Beginning Ubuntu for Windows and Mac Users : Start Your Journey Into Free and Open Source Software

Completely updated for this exciting third edition, Beginning Ubuntu for Windows and Mac Users will help you start your journey into Free and Open Source Software with Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS with GNOME 42. This book is a friendly guide to installing and running Ubuntu for people who are already efficient and happy with Windows or macOS computers. It teachers new Ubuntu users how to navigate their new operating system, perform basic tasks and suggests specific applications to handle routine tasks. You'll start by installing Ubuntu and its related “flavors” (Kubuntu, Ubuntu MATE, etc.) and how they differ from each other. The rest of the book breaks down application suggestions by broad categories to fill in gaps in the default installed system, or suggest fun things that the reader might not have even thought of. The command line is handled after you are comfortable with the system and ready for something interesting but different. It's presented as a powerful interface that can either be approached casually as a unique method of interacting with the computer, as an occasional tool to use, or as a fun way to get in touch with an early way of using a computer. A brief look at “power user” topics gives advice on managing running processes, installing alternate desktop software, using virtual desktops and creating virtual machines. It’s a great way to round off the book with starting points for advanced topics that are more specialty topics. An appendix describes the Ubuntu release schedule, naming, and timing. The book is designed to function as a “travel guide” to Ubuntu, offering both a scenic tour through some of the great software in Ubuntu in a practical “here’s what you can do with this” style as well as a comprehensive reference guide that the reader can return to over and over to learn how to accomplish specific tasks. What You'll Learn Understand the advantages of Ubuntu and its variants―Kubuntu and Xubuntu Install Ubuntu on its own or alongside your computer's existing operating system Search Ubuntu's catalog of thousands of applications 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 Beginning to intermediate computer users with Windows 7 or OS X or later experience Table of Contents 5 About the Author 11 About the Technical Reviewer 12 Acknowledgments 13 Introduction 15 Chapter 1: Installing Ubuntu 20 Preparing to Install Ubuntu 22 System Requirements 22 Creating an Ubuntu DVD 23 Creating a Bootable Ubuntu USB Drive 23 Windows and macOS 23 Ubuntu 24 For a Raspberry Pi 24 Booting into Ubuntu 25 Installing Ubuntu 27 Beginning the Install 27 Setting Regional Settings 32 Creating the Primary User Account 33 Install Proprietary Graphics and Network Drivers 36 Additional Ubuntu Flavors 38 Installing Kubuntu 38 System Requirements 39 Preparing to Install Kubuntu 39 Using Kubuntu 40 Installing Xubuntu 42 System Requirements 42 Preparing to Install Xubuntu 43 Using Xubuntu 44 Installing Lubuntu 46 System Requirements 46 Preparing to Install Lubuntu 47 Using Lubuntu 47 Installing Ubuntu MATE 49 System Requirements 50 Preparing to Install Ubuntu MATE 50 Using Ubuntu MATE 51 Installing Ubuntu Unity Remix 54 System Requirements 54 Preparing to Install Ubuntu Unity Remix 55 Using Ubuntu Unity Remix 55 Installing Ubuntu Server 58 System Requirements 58 Installing Ubuntu Server 59 Using Ubuntu Server 65 Installing a Minimal Ubuntu System 66 System Requirements 66 Installing a Minimal System 66 Using a Minimal Ubuntu System 67 Multiple Operating Systems 68 Dual Boot with Ubuntu and Windows 69 Custom Partitioning 72 Ensuring the Ability to Reinstall Windows 73 Using the Graphical Partitioning Tool 74 Additional Partitioning Scenarios 76 Dual Boot with Ubuntu and macOS 76 Summary 80 Chapter 2: Getting Started with Ubuntu 81 Setting Up Your Computer 82 Ubuntu Desktop 85 Ubuntu Dock 86 Activities Overview 88 Clock, Calendar, and Notifications 90 System Menu and Indicators 