Ubuntu Setup

DISCOVER an Ubuntu setup that will get your new Linux computer up-and-running in minutes, instead of days!

Discover how to set up your Ubuntu (Linux) system... the easy way.

These recommendations are for a stand alone Linux system. Ubuntu can be installed alongside Microsoft Windows operating system (dual boot), or using a Windows file format (Fat32, NTSF, etc.). These installation methods make reverting back to a Windows operating system (OS) easier, but could leave your computer exposed to viruses and hackers. This is why we recommend a “strictly Linux” computer setup.

Side Bar ~ For some great ideas and step-by-step installation instructions for Ubuntu 10.04... checkout this multi-page "howtoforge.com" article.

Since we're not Linux experts, you follow our "beginners" advice at your own risk. That said, we felt like we just had to take a few minutes to share with you how we've achieved freedom from viruses, "back-doors" to our computers, software manufacturer "features," invasion of privacy, forced upgrades, proprietary file formats, licensing and marketing schemes, product registration, high software prices, and pirating (for starters)!

Ubuntu Setup Ubuntu SetupUbuntu Setup Ubuntu Setup Ubuntu Setup

We suggest that until you feel comfortable with a Linux operating system, you install it on a second computer or dual boot with Windows. Use an old Windows computer to run those few programs that won't yet run on a Linux OS. Understand that software designed to run exclusively on a Windows PC won't run on a Linux computer without installing a program similar to Wine/Crossover. "Wine" or the more advanced, Wine supporting paid program ($35 or less with coupon), "Crossover" lets you run Windows software on other operating systems. Programs like these will not allow all software to work on your Linux computer, but many popular programs will run fine on a Linux system if installed through a "converter" program.

Side Bar ~ We've used "Crossover" to install and use (flawlessly) MS Office Xp, MS Media Player, Photoshop and many windows-based video games.

Fortunately, there are several software alternatives available for most Windows applications. Nearly all of these Linux friendly programs are free and open source. You may even discover that you prefer an open source program over an expensive and “restricted use” Windows application you may have been using for years.

15 Steps to Your "Dream" Ubuntu Setup

1. Large Hard Drive: A Linux OS (operating system) will run fine on a small hard drive (HD). However, we like to install Ubuntu on a large hard drive. There are hundreds of open source & free software applications available for your new Linux system. A large hard drive provides the space for hundreds of programs, if desired.

   Additionally, we recommend using an USB type external hard drive for all your data files.

2. Linux file format: The current Linux file format is ext 4. This filing format can't be seen by Windows. Which also means it can't be seen by Windows-based viruses, spyware, malware and hackers. We suggest installing Linux across the entire hard drive and format in the latest version of Linux file format during OS installation.

   That said, if you keep your external hard drive in a format MS Windows recognizes (NTSF, Fat32, etc.) you can easily move your data to any any Linux or MS Windows computer.

3. Get a free copy of Ubuntu: Download Ubuntu from Ubuntu.com or request a free CD (takes up to 10 weeks to deliver). We recommend ordering a free CD, even if you burn a copy of Ubuntu from the Web. If nothing else, you can give the CD to a friend as a gift (introduction to Linux).

   If you have saved your important data files (documents, spreadsheets, images, videos, etc.) to a separate external hard drive, if Ubuntu ever crashes (because you messed with the code) you can just pop in the CD, and viola! You're back in business.

4. Install Ubuntu: Place the latest version Ubuntu (boot-able) CD into your computer CD drive, and shut-down computer. Start computer with Ubuntu CD installed and follow the simple installation instructions. You now have Ubuntu installed. If your broadband Internet service was “connected” during Ubuntu installation – you should be connected to the Web.

5. Ubuntu Restricted Extras: Install the "ubuntu-restricted-extras" package. The easy way to do this is by heading to the "Applications" menu in the upper-left corner, choosing the "Ubuntu Software Center" at the bottom, then typing "ubuntu-restricted-extras" into the search box and hitting "Install" on the relevant result. This gives you all the goodies you enjoy on most modern systems--music codecs, Flash web video, Java applets, Windows fonts--but that don't quite meet the totally open code requirements of Ubuntu's core mission.

6. Playing restricted DVDs: Ubuntu makes a package available to read the structure of a DVD, and even installs a script to implement a famous de-crypting system for actually watching them, but relies on you to manually trigger it. So be it. Head to the Applications menu again, hover over Accessories, then select Terminal. Enter this line:

   sudo apt-get install libdvdread4 && sudo /usr/share/doc/libdvdread4/install-css.sh

   You'll be prompted to type in the password you gave when installing, unless you're running off the thumb drive. Do so, and you'll have full DVD reading and playing access.

