*CONGRATS! you qualify for 2018 federal rebates on solar panels
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ PC & MOBILE LIFESTYLE HARDWARE FREE EBOOKS GIVEAWAYS TOP LISTS VIDEOS ABOUT SHOP CHATS Search Ubuntu: A Beginner's Guide LINUX Ubuntu: A Beginner's Guide Bertel King, Jr. October 19, 2017 20 minutes Ubuntu: A Beginner's Guide Email Facebook Pinterest Twitter Advertisement So you're curious about Linux, and you heard Ubuntu is a great place to start? Maybe you've heard of Ubuntu and have no idea about this thing called Linux? Either way, you've come to the right place. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about Ubuntu in easy-to-understand language. This guide is available to download as a free PDF. Download Ubuntu: A Beginner's Guide now. Feel free to copy and share this with your friends and family. Ubuntu is a free and open source operating system with millions of users. It's also an ethos, a collaborative project and, first and foremost, a community. If you're reading this guide, you're probably interested in moving away from proprietary operating systems such as Windows and macOS. Perhaps you've already installed Ubuntu and are not sure where to go from there. Either way, the hard part is behind you. You've already decided you're willing to try something new. Now it's time to enjoy the journey. 6 Things That Ubuntu Does Better Than Windows 6 Things That Ubuntu Does Better Than Windows Some think that Ubuntu is for nerds - but the truth is that Ubuntu is just as easy to use as Windows. In fact, there are several things Ubuntu does better than Windows 10. READ MORE What Is Ubuntu? Ubuntu is a free desktop operating system. It's based on Linux, a massive project that enables millions of people around the world to run machines powered by free and open software on all kinds of devices. Linux comes in many shapes and sizes, with Ubuntu being the most popular iteration on desktops and laptops. ubuntu beginner guide When I say "free," I'm not just referring to cost. I'm also talking about freedom. Unlike most proprietary software (such as Windows and macOS), free and open source software lets you edit its code, install as many copies as you want, and distribute the program as you please. You don't pay for a license to use it. So Ubuntu is not only free for you to download, it's free for you to use however you like. 5 Surprising Ways Linux Is Changing the World 5 Surprising Ways Linux Is Changing the World From hosting popular websites to the future of science and space travel, Linux is furthering the development of our world, and our understanding of the universe. READ MORE How Can Ubuntu Be Free? Windows and macOS dominate the desktop landscape throughout much of the world. Microsoft and Apple develop these systems and profit from selling the OSes, or devices running them, to you and me. Free and open source desktops use a different model. The software comes from many different developers spread all over the world. Anyone is free to put these components together as they wish, and no single company has control over the entire ecosystem. Who Made Linux and Why Is It Free? Who Made Linux and Why Is It Free? Linux is the most widely-used free and open source operating system in the world. Unlike commercial alternatives, no person or company can take credit. But why is it free? And who is behind Linux? READ MORE When someone packages the Linux kernel with the software necessary to provide a functional desktop experience, we call the end result a Linux operating system or "distribution." In 1993, a man named Ian Murdock started a project that did precisely this and named it Debian after him and his then girlfriend, Debra. This project tests software and makes it available for others to download. It quickly blossomed into a massive community. A decade later, in 2004, a company called Canonical created Ubuntu using code from the Debian project. Since the software is all free and open source, Canonical is free to do this — even encouraged to. These days, many projects are now based on Ubuntu, such as the popular alternative Elementary OS. This is all perfectly fine. Ubuntu goes so far as to enshrine this cooperative spirit in its name: It's Time to Try Something New: Elementary OS Loki It's Time to Try Something New: Elementary OS Loki Elementary OS isn't your typical Linux distribution. Some would say it isn't a distro at all. But is Elementary really a usable alternative to Windows and macOS as its developers claim? READ MORE "Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning 'humanity to others.' It also means 'I am what I am because of who we all are.'" — ubuntu.com An early goal of Ubuntu has been to bring the spirit of humanity and community to the world of computers. This is emphasized