syl's Guide to Ubuntu Linux

Stability

* Since Linux is based on the stable UNIX operating system, it inherits that stability and reliability. Linux is open-source, which means the source code is readily available to anyone who wants it. Since the source code available, thousands of developers all over the world are able to contribute and improve Linux. As a result, security patches and new drivers come out quickly, sometimes in less than a day. This insures a very stable operating system and high uptime for your network operations.

Affordability

* You can download Linux software for free from the Internet at Real Time Enterprises´ local mirror or CDs can be purchased from distribution vendors for as little as $40. * Linux can run on PC-based hardware. This means it´s easy to add disk space or memory. AND, some services will run very well on a P1 with 64MB RAM, which you probably have collecting dust at your office.

Speed

* Many studies have proven that on equal hardware, Linux is several times faster than Windows NT. In our own experience a Linux fileserver running Samba was at least 10 times faster than a Windows NT server and the NT server had faster, better hardware!

With the general popularity of Ubuntu, even non-geeks are getting curious about the hype that this Linux distro has generated. With Dell now offering to sell PC's and laptops with pre-installed Ubuntu, more and more people are entering into the Open Source community but are afraid to install linux because it is still a gray-area to them.

Here are a few ways of installation Ubuntu linux, ranging from very easy to very geeky:

Very Easy - Using WUBI

Wubi is an unofficial Ubuntu installer for Windows users that will bring you into the Linux world with a single click. Wubi allows you to install and uninstall Ubuntu as any other application. The beauty of using Wubi is that you don't have to restart and boot into the Ubuntu disc, a step which many people that had just stepped into the Open Source World looks at with dread.

You should follow this guide if: - you are afraid of booting into the live cd - you want the default installation (install pre-included packages like OpenOffice and The Gimp) - you want an easy, no scruples installation

Easy - Using the Live CD

This is the most common install method for Ubuntu and roughly the best method for those wondering if their hardware is compatible. If your system is able to boot into the Live CD and everything works perfectly, you're good to go.

You should follow this guide if: - your system meets the minimum system requirement, contrary to what some people think, the Live CD uses lots of RAM - you want the default installation (install pre-included packages like OpenOffice and The Gimp) - you want an easy, no scruples installation

Geeky - Using Network Install You should follow this guide if: - you have to install Ubuntu on a machine with no CD-ROM drive but with an active network connection - your machine provides the 'boot from network' option in its BIOS - you have access to another network machine that's already running Ubuntu

Geeky/Very Geeky - Using Alternate CD Install

You should follow this guide if: - you have had problems with the Live CD - you prefer using the text-based installation - you wish to fully customize your Ubuntu installation (make it a server installation, choose the bootloader) - you wish to perform an expert install (the case when you want to add tweaks to include/exclude non-working/compatible hardware)

Very Geeky - Installing Ubuntu on your PS3

Title is self-explanatory

Ubuntu - is the main distro for Ubuntu linux. It's GUI is powered up by GNOME and has a minimum requirement of 256 RAM and 4 GB of disk space. Open Office is included by default as well as Totem and Rhythm Music Player. If you've seen how a windows environment looks, Ubuntu will look hauntingly familiar. The default installation is perfect for people who want to try out Ubuntu for the first time.

KUbuntu - KDE is the desktop environment of KUbuntu. It has it's own packages and some programs can be interoperable between GNOME and KDE so long as you have satisfied their dependencies. It has a minimum requirement of 256 RAM and 4 GB of disk space. Open Office is included by default as well as Amarok and Kaffeine. KDE provides a snazzy change from GNOME's all too windows look.

XUbuntu - has XFCE as it's desktop environment of KUbuntu. It has it's own packages which are lightweight versions of their GNOME counterparts which makes XUbuntu perfect for slower computers. It has a minimum requirement of 128 RAM and 2 GB of disk space. Abiword and Gxine are included by default.