91 Customizing Ubuntu 92 Managing Windows 94 Installing and Updating Software 95 Ubuntu Software 95 Snaps 96 Other Sources 97 Updating Ubuntu 97 Upgrading Ubuntu 100 Managing User Accounts 101 Finding Things in Ubuntu Instead of Windows 104 Finding Things in Ubuntu Instead of macOS 106 Connecting to a Windows Desktop Remotely 108 Sharing Office Documents with Others 109 Sharing Photos and Graphics with Others 110 Formatting Disks to Work with Other Operating Systems 111 Summary 113 Chapter 3: Productivity at Home and Work 114 Writing Documents Without Distractions Using FocusWriter 114 Managing Your Personal Finances Using HomeBank 117 Managing Your Professional Email, Contacts, and Calendar Using Evolution 120 Managing Your Calendar with Thunderbird 123 Integrating Your Online Accounts with Ubuntu 125 Organizing Your Thoughts with Mind-Mapping Software Using Freeplane 127 Personal Wiki Note Taking Software Using Tomboy 130 Installing Additional Language Support 132 Configuring Language Support 135 Configuring Your Input Sources Settings 136 Adjusting Special Character Entry 139 Installing Language Fonts 139 Keeping Track of Your Personal Time Management Using Hamster 140 Organizing Collections of Books, Movies, Games, and More Using Tellico 143 Managing Your Ebook Library Using Calibre 146 Printing Labels and Cards Using gLabels 148 Backing Up and Restoring Personal Files Using Déjà Dup 151 Restoring Files 155 Capturing Screenshots and Recording Your Desktop Using GNOME Screenshot and Kazam 156 GNOME Screenshot 156 Kazam 157 Summary 159 Chapter 4: Enjoying Media and Other Entertainment 160 Play DVDs and Media Files 160 Organize Your CD and Digital Music Collection Using Rhythmbox 164 Copy Audio CDs to Your Computer 166 Listen to Podcasts 168 Back Up and Create Music CDs Using Brasero 169 Backing Up a Music CD 170 Burning a Disc Image to Blank Media 171 Creating a Music CD 171 Create Video DVDs Using DevedeNG 173 Organize and Edit Your Photos Using Shotwell 176 Importing Photos 176 Managing Events 177 Working with Photos 178 Editing Photos 179 Sharing Photos 181 Advanced Photo Editing Using GIMP and Darktable 181 Record and Process Audio Using Audacity 183 Play MIDI Files 184 Explore the Universe Using Stellarium 185 Play Legacy PC Games 189 Purchase Legacy Games from GOG.com 190 Run DOS Games and Software Using DOSBox 191 Play Adventure Games Using ScummVM 193 Play Commercial Games Using Steam 194 Summary 195 Chapter 5: Command-Line Tricks and Applications 196 Introduction to the Command Line 197 Accessing the Command Line 198 The Ubuntu Command Line 199 Working with Files and Directories (Folders) 200 Running Commands 202 Redirecting Output 203 See What’s Running on Your Computer 204 Multitask on the Command Line 208 Diagnose a Connection to a Server 210 View Information About the Operating System 213 Determine Your Distribution and Version 213 Determine Your Architecture and Kernel Version 215 Add New Users via Command Line 216 Check Your Disk Space 218 Edit Text Files 220 Read Email 223 Browse the Web 226 IRC 230 Connecting to a Server 232 IRC Etiquette 234 Play Text-Based Games 235 Summary 239 Chapter 6: Power User Tools 240 Managing Running Processes 240 Managing Disks and Thumb Drives 244 Using Multiple Workspaces 247 Installing Alternate Desktop Environments 251 Installing Software from the Command Line 253 Understanding Ubuntu’s Software Collection 254 Keeping Software Up to Date 255 Searching for Software 257 Installing New Software 258 Removing Software 260 Working with Snap Packages 260 Expand Your Software Options 265 Creating Application Launchers for Programs 267 Working with Virtual Machines 270 Creating a Virtual Machine 272 Running Your Virtual Machine 274 Installing Guest Additions 275 Recommended Uses 277 Summary 278 Appendix A 279 Release Schedule 279 Long-Term Support 280 List of Ubuntu Releases 280 Index 283 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. 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 inches 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