somewhat less now that Canonical has shifted its focus in a more corporate direction, but Ubuntu users still share a deeply held belief that software should be freely accessible to everyone regardless of language, disability, or income. Canonical and the Ubuntu Community Ubuntu is managed and funded by a privately held company called Canonical Ltd. Canonical was founded (and funded) in 2004 by South African entrepreneur, Mark Shuttleworth. Aside from Ubuntu, Shuttleworth is known for making millions selling a company he founded to VeriSign and later visiting the International Space Station. Canonical provides commercial support to companies using Ubuntu for a fee. The revenue from this support then goes towards the ongoing development of Ubuntu. Canonical's main headquarters is in London, but it has smaller offices in Canada, Taiwan, and the US. Canonical's roles include: Releasing new versions of Ubuntu every six months Coordinating security Hosting servers for Ubuntu's online community Canonical also provides various cloud management tools and services. This doesn't impact Ubuntu on the desktop, but the work benefits people and companies using Ubuntu on servers. As I mentioned earlier, Canonical doesn't create or maintain most of the software that goes into Ubuntu. That comes from the broader FOSS community. That's not the only way Ubuntu benefits from non-employees. People around the world freely share their time and skills to: Test software bugs Write user documentation Design artwork Provide user feedback Answer questions and provide support (on sites such as Ask Ubuntu) Spread the word If you want to help out, you can! Ubuntu and Linux Ubuntu is the most popular Linux-based desktop operating system. That begs the question, what's Linux? 8 Reasons Why You Should Stick With Ubuntu Linux 8 Reasons Why You Should Stick With Ubuntu Linux Use Ubuntu and feel like the developers are losing interest? Here are several reasons to stick with Ubuntu as a Linux user. READ MORE Linux is a kernel, which is the core component of any operating system and allows software to communicate with hardware. A kernel, on its own, is not an operating system, but rather a set of computer instructions that enable communication between software applications and the data processing done at the hardware level. The Linux kernel is used in many free and open source operating systems and, just like Ubuntu, is released under the GNU General Public License. It is called "Linux" because it is named after Linus Torvalds, the Finnish computer programmer who created it in 1991. Contrary to common belief: Linux is not a corporation Nobody owns Linux Linux is a kernel, not a complete OS In addition to the Linux kernel, a Linux operating system needs a display server, a sound server, a desktop environment, and many other components to make a complete experience. Like with a commercial OS, you don't need to know what any of these components are. Ubuntu makes these selections for you and packages them together into a fully functional interface. Why Use Ubuntu? There are many reasons to use Ubuntu, but here are some of the most important ones: It's free and open source: shared code, shared efforts, shared principles, no cost. It's easy to use, trial and install: you don't have to be an expert. Ubuntu is beautiful, sleek, and stylish: learn more about the GNOME desktop environment It's stable and fast: usually loads in less than a minute on modern computers. It has no major viruses! Ubuntu is immune to computer-crashing Windows viruses. Say goodbye to Blue Screens of Death! It's up-to-date: Canonical releases new versions of Ubuntu every six months and also brings you regular updates for free. It is supported: you can get all the support and advice you need from the global FOSS community and Canonical. Among Linux operating systems, Ubuntu is the most supported. Ubuntu Releases Every operating system relies on a different approach to assigning version numbers and creating code names. Ubuntu's method may look strange at first, but it's actually really simple. Version Numbers Canonical ships new versions of Ubuntu every six months, in April and October. Each Ubuntu release has a version number that contains the year and month of its release. This guide, for example, discusses the latest version of Ubuntu: 17.10, released in October of 2017. The next scheduled release of Ubuntu, version 18.04, will be in April of 2018. The one after that will be 18.10 in October of 2018, and so on. Code Names In addition to version numbers, Ubuntu releases are also given alliterative code names using an adjective and an animal. The code name for Ubuntu 17.10 is Artful Aardvark. It comes after Zesty Zapus (17.04), which completed the alphabet earlier this year. The first three