7. Ubuntu Tweak: Open Firefox from the icon right next to your upper-left menus. Head to the web site of Ubuntu Tweak. Click the "Download Now" button on the front page, keep the "Open with" selection, and hit "Install Package" in the app window that pops up. Head to your Applications menu, head down to the new System Tools entry, and select Ubuntu Tweak.

   Inside Ubuntu Tweak, there are many worthy sub-sections that make life a lot easier in a new Ubuntu. The Application Center provides lots of popular and neat third-party applications (pretty much any application you're looking for, really) as one-click installs. Also worth peeking at are Desktop Icon Settings, Advanced Power Manager, and, especially, Window Manager Settings, where you can re-arrange the newly Mac-like, left-hand window button controls if you simply do not like them.

8. Update Ubuntu (or your Linux Distro): Go to “System” (top left of screen), pull down menu – choose “Administration,” then click on “Update Manager” - to update the OS and and all installed software.
9. Hardware Drivers: Most hardware drivers you'll need are included with Ubuntu (or other Linux distro). Ubuntu offers access to propriety drivers. Go to “System” (top left of screen), pull down menu – choose “Administration,” then click on “Hardware Drivers” and install driver(s) as recommended. At this point, most (if not all) of your hardware should be working. If you use a NVIDIA graphics card, you can adjust display settings by going to “System” (top left of screen), pull down menu – choose “Administration,” then click on “NVIDIA X-Server Settings.”
10. Other Hardware Drivers: If you find that any of your hardware is not working (sound card, printer, networking card, etc.) you'll need to do a little research on the Web. Go to the hardware manufacturer's Website to see if they offer a Linux driver. If the hardware manufacturer does not provide a Linux driver for your hardware – search “Google” to check driver availability. There's usually terminal code on the Web (check forums or blogs) you can use to install a driver that allows all your hardware to work properly. You may find that there is currently no driver available (anywhere) for your hardware. In this unusual situation, you'll need to use alternative hardware, until a driver becomes available.
11. Install Software: You'll find an AMAZING assortment (hundreds) of free software applications and tons of games you can download. There are three (3) ways to install software within Ubuntu (as installed per these instructions). 1. Go to “System” (top left of screen), pull down menu – choose “Administration,” then click on “Synaptic Package Manager” 2. Go to “Applications” (top left of screen), pull down menu – click on “Ubuntu Software Center” 3. Go to “Applications” (top left of screen), pull down menu – “System Tools” and click on “Ubuntu Tweak” - to install even more free software.
12. Other software: In addition to installing software in the ways mentioned previously (within Ubuntu graohical interfaces), software can be installed using terminal commands and downloading from online repositories. Be forewarned that these last two methods for installing software can cause problems with your system. Always install software within Ubuntu, unless you're willing to put system stability at risk.
13. Recommended Software to install: 1. Wine, 2. Chromium (Google Browser), 3. Bleachbit, 4. Bleachbit bonus pack (from http://sourceforge.net/projects/bleachbit/files/bleachbit/bleachbit_0.7.4-1_all_ubuntu1004.deb/download), 4. clamv antivirus, 5. GIMP “save for Web” plug in – (installed from http://www.techzilo.com/install-save-for-web-gimp-plugin-ubuntu/), 6. Downloadhelper (Firefox plug-in), 7. all games you might want to play.
14. Final Tweaks: As you use your Linux system you might find that some additional tweaks are desired. Because Ubuntu is the most popular version of Linux, there are usually answers to all your questions readily available online or at your local book store.
15. Enjoy using your new Linux OS. It's an operating system that is the OS of choice for Internet addicts, computer geeks and now,... with Ubuntu – everyone else!... Enjoy your new Ubuntu setup - not because it is free – but because an ultra-stable Linux system, filled with open source applications, makes Web surfing a fast, safe, secure and virus free endeavor.

Ubuntu Setup Ubuntu Setup Ubuntu Setup

For your daily computer needs, use an operating system that won't slow you down. Use an open source operating system that will not expose you to cyber-threats, screen freeze-ups and constant system maintenance (defrags, registry cleaning, spyware removal, etc.). Choose an OS that gives you the freedom to spend your precious time working, learning and playing - without hassles, restrictions or expense!

Choose an Open Source Ubuntu system, and choose computing freedom!..

So, do you...

Have A Great Story About This Topic?

Do you have information to share or a fun story about this subject? Spill the beans!