Excellent No-Charge Linux Books – Learn About Linux – For Beginners

Last Updated on August 22, 2023

Ubuntu Pocket Guide and Reference

This book is a concise companion for everyday Ubuntu use. It provides a good grounding in getting to grips with the Ubuntu 8.04 and 8.10 distributions. OK, these are ancient releases of Ubuntu, but a lot of the information still applies today.

Written for anybody switching to Ubuntu, particularly former Windows users, Ubuntu Pocket Guide and Reference assumes zero Linux knowledge.

Each chapter of Ubuntu Pocket Guide and Reference tackles an aspect of Ubuntu.

Topics covered include:

• Introduction – a brief summary of Ubuntu, GNU, the Linux kernel, Linux distros, what makes Ubuntu special and more;
• Installing Ubuntu – explains the different ways to install Ubuntu, examining how to get Ubuntu, create an install CD, followed by a step-by-step guide to installing Ubuntu;
• Configuring Ubuntu – learn how to configure the system. All major areas of hardware is covered including:
  • Keyboard and mouse;
  • Graphics and display(s);
  • Sound;
  • Networking (including wireless);
  • Printing;
  • Digital cameras /MP3 players / USB memory sticks;
  • Flatbed scanners;
  • Bluetooth devices.
• Learning how to use the desktop covering logging in, layout, virtual desktops, and useful applications;
• Understanding how user accounts and the filesystem work. The reader learns about:
  • How Ubuntu compares to Windows when it comes to files;
  • Where things can be found in the filesystem;
  • The basics of the users and permissions system;
  • The Nautilus file manager;
  • Useful filesystem tricks and tips;
  • File compression.
• Getting to grips with the command-line. The chapter covers:
  • How to understand what the command prompt is saying;
  • How commands work;
  • An overview of useful day-to-day commands;
  • Tips and tricks;
  • Using root powers at the command-line;
  • Dealing with crashed or stalled programs;
  • Understanding and manipulating file permissions;
  • Advanced tricks (redirection, piping, and brace expansion).
• Software management including an overview of Synaptic, working with repositories, and a basic overview of compiling from source code. Topics cover:
  • Explanation of the package management subsystems;
  • Installing and uninstalling software using Synaptic;
  • Manually installing software;
  • Installing and uninstalling software at the command-line;
  • Adding new software repositories;
  • Compiling a program from source code.
• Securing the system with five areas covered:
  • Updating the system;
  • Configuring a firewall;
  • Installing an antivirus program;
  • Encrypting files and folders;
  • Enhancing security within a web browser.

The book is distributed in two editions: a Print Edition, and a PDF Edition.

Author: Keir Thomas
Pages: 170
Format: PDF
License: Not open source. The author gives permission to share the PDF Edition file with others but there are conditions attached.

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