versions of Ubuntu were Warty Warthog (4.10), Hoary Hedgehog (5.04), and Breezy Badger (5.10), which had the alliteration but did not yet go in order. Things changed with the release of Dapper Drake (6.06). Ubuntu code names have proceeded in alphabetical order ever since. Thanks to the way things began, Artful Aardvark is the first release to begin with A. So if you find yourself talking to a fellow Ubuntu enthusiast and they are raving about Wily Werewolf or Yakkety Yak, they are not talking about their love for quirky mammals, but previous versions of the Ubuntu operating system. Long Term Support Releases One of the great features of Ubuntu is that it is supported within a structured time frame. New versions of the operating system are released every six months and receive supported from Canonical for 18 months. These versions are referred to as normal releases. In addition to normal releases, Canonical develops Long Term Support (LTS) releases. These versions come approximately every two years (if on schedule) and get three years of support. The upcoming version of Ubuntu, 18.04, will be a Long Term Support release. The current one is version 16.04. How to Customize the Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Desktop How to Customize the Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Desktop Sick of the default Ubuntu look? Time to customize Ubuntu the way you want it? With the Unity Tweak Tool and a few simple terminal commands, you can make your Unity your own! READ MORE Getting Your Hands on Ubuntu If you want to make the switch to Ubuntu, doing so is now easier than ever. There are multiple ways to go about doing this. Let's get the simplest option out of the way first. Buying a Computer that Comes with Ubuntu Only a relatively small number of personal computers run Ubuntu. Much of the reason for this comes to the lack of computers running Ubuntu in stores. If you head to your local big box retailer, you are likely to only see Windows or macOS. Online, the story is a little different. There are plenty of companies looking to sell you a PC that comes running Ubuntu out-of-the-box. You just have to know where to look. Here are a handful of places to start: System76 ZaReason Think Penguin Linux Certified Dell Want to know exactly which desktop or laptop to buy? Here are a few of our recommendations! What Type of Linux Desktop or Laptop Should You Buy? What Type of Linux Desktop or Laptop Should You Buy? What kind of Linux desktop or laptop should you buy? Many powerful machines exist that come designed specifically with Linux in mind. We've covered all bases, ranging in price from $650 to $2,700! READ MORE If you aren't that technical of a computer user, this is the safest route to go. A computer will arrive at your door that's as easy to open up and start using as any you would get from a store in person. If, on the other hand, you would rather save money, you can likely install Ubuntu on the computer you're already using. If you are comfortable installing your own software, then the process is likely easier than you think! Installing Ubuntu on Your Existing Computer There are three primary ways to install Ubuntu on your computer: Replace your existing OS with Ubuntu Install Ubuntu alongside your existing OS Run Ubuntu off a USB stick Replacing your existing operating system will run the fastest and smoothest on your computer, even though doing so requires a full commitment to leave your old OS behind. Interested? Here are detailed instructions on how to install Ubuntu on your existing Windows or macOS machine. This guide also explains how to install Ubuntu without getting rid of your existing operating system. This option, known as a dual boot installation or dual-booting, will install Ubuntu on your computer alongside Windows or macOS. Whenever you start your computer, you will have the option to choose with operating system you use. Install Ubuntu On Your Computer Using a USB Flash Drive Install Ubuntu On Your Computer Using a USB Flash Drive Want to install Ubuntu but don't have a spare blank DVD? Don't worry! After downloadin the ISO file, you can use a highly-reusable USB flash drive to get the job done. READ MORE If you're not ready to take the plunge, you can opt to run Ubuntu from your USB stick. This installation requires the least commitment from you and your computer, but it will probably affect the quality and speed of Ubuntu's performance. That said, there are some alternative Linux operating systems that you may find better suited for running off a USB drive. Getting Started When you sign into Ubuntu for the first time, you will see a screen that looks like this. ubuntu beginner guide This is the Ubuntu desktop. While Canonical has added a few of its own elements of charm, the