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Ubuntu is one of the hundreds of distributions for Linux. Linux is a powerful open-source and free operating system based upon Unix. (An “operating system” is core software that serves as the computer’s interface with all hardware and handles the tasks of programs specifically written for that operating system.) Ubuntu uses the Gnome graphical windowing (i.e., user interface) system which manages your desktop environment. (Kubuntu, another distribution related to Ubuntu, uses the KDE graphical windowing system for its desktop environment.) One of the nicest features of Ubuntu is that it “just works” making it one of the easiest Linux distributions to use – especially for beginners.

While there are many similarities to the Microsoft Windows operating systems, there are also differences.

Linux was originally (because of Unix) a powerful command line operating system. But, with the advent of graphical user interfaces like Gnome, most everything can easily be done using the graphical user interface desktop environment. But, the command line still lies just below the surface of Linux and is still incredibly powerful.

Windows was originally designed with ease of use in mind. Linux was designed with security in mind. So, Linux is much more secure than Windows and everything depends on very strict user accounts, controls, rights and passwords. One of the best reasons to use a Linux box is for security. It is a fact that most security problems are encountered with Windows systems – especially Internet related security problems. Most viruses, malware and Trojans are specifically written for Windows based operating systems. Most Internet security problems are related to the weakness of not only the Microsoft Windows operating systems but also the security vulnerabilities of Internet Explorer and other Windows programs. Linux has virtually no problems with viruses, malware and Trojans. Hackers just do not target Linux computers and networks as frequently as they do Windows based systems. (None of this means, however, that you should ever be careless with security measures even while using a Linux machine. But there is no real reason to usually run any antivirus or antispyware programs on a Linux computer. It is still advisable to always use a router between your cable or DSL modem and your computer and to make sure that you are using your Linux distribution’s firewall at all times.)

Another interesting thing about Linux is that while Windows seems to need lots of “maintenance,” Linux rarely does because the Linux operating system sort of takes care of itself. With Linux you don’t need to reboot all the time like you do with Windows. You don’t have to defragment the computer’s hard drive. You don’t have to use a lot of system tools and utilities to check the “health” of the computer. Etc. The reason is simple! Either Linux is just designed better and thus is more efficient or it automatically runs system checks periodically without user attention and interaction. Also, Linux boots up and shuts down faster than most any Windows computer.

It is important to understand that Windows programs cannot natively run on Linux. This means that if you currently use any Windows program on a Windows system you will have to find another “equivalent” Linux program that does the same thing. (However, just so you know, many Windows programs can actually be made to run in Linux with a program called “Wine.” But none of this is for beginners!) So basically, only Linux programs can run on the Linux operating system. In addition, it is best to use only those Linux programs that have specifically been written for a given distribution of Linux. Fortunately most every distribution of Linux (like Ubuntu) comes with its own program manager that provides for installation and updates of all programs on that particular Linux distribution.

Here is a list of a few key programs you need to know about on Ubuntu Linux:

Skype, Ekiga – The best voice over Internet communications programs

The fact is there are literally thousands of programs available for Ubuntu Linux. Many are just as good as or even better than their Windows equivalents! There is one area where Windows is simply a much better platform and that is in the areas of games – especially 3D and multimedia gaming. (But even this is slowly changing!)

There are also basic procedures that you need to know that differ somewhat from Microsoft Windows procedures. The basic file and folder structure in Linux is based upon the “root” directory concept. This means that when you use the file manager it starts with “/” (i.e., the “root” directory) rather than the “C:\” directory common to Windows. Under the root directory will be found a variety of specialized directories such as “/bin; /dev/; /opt; /var; /etc; /mnt; /proc; etc. But the most important directory for the beginning user is the “/home” or user directory. When a user account is created in Linux all the user’s data files are usually stored in the user’s “home” directory.

All Linux systems also have a “/root” folder which represents the “root user” – the administrator account. The system administrator has virtually unlimited authority over the computer. However, most Linux distributions discourage any user from running as the system administrator for normal, everyday computing. This is done for security purposes. So, while the “root” account is set up when Linux is installed, a regular, limited “user” account is also set up at the same time. For system administration you log on to the root account, but for normal use you log on to your regular user account.

(Sometimes the system will ask for your root account password to proceed with a critical task. And, when necessary, you can also “force” administrator rights using the command “sudo” or “gksudo” and then proceed with the command line requests. But all this is very rare for the beginning user once the Linux system is properly set up and running.)

For general computing needs you will be doing office work, Internet browsing, email and other basic tasks. Ubuntu is perfect for all this! For office work use LibreOffice. For simple word processing use AbiWord. For Internet browsing use Firefox or Chrome. For email it is always best (and safest) to use your Internet browser and your Internet’s Service Provider’s online email-based system. If you must use a dedicated email program for your email needs use Evolution or, for simpler needs, use Thunderbird. For pictures use Picasa. For music and videos use MPlayer. Etc.

When you need to manage any files or use a flash drive it is best to use the Nautilus File Manager. (You can find Nautilus under the “Places” menu by choosing “Home Folder” or “Computer.”) There is one thing you need to keep in mind though. Linux is based upon the concept of “mounting” and “unmounting” file systems. This means that if you plug in any “file system” (on a CD; flash drive; etc.) into a Linux system it will automatically recognize that hardware and the files and “mount” that hardware as a new “drive.” Then you will be able to access the files and copy to and from that piece of hardware. The way you disconnect that piece of hardware is to “unmount” it first. Then you can remove the CD or flash drive. Sometimes you may need to manually choose the “mount” command and then, when done, choose the “unmount” command with whatever program you are using. Usually, though, it is all done automatically by Linux and Nautilus on the Gnome desktop and menus.

One other important feature of Ubuntu Linux that you must be familiar with is the “Update Manager.” The Update Manager takes care of all updates not only for the Linux operating system, but all of the programs in the Ubuntu Linux distribution! This means that every single one of the programs on your computer will be monitored and updated almost every day, as needed. (This update feature is automatic. But you can always do a manual update at any time.) Thus, one centralized update center does it all! Also, every year or two a new version of Ubuntu is released and made available through the Update Manager. What is more, installing additional programs and packages is made possible at any time through the “Synaptic Package Manager.” You can install, uninstall and re-install thousands of programs through this package manager. Both the Update Manager and the Synaptic Manager are always available through the System, Administration main menu or the Applications, “Ubuntu Software Center” menu.

It should be noted that in more recent versions of Ubuntu the Unity desktop has been introduced to replace the classic Gnome desktop. The Unity desktop is absolutely horrid – especially for older systems which cannot handle its graphical interface's demands. To go back to the Gnome desktop after the install of Unity (Why didn't they give you an option for the desktop of your choice during install?) do a “Ctrl+Alt+T” and then type in the following command: