Beginning Ubuntu for Windows and Mac Users (eBook)

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 nathan@nhaines.com.

Contents at a Glance 5
Contents 6
About the Author 12
Acknowledgments 13
Introduction 14
Chapter 1: Installing Ubuntu 17
Preparing to Install Ubuntu 18
System Requirements 18
Creating an Ubuntu DVD 18
Creating a Bootable Ubuntu USB Drive 19
Windows 19
OS X 19
Ubuntu 20
Booting into Ubuntu 20
Installing Ubuntu 22
Beginning the Install 22
Setting Regional Settings 25
Creating the Primary User Account 26
Install Proprietary Graphics and Network Drivers 27
Additional Ubuntu Flavors 29
Installing Kubuntu 29
System Requirements 29
Preparing to Install Kubuntu 30
Using Kubuntu 30
Installing Xubuntu 32
System Requirements 33
Preparing to Install Xubuntu 33
Using Xubuntu 34
Installing Lubuntu 35
System Requirements 35
Preparing to Install Lubuntu 36
Using Lubuntu 37
Installing Ubuntu GNOME 38
System Requirements 38
Preparing to Install Ubuntu GNOME 39
Using Ubuntu Gnome 39
Installing Ubuntu MATE 42
System Requirements 43
Preparing to Install Ubuntu MATE 43
Using Ubuntu MATE 44
Installing Ubuntu Server 45
System Requirements 45
Installing Ubuntu Server 46
Using Ubuntu Server 49
Installing a Minimal Ubuntu System 50
System Requirements 50
Installing a Minimal System 51
Using a Minimal Ubuntu System 52
Multiple Operating Systems 52
Dual-Boot with Ubuntu and Windows 52
Custom Partitioning 55
Ensuring the Ability to Reinstall Windows 55
Using the Graphical Partitioning Tool 56
Additional Partitioning Scenarios 58
Dual-Boot with Ubuntu and OS X 58
Summary 61
Chapter 2: Getting Started with Ubuntu 62
Ubuntu Desktop 62
Unity Launcher 63
Unity Dash 64
Dash Privacy 65
Unity Menu Bar and Indicators 67
Unity HUD 68
Managing Windows 69
Installing and Updating Software 69
Ubuntu Software 69
Other Sources 71
Updating Ubuntu 71
Upgrading Ubuntu 72
Managing User Accounts 73
Guest Access 74
Finding Things in Ubuntu Instead of Windows 75
Finding Things in Ubuntu Instead of OS X 77
Connecting to a Windows Desktop Remotely 78
Running Windows Applications 79
Connecting to Windows Shared Folders and Printers 80
Sharing Files and Printers with Other Computers 82
Sharing Printers Between Computers 84
Sharing Office Documents with Others 84
Sharing Photos and Graphics with Others 85
Formatting Disks to Work with Other Operating Systems 85
Summary 86
Chapter 3: Productivity at Home and Work 87
Writing Documents Without Distractions Using FocusWriter 87
Managing Your Personal Finances Using HomeBank 90
Managing Your Professional Email, Contacts, and Calendar Using Evolution 91
Managing Your Calendar with Thunderbird Using Lightning 94
Integrating Your Online Accounts with Ubuntu 95
Chatting Online with Friends 97
Organizing Your Thoughts with Mind-Mapping Software Using Freeplane 99
Personal Wiki Note Taking Software Using Tomboy 101
Installing Additional Language Support 102
Configuring Language Support 104
Configuring Your Text Entry Settings 104
Adjusting Keyboard Settings 106
Installing Language Fonts 107
Keeping Track of Your Personal Time Management Using Hamster 107
Organizing Collections of Books, Movies, Games, and More Using Tellico 110
Managing Your Ebook Library Using Calibre 112
Printing Labels and Cards Using gLabels 113
Backing Up and Restoring Personal Files Using Déjà Dup 115
Restoring Files 118
Capturing Screenshots and Recording Your Desktop Using GNOME Screenshot and Kazam 119
GNOME Screenshot 120
Kazam 120
Summary 122
Chapter 4: Enjoying Media and Other Entertainment 123
Play DVDs and Media Files 123
Organize Your CD and Digital Music Collection Using Rhythmbox 126
Copy Audio CDs to Your Computer 127
Listen to Podcasts 129
Back Up and Create Music CDs Using Brasero 130
Backing Up a Music CD 130
Burning a Disc Image to Blank Media 130
Creating a Music CD 131
Create Video DVDs Using DevedeNG 132
Organize and Edit Your Photos Using Shotwell 134
Importing Photos 135
Managing Events 135
Working with Photos 135
Editing Photos 136
Sharing Photos 137
Advanced Photo Editing Using GIMP and Darktable 137
Record and Process Audio Using Audacity 139
Play MIDI Files 140
Explore the Universe Using Stellarium 141
Play Legacy PC Games 143
Purchase Legacy Games from GOG.com 144
Run DOS Games and Software Using DOSBox 145
Play Adventure Games Using ScummVM 146
Play Commercial Games Using Steam 147
Summary 148
Chapter 5: Command-Line Tricks and Applications 149
Introduction to the Command Line 150
Accessing the Command Line 150
The Ubuntu Command Line 151
Working with Files and Directories (Folders) 152
Running Commands 153
Redirecting Output 154
See What’s Running on Your Computer 154
Multitask on the Command Line 156
Diagnose a Connection to a Server 158
View Information About the Operating System 160
Determine Your Distribution and Version 160
Determine Your Architecture and Kernel Version 161
Add New Users via Command Line 162
Check Your Disk Space 163
Edit Text Files 164
Read Email 166
Browse the Web 168
IRC 171
Connecting to a Server 172
IRC Etiquette 173
Play Text-Based Games 174
Summary 177
Chapter 6: Power User Tools 178
Managing Running Processes 178
Managing Disks and Thumb Drives 180
Using Multiple Workspaces 182
Installing Alternate Desktop Environments 184
Installing Software from the Command Line 186
Understanding Ubuntu’s Software Collection 187
Keeping Software Up to Date 188
Searching for Software 188
Installing New Software 189
Removing Software 190
Expand Your Software Options 191
Creating Application Launchers for Programs 192
Working with Virtual Machines 194
Creating a Virtual Machine 195
Running Your Virtual Machine 197
Installing Guest Additions 198
Recommended Uses 198
Summary 199
Appendix A: Ubuntu Releases 200
Release Schedule 200
Long-Term Support 200
List of Ubuntu Releases 201
Index 203