interface you see is not exclusive to Ubuntu. It's actually known as GNOME. What Is GNOME? GNOME is a desktop environment for free and open source operating systems. It comes from the GNU Project, which has been providing the world with free software for over three decades. GNOME Explained: A Look at One of Linux's Most Popular Desktops GNOME Explained: A Look at One of Linux's Most Popular Desktops You're interested in Linux, and you've come across "GNOME", an acronym for GNU Network Object Model Environment. GNOME is one of the most popular open source interfaces, but what does that mean? READ MORE Just like Ubuntu uses the Linux kernel to make software communicate with your computer, it uses GNOME to provide you with an easy-to-use onscreen interface. The panel showing the time, the launcher that opens apps, and the overview screen showing all your open windows are all part of GNOME. The GNOME Interface The GNOME desktop is unlike what you may have encountered on Windows and macOS, though it does have some elements in common. Let's start by looking at the top of the screen. Top Bar The bar across the top of the screen provides access to the Activities overview, the currently open application's menu, the date and time, and system indicators such as battery life and network connectivity. ubuntu beginner guide Dock The dock occupies the left side of the screen. It shows currently open apps plus shortcuts to your favorites. ubuntu beginner guide Activities Overview The Activities overview is where most of the magic happens. You open the overview by clicking the Activities button in the top bar or moving your mouse to the top-left corner of the screen. ubuntu beginner guide App Drawer The app drawer appears at the bottom of the dock. When clicked, it lists all of the apps installed on your computer in a grid of icons. ubuntu beginner guide Search A search bar appears at the top of the Activities overview. You can open apps, load files, issue commands, and perform numerous other actions by typing into this area. ubuntu beginner guide Workspaces Workspaces appear on the right side of the activities overview, across from the dock. Think of workspaces as multiple desktops that all exist virtually on the same computer. ubuntu beginner guide Navigating the Top Bar The first item on the top bar is the Activities button. Clicking here opens the Activities overview. Next is the application menu. Here is where you go to adjust an app's settings, such as changing the default download folder for a web browser or changing fonts in a text editor. ubuntu beginner guide In the middle you will find the date and time. Clicking here pulls up a calendar and displays notifications. ubuntu beginner guide The far right corner holds system indicators. There are individual icons showing battery life, network connectivity, sound, Bluetooth, and more. However, clicking on any of these indicators opens up a single menu that will let you toggle volume, change your network, restart your computer, and perform other tasks. ubuntu beginner guide Navigating the Dock A dock containing your apps lines the left side of the screen. Unlike most other GNOME desktops, Ubuntu's dock is always visible regardless of whether the Activities overview is open. ubuntu beginner guide Click on an app icon to launch software. If an app opens that isn't already on the dock, a new icon will appear. ubuntu beginner guide When you open an app, a red indicator appears next to the icon on the dock. If you open another window, a second dot appears. The indicator maxes out at four windows. ubuntu beginner guide Right-clicking an app icon allows you to perform app-specific functions such as opening a new window in Firefox or pausing music in Rhythmbox. This is also how you remove an app stored on the dock or pull up background information about a piece of software. ubuntu beginner guide Navigating the App Drawer The app drawer, found in the lower-left corner, arranges all of your installed apps into a grid. The experience is similar to what you may have encountered on a smartphone or tablet. ubuntu beginner guide Scroll up or down to switch between pages of apps. Some appear in groups, which is useful for preventing many rarely-used apps of a similar nature from cluttering up the entire app drawer. Navigating the Activities Overview Clicking on the Activities button opens the Activities overview. The overview screen shows all of your open windows. ubuntu beginner guide A search bar sits at the top of the overview screen. You can click the bar to perform a search, but you don't have to. If you start typing without clicking on the bar, the overview will immediately start showing search results. You can search for apps, files, folders, and settings. You can even look for new software