Get Started with Linux!

Here's a complete guide to installing, using and understanding Ubuntu Linux, from a previous Special Edition of Linux Format magazine. This will get you up-and-running with Ubuntu (bootable from this DVD), and explain step-by-step how to use its included programs. It also has information on configuring your hardware and fixing problems.

These guides are provided in the common PDF format - try the free Foxit Reader program on Windows if you don't already have a PDF reader. You can save the installation guide PDF to another machine, so that you can follow it as you prepare to explore the fascinating world of Linux!

This guide was written for a slightly older version of Ubuntu Linux -- but we want to give you the very latest software. So a few minor cosmetic touches and features may have changed: for instance, the installation guide refers to booting from the 'first CD', but here you just boot from this DVD. It's all very obvious and you'll sail through it. Good luck and, above all, have fun exploring your new OS!

NOTE: These PDFs are (C) copyright Future Publishing and may not be redistributed without permission from the Editor.

Get started

• Start here -- All you need to know about Linux

• Installing Linux -- Your step-by-step guide to Ubuntu freedom!

• Explore the desktop -- And add more software

Using Linux

• Configure your desktop -- Make your PC look just how you want

• Better web browsing -- Explore the power of Firefox

• OpenOffice.org -- Great alternative to Microsoft Office

• Instant messaging -- Using Gaim (now known as Pidgin) to communicate

• Evolution email -- Manage emails, contacts and calendars

• Image editing -- Get to grips with the Gimp

• Money management -- Keep track of your finances with GnuCash

• Burn CDs and DVDs -- For music, video or essential backups

• Home entertainment -- Play music and movies

Going further

• Get networking -- Hook up with other PCs

• Accessibility tools -- Using assistive technologies

• Running Apache -- Host your own web server

• Desktop publishing -- Create stunning documents with Scribus

• The command line -- Discover the powerful Linux CLI

• File transfers -- Use FTP to send and receive with ease

• Read USENET -- Newsgroups are a doddle with Pan

• Printer configuration -- Handy step-by-step guide

• Code on Linux -- The best programming platform around!

• Replace your telephone -- Make phone calls over the internet

Reference

• Linux answers -- Common Linux problems solved!

• Help and resources -- The best places to go if you're stumped

• Quick reference wallchart -- Print and keep it nearby