Beginning Ubuntu Linux

Beginning Ubuntu Linux
by Andy Channelle, Keir Thomas

Beginning Ubuntu Linux
List Price: $39.99
Our Price: $6.84
You Save: $33.15 (83%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $6.83 (click here)
Category: Book
See more book details and other editions


or

Book Summary Information

Author: Andy Channelle, Keir Thomas
Brand: Apress
Contributor: Jamie Sicam
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-08-27
ISBN: 1430219998
Number of pages: 800
Publisher: Apress

Book Reviews of Beginning Ubuntu Linux

Book Review: Excellent book to assist with Ubuntu Desktop Installation and Operation
Summary: 4 Stars

If you are interested in how to get the most out of Desktop Ubuntu Linux, then look no further! Should your interest lie in other recognised derivatives of Ubuntu (Edubuntu, Kubuntu, Mythbuntu, Server Ubuntu, Ubuntu Studio or Xubuntu) or the Ubuntu Community, then another book may better suit your needs, for example Official Ubuntu Book, The (4th Edition).

With 750 pages devoted to how to install, configure, customise and maintain Ubuntu Linux and how to use it for office and multimedia activities, the authors are able to go into considerable depth in an easy to follow manner, using screen-shots as appropriate. It is the fourth edition, after all, written around version 9.04 of Ubuntu Linux.

The book is broken into eight sections; Introduction, Installation, Getting Started, The Shell and Beyond, Multimedia, Office Tasks, System Maintenance and a sixty page appendix. Finally there is a 25 page comprehensive index and the font wouldn't want to be any smaller!

For first time Linux users with previous Windows experience, chapter 3 provides good coverage of the preinstallation steps for a PC with an existing Windows installation. Chapter 4 covers the use of the Live DVD, running Ubuntu within Windows using Wibi as well as how to perform a full installation. Chapters 6 and 8 contain much useful information to assist you with installation and initial Ubuntu configuration. While there are brief references throughout the book on the GRUB boot loader, I feel GRUB deserves more detailed coverage, considering how critical this is to being able to access your Operating System(s). Perhaps this can be include in the next edition, as these sections will need updating with the change to GRUB2 with Ubuntu 9.10. Chapter 7 provides a quick overview on how to use Ubuntu and includes a useful 2 page comparison of where to find the Ubuntu equivalents of Windows features, which is further expanded in chapter 11.

Chapter 8 justifies the book on its own with over sixty pages working through how to get everything working correctly in Ubuntu. Most importantly, should your wireless hardware not be automatically supported by Ubuntu, there is an excellent, detailed explanation of how to get your wireless connection working in Ubuntu using a Windows driver.

The Office Tasks section goes into reasonable detail of how to use the Open Office Suite (about eighty pages in all), including a chapter on Base, Open Office's database application.

For those who wish to get the most out of Ubuntu, the five chapters in Part 4 introduce the reader to the BASH shell and how to use shell commands. While the coverage is excellent and takes the reader up to an intermediate level of expertise, I'm surprised that checking log messages isn't covered. Part 7 (System Maintenance) builds on the command line skills from part 4 and includes a nifty chapter on how to optimise your system beyond those incorporated by the Ubuntu developers in recent releases.

If you have decided to switch to Ubuntu Linux, this book will help you get Ubuntu installed and operating effectively and prove a valuable reference guide, irrespective of whether you previously used Windows or another Linux Distro.

Summary of Beginning Ubuntu Linux

Beginning Ubuntu Linux, Fourth Edition is the update to the bestselling book on Ubuntu, today?s hottest Linux distribution. Targeting newcomers to Linux and to the Ubuntu distribution alike, readers are presented with an introduction to the world of Linux and open source community, followed by a detailed overview of Ubuntu?s installation and configuration process. From there readers learn how to wield total control over their newly installed operating system, and are guided through common tasks such as writing documents, listening to audio CDs and MP3s, watching movies, using VoIP and chat, and of course general system maintenance matters.

Additionally, there?s a series of comprehensive tutorials on Linux internals and the command?line prompt?essential for any Linux user?and the book includes special sections on optimization, security, and system maintenance.