in the Ubuntu Software app. ubuntu beginner guide Navigating Workspaces Workspaces appear along the right-hand side of the overview screen. Initially, there are only two workspaces stacked vertically, but new ones appear automatically as needed. ubuntu beginner guide You can move windows from one workspace to another by dragging them around, either from the center of the overview screen or from another workspace. What Is Unity? Unity is the name of the interface that Ubuntu used from version 11.04 to 17.04. Canonical created this software in-house. It's open source and available on other Linux operating systems, but Ubuntu was its home. With 17.10, Ubuntu is leaving Unity behind. Since it's going away, I won't cover it in detail here. But if you do find yourself encountering Unity, which you may do if you download the most recent long term support release, then you may want to check out this explanation of how Unity works. Unity Explained: A Look at Ubuntu's Default Desktop Environment Unity Explained: A Look at Ubuntu's Default Desktop Environment If you're switching to Linux from Windows, you might choose Ubuntu. But despite it's versatility, Ubuntu comes with an unusual desktop environment, Unity. Don't be discouraged: it's simple to use! READ MORE Ubuntu Applications (How Do I…?) Now that you've got a handle on the GNOME desktop environment, the next step of your journey is to start using Ubuntu-compatible programs and applications. If you've recently migrated from a proprietary operating system, you might not be aware of what is available and what programs should you use. Below is a brief listing of essential programs and applications for managing your computer and your life, most of which are pre-installed on Ubuntu 17.10. How Do I Update My Computer? You've done the work of installing Ubuntu on to your computer, and now you need to make sure your system is safe, secure, and up-to-date by using the Software Updater. This program will start itself regularly in order to install security updates and critical bug fixes for all your software. ubuntu beginner guide Alternatively, you can select the Updates tab within Ubuntu Software. How Do I Download Software and Applications? Are you not sure which software programs are compatible with Ubuntu? Do you want a central application that will manage all of your software needs? Then look no further than Ubuntu Software, an application that allows you to download, install, and remove software without ever having to launch an internet browser. ubuntu beginner guide Ubuntu Software is accessible through your launcher as well as the app drawer. Use it to discover thousands of free applications, games, fonts, and other software that has been tested and validated to work seamlessly with Ubuntu. With Ubuntu Software, you can: Search for, download, install, and remove software in a single window Keep track of installation, update and removal history Read and write user reviews Receive software recommendations based on your search and installation history How Do I Browse the Web? Mozilla Firefox is one of the most popular web browsers and comes with your installation of Ubuntu 17.10. ubuntu beginner guide How Do I Manage My Email Accounts? If you are accustomed to reading your mail in a web browser, you can continue doing so. Sites such as Yahoo, Gmail, and Outlook all work under Linux. ubuntu beginner guide Mozilla Thunderbird is the default email app for Ubuntu 17.10 and a commonly used email client on all major computer operating systems. Use Thunderbird to consolidate and centrally manage all of your email accounts and contacts in a single window without having to launch a browser. How Do I Listen to Music? Rhythmbox is the default media application for Ubuntu 17.10. Use Rhythmbox to play albums, organize audio files, create playlists, listen to podcast, and access other online media. ubuntu beginner guide Depending on what format your songs are in, you may have to download codecs. Why Your Music & Video Files Don't Play on Linux, and How to Fix It Why Your Music & Video Files Don't Play on Linux, and How to Fix It You've switched to Linux, but your video or audio files file won't play! Simply, your Linux version didn't come with the necessary codecs, so let's find out how to install them. READ MORE How Do I Organize My Photos? Shotwell Photo Manager is the default photo application in Ubuntu 17.10. Use Shotwell to import your photos, organize them, and view them on your computer. ubuntu beginner guide Want another option? There are plenty. 