Beginning Ubuntu Linux: Natty Narwhal Edition [Paperback]

Emilio Raggi (Author), Keir Thomas (Author), Sander van Vugt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 17, 2011 | ISBN-10: 1430236264 | ISBN-13: 978-1430236269 | Edition: 6

This sixth edition of Beginning Ubuntu Linux introduces all of us—newbies, power users and system administrators—to the Natty Narwhal Ubuntu release.

Based on the bestselling fifth edition, this edition introduces the new Unity interface while not neglecting the finely-tuned administration techniques for new users present in previous editions. Whether you aim to use it in the home or in the office, you’ll be introduced to the complete world of Ubuntu Linux, from simple word processing to using cloud services.

You’ll learn how to control the Ubuntu system which you just installed as you are guided through common tasks, such as configuring the system's graphical user interface, listening to audio CDs and MP3s, producing documents, using VoIP and chat, and of course, general system maintenance. Emilio also introduces the improved software center and Ubuntu's multitouch capabilities. This book supplies a series of comprehensive tutorials on Ubuntu administration and security—essential for any Ubuntu user—while not neglecting matters pertaining to office applications and the Cloud.

What you’ll learn

• Use Ubuntu as a daily desktop on your laptop or PC
• Complete office tasks, such as creating Microsoft Office-compatible documents and spreadsheets, using e-mail, and managing contacts
• Listen to MP3s, manage pictures 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
• Configure and use Ubuntu's multitouch capabilities
• Administer and secure your Ubuntu machine

Who this book is for

Everyone interested in or already using Ubuntu—no exceptions.

Table of Contents

1. Meet Ubuntu Linux
2. GNU "slash" Linux
3. Pre-installation Steps
4. Installing Ubuntu
5. Solving Installation Problems
6. Booting Ubuntu for the First Time
7. Getting Everything Up and Running
8. How to Secure Your Computer
9. Personalizing Ubuntu: Getting Everything Just Right
10. Managing Your Data
11. A World of Applications
12. Working with Text Files
13. Making the Move to OpenOffice.org
14. Communicating with Others
15. Social Networks and Cloud Computing
16. Digital Audio Movies and Multimedia Digital Photos
17. Playing Games
18. Installing and Removing Software
19. Understanding Linux Users and File Permissions
20. Optimizing Your System
21. Backing Up Data
22. Scheduling Tasks
23. Accessing Computers
24. Remotely Taking Control of the System 
25. Appendix 1: Introducing the BASH Shell
26. Appendix 2: Glossary of Linux Terms
27. Appendix 3: Getting Further Help
28. Appendix 4: Exploring the Digital Download and Other Ubuntu Versions

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Emilio Raggi lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and works in one of the biggest companies in the country. He was very much a Windows fanboy, until one day, he had to manage a Ubuntu desktop deployment. He was highly qualified as a Microsoft implementer, holding certificates as an MCP and MCSE, and worked as a consultant for a Microsoft partner. Still, Ubuntu had its charms and won him over. He is also an avid student of philosophy.

Keir Thomas is an award-winning author who has written several best-selling beginning-level Linux titles for Apress. A former computer magazine editor, he has been writing about computers, operating systems, and software for a decade. He has also edited many computing titles and works as a full-time author. He lives on the side of a mountain in England, and his hobbies include hiking and playing musical instruments.

Sander van Vugt is an independent trainer and consultant, living in the Netherlands and working throughout the European Union. He specializes in Linux and Novell systems, and has worked with both for more than 10 years. Besides being a trainer, he is also an author, having written more than 20 books and hundreds of technical articles. He is a Master Certified Novell Instructor (MCNI) and holds LPIC-1 and -2 certificates, as well as all important Novell certificates.

Product Details

• Paperback: 656 pages
• Publisher: Apress; 6 edition (October 17, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1430236264
• ISBN-13: 978-1430236269
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #939,585 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Keir Thomas is a 100% unofficial Mac and Linux "genius" who writes the kind of books ordinary users value and need. His most recent title is Mac Kung Fu, a collection of over 300 tips, tricks, hints and hacks for the all-new Apple Mac OS X Lion operating system.

The author of more than 10 best-selling computer books, his work has been read by well over 1,000,000 people and translated into many different languages. In addition to Macs, Thomas has also written extensively about Ubuntu Linux, with one of his books winning a Linux Journal award, and he has recently created several $0.99 Kindle ebooks that consistently top the Amazon charts.

In addition to writing computer books, Thomas runs a small poetry publishing press called Puppywolf. He lives in Britain with two cats and counts walking amongst his hobbies.

More more details, see http://keirthomas.com.


Reader reviews of MAC KUNG FU:

"Simply amazing. This is a fantastic book. I've been using Macs since the System 6 days, and I learned several new things reading through and trying these tips. Even very advanced users are going to find something here they didn't know."
-- Patrick Burleson, Owner BitBQ, LLC

"I love how accessible this book is. No fluff, no filler, and no extraneous content to weed through. Just lots of interesting things that I could put into practice immediately."
-- Angela Murtha, IOS Consultant, Girl Meets Bit, LLC

"If Mac customizations are an orange, this book must have squeezed out every last drop of juice there is. I would be surprised if there were more that could be done that this book does not cover."
-- Jon Kurz, President, Dycet, LLC

"This book is easy to read and should be a staple for anyone using a Mac. The tips and tricks are invaluable. There are tips for every user type, from the beginner to advanced users. I would recommend this book to everyone, from my mom to my fellow coworkers."
-- Wesley Matlock, Mobile Team Developer Lead, O.co (also known as overstock.com)