The book comes with a DVD containing the complete Ubuntu Linux distribution. All you need to do is insert the DVD and follow the instructions in the book to install this distribution.

  • The ultimate guide to Ubuntu, the hottest Linux distribution on the planet.
  • Forgoes introductions to esoteric Linux topics so commonly found in other books and instead focuses on everyday tasks for everyday users: printer and file sharing configuration, office document management, and listening to MP3s and watching movies among them.

What you?ll learn

  • Use Ubuntu as a daily desktop replacement.
  • Complete all manner of office tasks, such as creating Microsoft Office?compatible documents and spreadsheets, using e?mail, and managing contacts.
  • Listen to MP3s and CDs, and watch movies using a user?friendly Linux desktop.
  • Configure Ubuntu?s printer? and file?sharing features to share resources seamlessly with other computers on your network.
  • Become a proficient user of the Linux command line.

Who this book is for

Beginning Linux users seeking to explore the popular Ubuntu distribution.

Table of Contents

  1. Welcome!
  2. A History and Politics Lesson
  3. The Realities of Running Linux
  4. Preinstallation Steps
  5. Installing Ubuntu
  6. Solving Installation Problems
  7. Booting Ubuntu for the First Time
  8. Getting Everything Up and Running
  9. How to Secure Your Computer
  10. Personalizing Ubuntu: Getting Everything Just Right
  11. Ubuntu Replacements for Windows Programs
  12. Managing Your Files
  13. Introducing the BASH Shell
  14. Understanding Linux Files and Users
  15. Working with Text Files
  16. Taking Control of the System
  17. Cool Shell Tricks
  18. Digital Audio
  19. Movies and Multimedia
  20. Digital Photos
  21. Making the Move to OpenOffice.org
  22. OpenOffice.org Overview
  23. In Depth: Writer
  24. In Depth: Calc
  25. In Depth: Impress
  26. In Depth: Base
  27. In Depth: Evolution
  28. Installing and Removing Software
  29. Managing Users
  30. Optimizing Your System
  31. Backing Up Data
  32. Scheduling Tasks
  33. Accessing Computers Remotely