8 Picasa Alternatives Made for Linux 8 Picasa Alternatives Made for Linux You may have heard that Google is closing Picasa, but of course, Google stopped supporting the Linux port of Picasa years ago, so we've plenty of great alternatives already available! READ MORE How Do I Watch Videos? Ubuntu 17.10 comes with the Totem Movie Player. It can automatically load videos saved to your hard drive, and it plays them back in a minimalist interface. ubuntu beginner guide If you run into a file format that won't load, you can download codecs or grab VLC from Ubuntu Software. This cross-platform media player is as versatile under Linux as it is on other operating systems. 6 Awesome VLC Features You May Not Know About 6 Awesome VLC Features You May Not Know About There's a reason VLC is called the Swiss Army Knife of media players. This article identifies six awesome VLC features and explains how to use them. READ MORE How Do I Create Documents, Spreadsheets, Presentations? LibreOffice is the default office suite in Ubuntu 17.10. It provides much of the same functionality as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The big difference? LibreOffice is free and open source software. ubuntu beginner guide With LibreOffice you can create and open documents using LibreOffice Writer, spreadsheets using LibreOffice Calc, and slideshows using LibreOffice Impress. LibreOffice can open, edit and create files compatible with Microsoft Office, which is perfect for collaborating with friends who don't use Ubuntu. Is LibreOffice Worthy of the Office Crown? Is LibreOffice Worthy of the Office Crown? LibreOffice is the king of free office suites. It's unlikely to replace Microsoft Office in a business environment, but it's an excellent alternative for casual users. Here's what's new in LibreOffice 5.1. READ MORE What If I Need to Do Something Else? Not a problem. There are thousands of apps and tools available for Ubuntu and other Linux operating systems. For more recommendations, check out our list of the best Linux software. The Best Linux Software The Best Linux Software Awesome apps are available for Linux. Whether you're new to the operating system or you're a seasoned user, you'll always find new and useful Linux software to love. These are our favorites. READ MORE Support and Community Need help with anything described above? The Ubuntu community can help with any step of the process. You can: Seek support in-person by contacting your Ubuntu Local Community Access free documentation online Visit Ask Ubuntu or Launchpad to answer your most technical questions The massive community is one of Ubuntu's biggest strengths. With so many users, it's likely that someone online has already wrestled with a problem you're experiencing. Ubuntu-related information is so prominent that it's worth exploring even if you're using another Linux operating system, simply because the solutions are often compatible. Whether your preference is in-person or online, there is a passionate Ubuntu community willing to share their expertise and knowledge with you. Let's go through some of your options in more detail. Ubuntu Local Communities Ubuntu Local Communities, or LoCos for short, are groups of users and enthusiasts working together in regional settings to advocate, promote, translate, develop and otherwise improve Ubuntu. If you're a new Ubuntu user, a LoCo can provide you with advice, technical support, and a community to join. To find an Ubuntu Local Community near you, please visit the LoCo Team Directory. Contact your nearest LoCo and attend a support event in your city to access a wealth of Ubuntu resources while meeting great people. Get Involved! Joining an Ubuntu Local Community will also provide you with lots of opportunities to get involved and learn new skills. Volunteer contributions take many forms, and you don't need to be a computer programmer to help make Ubuntu better for everyone. There are many ways to get involved: Provide advice and technical support to other users Write and package new software Fix bugs in existing software Design graphics, backgrounds, or themes Write official and community documentation Donate time to promote and advocate Ubuntu Free Documentation If you're stuck on a problem, it's very likely that other users have encountered it before. You may find find the solution is Ubuntu's official documentation. This site is developed and maintained by the Ubuntu Documentation Project. It is fully searchable and provides documentation for current and previous Ubuntu releases. If you can't find what you're looking for, there is also a separate site for community documentation that was created by users just like you. Ask Ubuntu and Launchpad Ask Ubuntu is a site for Ubuntu users and developers. Anyone can ask a question, and anyone is free to answer. Readers vote up the answers that are most helpful. Questions can range from general inquiries on how the desktop works to specific bugs impacting Ubuntu on your particular hardware configuration. If you really