Monday, December 6, 2010

The Ubuntu Network Remix - Linux For the Beginner

Many people are interested in Linux, but still find themselves feeling intimidated by what they think of as a "geek" or "technical" operating system. Thankfully, times have changed and Linux has come a long way. You can jump in and test the power of Linux quickly, easily, and safely.

There are different varieties of Linux, called "distributions." You can pick from any number of distributions with all kinds of features. One of the most popular distributions is Ubuntu Linux. It's called "Linux for Human Beings" because it's made to be easy and intuitive to use.

You can get Ubuntu for any computer - a desktop or notebook computer. There are several variations: a standard installation for your home computer, a server installation for enterprise solutions, even a version focused on intense media production. But the best version for an absolute beginner to start with is the Ubuntu Netbook Remix.

The Ubuntu Netbook Remix is an attractive, easy to use interface that will have you loving Linux in no time. Your netbook has the advantage of being pretty standardized - almost all netbooks use the same hardware. The outside may look different, but what's on the inside is most likely the same regardless of what company manufactured your netbook. This standardized technology makes it easy for the Ubuntu Netbook Remix to shine. The programmers don't have to worry about adding in the configurations for hundreds of thousands of different hardware combinations like they need to with the standard Linux operating systems.

What does this mean for you? It means you get an efficient and awesome little operating system that will fit your netbook perfectly.

The interface of the Ubuntu Netbook Remix is really well-thought out. It's easy to use and it generally works "out of the box," meaning the only configuration you need to do is adding all the programs you want.

You can customize and personalize to your heart's content. The Netbook Remix has none of the ridiculous limitations of the Windows Starter Edition. You can change wallpaper and themes without needing to install any third-party software.
Many people want Windows even with the limitations placed on the Starter Edition. That's OK, because Linux plays well with Windows. You can easily and safely create a "dual-boot" system that will allow you to pick which operating system you want to enter each time you start up your computer.

Once you boot into Ubuntu you'll see that your desktop is neatly laid out into categories. You'll see a "favorites" tab where you can add all your favorite programs for easy use. Next you'll see a tab for your files and folders. Under that tab are several other tabs representing different groups of software, such as Office, Graphics, and Internet. Click on each of these tabs to see the wide variety of software Ubuntu has to suit your needs.

If you don't see what you need, just click the Ubuntu Software Store in your Favorites tab to browse for a free program that will meet your needs. Chances are, you already have what you need to get going right away - the Firefox web browser is installed by default, as is the Open Office word processor and Spreadsheet (both compatible with the Microsoft Office suite.) You'll also find photo-management software, a media players, and an email client.

Spend some time looking through your new Linux operating system. It's easy to use and looks amazing. If you want to dabble more in the technical side of Linux you can - a terminal is always ready for you and you'll find a lot of help online for whatever you want to do. But if you're not quite ready for that you can still enjoy an attractive, functional system that just works with the Ubuntu Netbook Remix.
Kristen loves ranting and raving, so writing suits her perfectly. Visit her newest site http://www.bestheadset.org/ where she details the best headset for your unique situation.

No comments:

Post a Comment