While perusing ubuntuforums.org today, I came across a thread entitled, "Free Beginner's Guide" in the Absolute Beginner Talk forum. The tread provides a link to a free booklet by Keir Thomas (author of Ubuntu Kung Fu) called, "Ubuntu Pocket Guide and Reference: A concise companion for day-to-day Ubuntu use". 92 pages of responses praised the usefulness of this book for new Ubuntu users and, as a beginner myself, I decided to follow the link to Google Book Search where the book is available for free. (http://books.google.com/books?id=kHLlJzI6L20C&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false) At first glance, the book looks quite useful for beginners, and I've already saved it to my "favorites" for future reference. Chapter topics include installing, configuring, managing, and securing Ubuntu systems. For the purposes of this post, I will limit my comments to information contained in the Introduction.
The introduction provides a brief history of Linux, including the role Richard Stallman had in designing the original Free Software operating system (called GNU), and Linus Torvalds later kernel which took on the name Linux (to the displeasure of Stallman). Ubuntu is one of hundreds of Linux versions (called distributions); others include Red Hat and SUSE. As the book notes, "This variety is possible because of the freedom allowed by Free Software - anybody can take the source code and make their own version." (Thomas, 2009)
Thomas identifies 3 areas where Ubuntu excels compared to other Linux distributions. These are a focus on desktop users, ease of use, and the Ubuntu philosophy and community. While most Linux distributions can be used on desktops and servers, Ubuntu takes special care to ensure a pleasant desktop user experience. In fact, it was designed specifically to compete with the dominant Microsoft Windows operating system.
Ubuntu also strives to offer a positive philosophy and community for its users. The philosophy is centered around the idea that the source code and software is free and available for modification to all users. This is not fundamentally different from most Linux versions, however, Ubuntu has remained true to this principle where other distributions eventually included propriety programs or limited distribution. In addition, the community that supports Ubuntu (particularly through ubuntuforums.org) has remained dedicated to providing a positive desktop experience.
Ease of use is another area where Ubuntu differentiates itself from other Linux versions. In fact, Ubuntu calls itself the "Linux for human beings". Rather than being overly technical to operate, Ubuntu can be used without complete reliance on the command line interface, and is relatively easy to install and update. While still a powerful tool for the "techie" community, Ubuntu's focus on desktop functionality makes this version of Linux accessible to a more casual audience. And Ubuntu offers all the applications expected of commercial operating systems, such as word processing, web browsing, image-editing, and music playback.
Thomas' book is a great resource for the beginning Ubuntu user. I expect to consult it frequently as we begin using Ubuntu in earnest - a prospect which I find increasingly exciting the more I learn about the Linux operating system.
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