercises, and real-world examples, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to maximize your Ubuntu experience, enhancing productivity, security, and innovation along the way.

What you will learn

• Identify software support lifecycles, ensuring your system receives necessary updates
• Engage with Ubuntu communities to seek help and contribute to the ecosystem
• Master the command line for enhanced flexibility and efficiency in Ubuntu usage
• Configure firewalls to block or allow specific services, bolstering security
• Ensure data protection with full disk encryption
• Differentiate between Snap and Debian packages and manage your system with confidence
• Discover the potential of container solutions on Ubuntu

Who this book is for

This book caters to a diverse audience, including Software Engineers (Embedded, Frontend, Backend, Fullstack), Machine Learning/Data Science professionals, DevOps Engineers, Systems Administrators, and Technology Enthusiasts (hobbyists). Whether you are eager to delve into Linux for the first time or seeking to deepen your understanding of Ubuntu, this guide is designed to empower you. While a basic knowledge of operating systems is beneficial, no prior experience with Linux is required.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781835465202
Publisher:	Packt Publishing
Publication date:	08/01/2025
Product dimensions:	75.00(w) x 92.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Ken VanDine found his way into open source by following his innate curiosity about how things worked. Unable to inspect and modify the code of proprietary operating systems, Ken discovered Linux and open source via Slackware in 1993. Soon, he was responsible for High-Performance Computing (HPC) at a large pharmaceutical company, architecting a globally distributed Linux cluster and building purpose-built Linux systems, which led to future roles in open source, solving software distribution and optimization. Ken has nearly 30 years of experience building Linux distributions, with over 15 years working at Canonical on Ubuntu. During his career at Canonical, his focus has been on GNOME, Ubuntu Desktop, and Snap integration. When Ken is not working, he enjoys volunteering with Kramden Institute, a local non-profit that aims to bridge the digital divide, coaching youth baseball, and spending time with his family.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. An Introduction to Ubuntu
2. What's New in Ubuntu 24.04
3. Security and Transparency
4. Getting Started with Ubuntu
5. Using Your Ubuntu Desktop
6. Software Discovery: Finding and Installing Applications
7. Software Updates: Enhancing Security and Stability
8. Getting Help: The Ubuntu Community and Beyond
9. Ubuntu in the Enterprise and at Scale
10. Command-Line Tricks and Shortcuts
11. Introduction to Network Security
12. Understanding Firewalls
13. Safeguarding Information with Data Encryption
14. Ubuntu for Developers
15. Setting Up Your Development Environment with LXD
16. Cloud Style VMs on your Desktop
17. Getting Started with Kubernetes on MicroK8s
18. Building Your Data Science Toolkit: Machine Learning on Ubuntu
19. Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit of Ubuntu