Linux Books

Book Subjects
Most talked about in Linux Books
Linux TCP/IP Network Administration ImageLinux TCP/ IP Network Administration
by Scott Mann
Prentice Hall; Published: 2001-07-26; Paperback; Book
Best price: $8.89
Price in other shops: $54.99
Linux and Windows: A Guide to Interoperability ImageLinux and Windows: A Guide to Interoperability
by Ed Bradford, Lou Mauget
Pearson Education; Published: 2001-12-14; Paperback; Book
Best price: $10.25
Price in other shops: $44.99
Integrating Linux and Windows ImageIntegrating Linux and Windows
by Mike McCune
Prentice Hall PTR; Published: 2000-12-19; Paperback; Book
Best price: $26.51
Price in other shops: $39.99
Real World Linux Security: Intrusion Prevention, Detection and Recovery (Open Source Technology) ImageReal World Linux Security: Intrusion Prevention, Detection and Recovery (Open Source Technology)
by Bob Toxen
Prentice Hall PTR; Published: 2000-11-30; Paperback; Book
Best price: $3.99
Price in other shops: $44.99
The UNIX and Windows 2000 Handbook: Planning, Integration and Administration ImageThe UNIX and Windows 2000 Handbook: Planning, Integration and Administration
by Lonnie Harvel, David Webb, Steven Flynn, Todd Whitehurst
Prentice Hall; Published: 2000-05-14; Paperback; Book
Best price: $4.45
Price in other shops: $64.00
Linux Desk Reference (Open Source Technology Series) ImageLinux Desk Reference (Open Source Technology Series)
by Scott Hawkins
Prentice Hall; Published: 1999-11-30; Paperback; Book
Best price: $2.44
Price in other shops: $29.99
Linux User's Guide : Using the Command Line and Gnome With Red Hat Linux 9.0 - Textbook Only ImageLinux User's Guide : Using the Command Line and Gnome With Red Hat Linux 9.0 - Textbook Only
by Carolyn Gillay
Franklin Beedle & Associates; Published: 2004; Paperback; Book
Best price: $999.00
Linux: The Textbook ImageLinux: The Textbook
by Syed Mansoor Sarwar, Robert Koretsky, Syed Aqeel Sarwar
Addison Wesley; Published: 2001-07-12; Paperback; Book
Best price: $100.44
Price in other shops: $117.00
UNIX to Linux® Porting: A Comprehensive Reference ImageUNIX to Linux® Porting: A Comprehensive Reference
by Alfredo Mendoza, Chakarat Skawratananond, Artis Walker
Prentice Hall; Published: 2006-04-22; Paperback; Book
Best price: $41.18
Price in other shops: $69.99
RHCE Red Hat Certified Engineer Linux (Exam RH302) ImageRHCE Red Hat Certified Engineer Linux (Exam RH302)
by Michael Jang
McGraw-Hill Osborne Media; Published: 2004-03-30; Paperback; Book
Best price: $23.26
Price in other shops: $59.99
Similar Books and other products
Ubuntu Hacks: Tips & Tools for Exploring, Using, and Tuning Linux ImageUbuntu Hacks: Tips & Tools for Exploring, Using, and Tuning Linux
by Jonathan Oxer, Kyle Rankin, Bill Childers
O'Reilly Media; Published: 2006-06-21; Paperback; Book
Best price: $7.49
Price in other shops: $29.99
Linux in a Nutshell ImageLinux in a Nutshell
by Ellen Siever, Stephen Figgins, Robert Love, Arnold Robbins
O'Reilly Media; Published: 2009-09-29; Paperback; Book
Best price: $25.94
Price in other shops: $49.99
Practical Guide to Fedora and Red Hat Enterprise Linux, A (5th Edition) ImagePractical Guide to Fedora and Red Hat Enterprise Linux, A (5th Edition)
by Mark G. Sobell
Prentice Hall; Published: 2010-02-21; Paperback; Book
Best price: $5.00
Price in other shops: $49.99
Practical Guide to Linux Commands, Editors, and Shell Programming, A (2nd Edition) ImagePractical Guide to Linux Commands, Editors, and Shell Programming, A (2nd Edition)
by Mark G. Sobell
Prentice Hall; Published: 2009-11-29; Paperback; Book
Best price: $24.82
Price in other shops: $49.99
Linux All-in-One For Dummies ImageLinux All-in-One For Dummies
by Emmett Dulaney
For Dummies; Published: 2010-09-14; Paperback; Book
Best price: $21.90
Price in other shops: $39.99
Ubuntu for Non-Geeks: A Pain-Free, Get-Things-Done Guide ImageUbuntu for Non-Geeks: A Pain-Free, Get-Things-Done Guide
by Rickford Grant, Phil Bull
No Starch Press; Published: 2010-07-15; Paperback; Book
Best price: $20.80
Price in other shops: $34.95
Linux Pocket Guide ImageLinux Pocket Guide
by Daniel J. Barrett
O'Reilly Media; Published: 2004-03-01; Paperback; Book
Best price: $5.40
Price in other shops: $9.95
Ubuntu Unleashed 2011 Edition: Covering 10.10 and 11.04 (6th Edition) ImageUbuntu Unleashed 2011 Edition: Covering 10.10 and 11.04 (6th Edition)
by Matthew Helmke, Andrew Hudson, Paul Hudson
Sams; Published: 2010-12-24; Paperback; Book
Best price: $28.80
Price in other shops: $49.99
Official Ubuntu Book, The (6th Edition) ImageOfficial Ubuntu Book, The (6th Edition)
by Benjamin Hill, Matthew Helmke, Amber Graner, Corey Burger
Prentice Hall; Published: 2011-06-23; Paperback; Book
Best price: $21.99
Price in other shops: $39.99
Ubuntu Linux Toolbox: 1000+ Commands for Ubuntu and Debian Power Users ImageUbuntu Linux Toolbox: 1000+ Commands for Ubuntu and Debian Power Users
by Christopher Negus, Francois Caen
Wiley; Published: 2007-11-28; Paperback; Book
Best price: $12.28
Price in other shops: $24.99