Ubuntu Made Easy
A Project-Based Introduction to Linux
by Rickford Grant with Phil Bull

July 2012, 480 pp.
ISBN: 978-1-59327-425-2

"A fast, crystal-clear topical tour."
—Cory Doctorow, Boing Boing

Ubuntu brings Linux to the masses, but it can still be intimidating for newbies, neophytes, and geeks-in-training. With Ubuntu Made Easy by your side you'll be ready to face any challenge, and you'll discover just how fun Linux can be.

Packed with tips, tricks, and helpful pointers, Ubuntu Made Easy will get you up and running with the world's most popular free operating system. Authors Rickford Grant and Phil Bull walk you through common tasks like installing and playing games, accessing your favorite social networks, troubleshooting hardware and software problems, interacting with your Windows installation, and more.

With the help of the book's straightforward explanations and step-by-step projects, you'll also learn how to:

  • Set up printers, scanners, USB flash drives, and other hardware
  • Install and play free games like Frets on Fire and Frozen Bubble as well as commercial hits like Braid and World of Goo
  • Watch DVDs, listen to music, and sync your mobile devices
  • Edit and share digital photos and videos
  • Create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
  • Work with the command line (or avoid it altogether!)

If you're looking for a pain-free way to learn Linux, Ubuntu Made Easy is just what you need to get started. Covers Ubuntu 12.04, Precise Pangolin. Includes LiveCD.

About the Author

Rickford Grant is the author of Ubuntu for Non-Geeks and Linux Made Easy. He has been an operating system maniac for more than 20 years, from his early days with an Atari XL600 to his current Linux machines. Rickford is the international student advisor at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina.

Phil Bull is an author of the official Ubuntu documentation and a member of the GNOME documentation project. He has been helping people with computers since his early teens and has been an open source contributor since 2005. Phil currently spends his time studying astrophysics in sunny Oxford, UK.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Becoming a Penguinista - Welcome to the World of Linux
Chapter 2: Wading and Diving - Running and (If You Like) Installing Ubuntu
Chapter 3: A New Place to Call Home - Getting to Know the Desktop
Chapter 4: More than Webbed Feet - Connecting to the Internet
Chapter 5: Slipping and Sliding - Exploring the Internet, Linux Style
Chapter 6: Rounding Out the Bird - Downloading, Installing, and Updating Programs the Easy Way
Chapter 7: A Tidy Nest - File and Disk Handling in Ubuntu
Chapter 8: Simple Kitten Ways - Getting to Know the Linux Terminal and Command Line
Chapter 9: Dressing Up the Bird - Customizing the Look and Feel of Your System
Chapter 10: Gutenbird - Setting Up and Using Your Printer and Scanner
Chapter 11: Polyglot Penguins - Linux Speaks Your Language
Chapter 12: Penguins at Work - Getting Down to Business in Linux
Chapter 13: Right-Brain Penguins - Linux Does Art
Chapter 14: Tux Rocks - Music a la Linux
Chapter 15: Pluggin' in the Penguin - Ubuntu and Your iPod, iPhone, and Other Digital Media Devices
Chapter 16: Couch Penguins - Video and DVD Playback in Ubuntu
Chapter 17: Feathered Flippers - Linux Gaming
Chapter 18: Sweet Home Antarctica - Linux Around the House
Chapter 19: Penguins at the Gates - Working with Ubuntu in a Windows World
Chapter 20: Defending the Nest - Security
Chapter 21: A Colony of Penguins - The Ubuntu Community
Chapter 22: Wounded Wings - Fixing Common Problems

Appendix A: Installing Ubuntu from a USB Flash Drive
Appendix B: Ubuntu Desktop CDs for AMD64 Users
Appendix C: Manually Partitioning Your Hard Disk
Appendix D: Resources

View the Index (PDF)

View the detailed Table of Contents (PDF)

(top)

Reviews

"We think this is a great resource for anyone who's thinking of delving into the Ubuntu world – highly recommended!"
—Inayaili León, Lead Web Designer, Canonical (Read More)

"Ubuntu Made Easy is a clear, helpful book and it provides a great way to introduce people to the Linux community. A one-stop resource for Ubuntu users. . . presented in a light, cheerful tone."
—Jesse Smith, DistroWatch (Read More)

"As 'Introduction to Ubuntu' books go, few are as straightforward or as enjoyable to read as Ubuntu Made Easy from No Starch Press."
—Joey Sneddon, OMG! Ubuntu! (Read More)

"Well written, easy to understand and thoroughly fun to read."
—Sandra Henry-Stocker, ITWorld (Read More)

"If you have been waiting for an open door to make your way to Linux, this book is your doorway."
—Jack Germain, LinuxInsider (Read More)

"In my opinion, a 10/10, a must-have for Ubunteros."
—José Antonio Rey, Ubuntu Team Member (Read More)

"If you want an easy to understand, practical, comprehensive guide for new comers to the Ubuntu 12.04 desktop, then this is your book. The large number of projects covers all the common tasks a desktop user needs to perform."
—Alan Berg, Free Software Magazine (Read More)

Featured on National Geographic's ScienceBlogs

"Every minute spent reading [Ubuntu Made Easy] can save you up to an hour of cursing and redoing or undoing mistakes."
—Robin Miller, IT Knowledge Exchange (Read More)

"If you've never used Linux or the Ubuntu Linux distribution, Ubuntu Made Easy is the book for you."
—Ken Hess, The Frugal Networker (Read More)

Featured on Ubuntu-News

"Ubuntu Made Easy is a good book that uses a different and refreshing approach to what could otherwise have been very dry material."
—Craig Mullins, Data Technology Today (Read More)

"Whether you're a novice Ubuntu user who already has Precise Pangolin installed, or are just contemplating making the switch, there’s plenty of material in Ubuntu Made Easy to help you become a proficient Linux user."
—Matt Paddock, Game Vortex (Read More)

"For anyone interested in using Linux, this book is absolutely a must."
—Michael Kim, Computer Science Student (Read More)

(top)

Updates

(show updates)(top)