Linux Brain Dump

I wrote this document for new Ubuntu Linux users who are trying it for the first time solo, that is, without a friend or colleague who is experienced with setting up and supporting Ubuntu Linux. If you’re a seasoned Linux pro, you probably won’t find much usefulness in this document, except maybe in giving it to an absolute beginner.

Updates

The first thing you should do after installing any system is install the available updates. Ubuntu lets you know that updates are available by displaying a balloon.

If we do what it says, and click the orange notification icon, the Update Manager will open, displaying the available updates. Clicking the Install Updates button will bring every application on your system up to it’s current version. You may need to reboot after installing the updates. Look for the blue reboot icon.

Installing New Software

Getting new software in Ubuntu is easy! Just click on Applications, then Add/Remove. Let’s install some things you’ll probably want. Search for Flash, and check the box next to Macromedia Flash plugin.

Repeat this step for java6 and firestarter, then click apply. You’ll get a window asking if you’re sure. Click apply again, enter your password and the packages you selected will be installed!

This same method can be used to install almost all of the software you would want to use.

Internet

If you’ve been using Firefox as your web browser in Windows, then you should feel right at home in Ubuntu. It comes pre-installed and is available on the Gnome Panel. A simple click on the icon will open it, and you’re ready to go.

Firewall

Ubuntu comes with a firewall, but the configuration is managed with cryptic commands; that’s why I listed Firestarter in the section about installing software. It provides a graphical interface for configuring the firewall. Most people won’t need to change anything here, but I want to include it for the sake of completeness.
You can open Firestarter by going to the System, Administration menu. You’ll be greeted with a setup wizard. The only thing most people will need to do here is check the box to allow DHCP. If you want to use BitTorrent, you need to add an Inbound rule under the policy tab.

Antivirus

Can you get viruses in Linux? Well, I’ve been using it since 1996, and, while I’ve heard rumors and stories, I have never heard of a virus in the wild that attacks Linux. However, it’s not a bad idea to use antivirus software if you share files with a Windows system. A popular solution is ClamAV with the ClamTk front end. It’s available in the Add/Remove Applications program. Just search for clam.

Music and Movies

Ubuntu, like many distributions, doesn’t include the software needed to decode mp3 files or DVD’s. However, installing the software is really easy. Double-click an mp3 file, or attempt to play a DVD, and you will be asked if you want to install necessary software (called a codec).Click yes and you’ll be presented with a window to choose the appropriate packages.

Bittorrent

Ubuntu comes with a bittorrent client, but if you’re already used to Azureus and would prefer to continue using it, you’re in luck, because it’s available in Add/Remove Applications.

Instant Messaging

Ubuntu includes an IM client called gAIM (name recently changed to Pidgin). It works with the majority of the IM networks and protocols, so if you use AIM, MSN and Google Talk, you only need this one program. You’ll find it under the Applications, Internet menu.

This guide is available for download in PDF format here: Linux Newbie’s Survival Guide - Ubuntu Edition

Did I leave something out that you think needs to be added? Tell me about it in the comments.