The Ubuntu notification area (the equivalent of the Windows system tray) at the top right of the screen contains a program that automatically monitors the package repositories and tells you when updates are available. This is the Update Manager. If you haven’t yet updated your system, this icon will have probably turned into a white … Read more
As you start to understand how Ubuntu works, you’ll become more and more aware of commonsense methods that will protect your system. However, we’ll outline a few of these now to get you started: •Entering your password: Be very wary if you’re asked to enter your password (outside of initial login, of course). You’ll be … Read more
Although users are the subject of another chapter, allow us to introduce the distinction between the root user account and ordinary users, because this distinction is the foundation on which much of the security model is based. For a more in-depth discussion on the matter. Linux makes use of something called the root user account. … Read more
Depending on the degree to which your computer supports power-saving functionality, Ubuntu will let you configure your display to go into standby mode after a certain amount of time and will also allow you to configure your notebook to enter sleep (standby) mode. In addition, if you use a notebook computer, Ubuntu might let you … Read more
Generally speaking, your sound card shouldn’t require any additional configuration and should worknimmediately after you install Ubuntu. The icon for the volume control applet is located at the top right of the Ubuntu Desktop, and it offers a quick way to control the master volume. However, if you want to change your balance or microphone … Read more
Bluetooth is the short-range networking facility that allows various items of hardware to work with each other wirelessly. You can use Bluetooth for everything from file transfers between a mobile phone and computer to employing a wireless keyboard or mouse with your desktop computer. For Bluetooth to work, both devices need to have Bluetooth support. … Read more
Mouse and key repeat speeds are personal to each user, and you may find the default Ubuntu settings not to your taste, particularly if you have a high-resolution mouse such as a gaming model. Fortunately, changing each setting is easy. Configuring Mouse Options Open Applications and in the search bar, type mouse to display the … Read more
Unlike some versions of Linux, Ubuntu doesn’t rely on a centralized configuration software package. Instead, it uses smaller programs to configure hardware. For example, to configure the network, you’ll use the NetworkManager program, and printers are configured using a separate printer configuration program. Because using some of the configuration software involves reconfiguring your entire system, … Read more
The DVD-ROM disc supplied with this book is double-sided. This means it’s like a vinyl LP record. To play Side A, simply insert the disc with the Side A label topmost. To play Side B, insert the disc with the Side B label topmost. Side A contains the release version of Ubuntu on which this … Read more
There is an old, so-far-unfulfilled prophecy about “the Year of the Linux Desktop.” Many have predicted that Linux would eventually replace Windows as the de-facto desktop OS, but so far it hasn’t happened. Might things be changing? Could the long-awaited “Year” finally be here? Linux is not about market share, but just plain sharing. To … Read more