Since the original release of the Linux kernel by Linus Torvalds back in 1991 a lot of progress has been made on Linux. At the time of creating this page, the kernel is on version 5.7.1 and each of the upstream distributions have been forked many times. Android which is based on Linux runs on 80% of mobile devices worldwide. You can find Linux in your car as well as your smart appliance.
What Linux, Ubuntu, and all versions of desktops in Linux all have in common is that they are Open Source. Open-source software is software that can be freely used, changed, and shared (in modified or unmodified form) by anyone. In a nutshell, they are free, in the truest sense of the word.
Beyond Software, Open-Source as a way of Life
As advocates of open-source, we would like to say that we’re interested in the ways open source values and principles apply to the world beyond software. We like to think of open source as not only a way to develop and license computer software, but also an attitude (My book Culture of Open). Approaching all aspects of life “the open source way” means expressing a willingness to share, collaborating with others in ways that are transparent (so that others can watch and join too), embracing failure as a means of improving, and expecting—even encouraging—everyone else to do the same. It also means committing to playing an active role in improving the world, which is possible only when everyone has access to the way that the world is designed. This site was set up by these principles. The world is full of “source code”—blueprints, recipes, rules—that guide and shape the way we think and act in it. We believe this underlying code (whatever its form) should be open, accessible, and shared—so many people can have a hand in altering it for the better. Here, we tell stories about the impact of open source values on all areas of life—science, education, government, manufacturing, health, law, and organizational dynamics. We’re a community committed to telling others how the open source way is the best way because the love of open source is just like anything else: it’s better when it’s shared. This ideology is the bases of the name Ubuntu from the African philosophy of ” I am because we are”.
Whether you are a home user a software or application developer or an employee of an organization that uses the operating system, you are a member of the Linux and Open Source communities and benefit from the efforts of the developers who contribute to Linux and its related projects, Gnome, MATE, KDE, Mint, and Ubuntu to name a few. Members of the community can and do run Linux on almost any hardware, from the prettiest Macbook to the cheapest netbook, from the newest Chromebook to some very old machines designed for Windows, and from the most powerful Internet servers to the smallest smart thermostat.
I have been working with Linux since the late ’90s. Over the years I have picked up a lot of tips and tricks that are still valid today. I have also been guided by a community of great people who have helped me overcome the challenges of learning a new OS and using it as my daily driver. The idea of this website came to me while thinking about writing a book on the latest Ubuntu LTS 20.04. After thinking more about it I realized that I have bookshelves full of old technical books that I will never use again since they have become outdated by the fast-moving technology. As a website, I can continuously update the information and insert links to downloads and other sources of information which will be a lot more useful. Also as a book, there would be a cost of distribution and getting the content to everyone so a free website sounded much better way conveying the information. As a result, this site was born. Throughout the site, I have tried to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up to date with credit and links to original content if it was not created by me. I would also welcome anyone who would like to contribute to the content of this site (with full credit to the creator of the content). If your content is approved you will be added to our contributor’s section of the site. Please use the content submission section to submit your content for our review. Feel free to copy, link, share, and use the content of this site as you see fit.
This site is designed for people who do not have in-depth computer knowledge but feel confident that they can install an operating system and try Linux for themselves. This site is focused on everyday Desktop users. It is not intended to be an in-depth technical site for Ubuntu or for developers. It is intentionally designed to be simple with step by step guides and visuals for everyday users.
On this site, you will learn some of the common terminologies that are used and how they relate as you learn about Linux. Linux and Ubuntu are a vast sea of options, desktops, and configurations I will try to walk you through the most popular Flavors of Ubuntu, how to set them up for the first time on a system, or dual boot your system to run Windows and Linux on the same system. I also included a discussion on how to choose a desktop environment by understanding the pros and cons of each environment. In Ubuntu’s case, each Flavor of Ubuntu has a unique Desktop with its own pros and cons. You have to decide what works best for you.
The site is designed to enable you to find answers quickly to your questions as you go through the process. In the main section of the website, you find the most common information about the Ubuntu Flavors, Desktop, Application some background and history, and what are the most common use-cases. If you choose to install the software you will find a link at the end of that section that will navigate to the install guide section of the website which will guide you through the step by step installation process. If you would like to just jump in the install process you can choose the install guide link in the main menu which will take you directly to the installation guides section. in that section, you can use the topics as they are outlined or quickly search for the application or the Ubuntu Flavor you are looking for. I have tried to follow the same structure throughout the entire site for OS install sections as well as application install sections.
After the basic install sections, you will also find dedicated sections to the customization of each desktop. If you like to make Ubuntu look and behave like a Mac or Windows or something truly different you will have step by step guides in the customization section. You will also have the guide to walk you through the process of how to change Icons, Themes, and a number of other customizations that are described in these sections. Linux and Ubuntu are all about you choice and the ability to make your system look and feel the way you would like to design it.
At last but not least I will introduce you to some essential applications that you can install on your new Linux/Ubuntu system to become productive and feel at home with your new OS. I hope this site will help introduce you to the vast world of Linux and Ubuntu.
If you are new to Linux I suggest you start with the introduction sections first to understand the terminology and the history that will give you a better understanding of where Ubuntu started and history behind this great operating system.