want to get down into the weeds, you may want to check out Launchpad. Launchpad is a web application and website developed and maintained by Canonical. It is a major knowledge base for Ubuntu, but it is also much more than a questions and answers site. It is within Launchpad that most of the collaborative work of Ubuntu and other free software projects happen. Launchpad has several dedicated areas including code hosting and review, bug tracking, web-based translation, and Launchpad Answers. As your knowledge and experience with Ubuntu grows, it's a good idea to get familiar with all aspects of Launchpad, but for beginner users looking to find technical support, Launchpad Answers is a great starting point. Further Reading Congrats, you're now running Ubuntu! Hopefully the experience is everything you hope. While at times it may feel that you're alone, there's a community of millions of people out there also using Ubuntu with you. You also have a trove of information to fall back on here at MakeUseOf. Here's more Ubuntu-related material for you to check out once you're ready to go further. 11 Must-Have Apps on Ubuntu After a Fresh Install Ubuntu Running Slow? 5 Steps to Speed Up Your Linux PC A Beginner's Guide to Installing Software in Ubuntu With APT What Is the Difference Between Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server? How You Can Help Canonical Shape Ubuntu Today! Have any questions about Ubuntu not covered above? Feel free to raise concerns in the comments below. You never know when another reader might be able to help! If nothing else, you may just establish a connection with another Ubuntu lover. Explore more about: Longform Guide, Ubuntu. Enjoyed this article? Stay informed by joining our newsletter! Enter your Email your@email.com Submit Read our privacy policy 10 COMMENTS WRITE A COMMENT Bertel King, Jr. 252 articles Bertel is an RVA-based writer who has covered consumer tech for over five years. With a BA in History and Government from the College of William and Mary, he is as comfortable helping others understand digital rights and policy as he is reviewing apps. Latest Giveaways! The Nuraphone: Gimmick or Gamechanger? (Review and Giveaway!) Ecovacs Deebot 901: Great Robot Vacuum, Ruined by a Broken App (Review and Giveaway) Cord Cutters! Stream and Record Live TV with Plex and the HD HomeRun Duo Related Articles ENTERTAINMENT 10 Great Gifts for Gamers You Can Give This Year ENTERTAINMENT 10 Awesome Toys Under $100 That Are Perfect as Gifts PRODUCTIVITY Should You Buy a Fitbit? 5 Honest Questions to Ask Before You Do Latest Free PDFs How to Supercharge Your Email Marketing With Constant Contact A Complete Beginner's Guide to macOS: Get Started in Just 1 Hour Latest Deals The Complete Learn to Code Masterclass Bundle The Complete Learn to Code Masterclass Bundle $1371 $39 A to Z Microsoft Office Bundle A to Z Microsoft Office Bundle $1592 $29 Microsoft Excel from Beginner to Advanced Microsoft Excel from Beginner to Advanced $150 $10.99 VPNSecure: Lifetime Subscription VPNSecure: Lifetime Subscription $450 $19.99 Affiliate Disclosure: By buying the products we recommend, you help keep the lights on at MakeUseOf. Read more. Scroll down for the next article Your Complete Guide to Living a 100% Free and Open Source Life Your Complete Guide to Living a 100% Free and Open Source Life Your Complete Guide to Living a 100% Free and Open Source Life Getting Started With Linux and Ubuntu Getting Started With Linux and Ubuntu Getting Started With Linux and Ubuntu How to Increase Windows 10 Performance and Make It Feel Faster How to Increase Windows 10 Performance and Make It Feel Faster How to Increase Windows 10 Performance and Make It Feel Faster Can You Trust Your Favorite Linux Desktop to Stick Around? Can You Trust Your Favorite Linux Desktop to Stick Around? Can You Trust Your Favorite Linux Desktop to Stick Around? Pop!_OS Has Arrived: How Does It Compare to Ubuntu? Pop!_OS Has Arrived: How Does It Compare to Ubuntu? Pop!_OS Has Arrived: How Does It Compare to Ubuntu? The Best Ubuntu Linux Alternatives and Why You Should Switch The Best Ubuntu Linux Alternatives and Why You Should Switch The Best Ubuntu Linux Alternatives and Why You Should Switch Stick With Ubuntu: GNOME Feels Surprisingly Just Like Unity Stick With Ubuntu: GNOME Feels Surprisingly Just Like Unity Stick With Ubuntu: GNOME Feels Surprisingly Just Like Unity How to Use VirtualBox: User's Guide How to Use VirtualBox: User's Guide How to Use VirtualBox: User's Guide 5 Linux Tablets and Tablet Projects Worth Looking Into LINUX 5 Linux Tablets and Tablet Projects Worth Looking Into Bertel King, Jr. December 11, 2018 4 minutes 5 Linux Tablets and Tablet Projects Worth Looking Into Email Facebook Pinterest Twitter Linux was born at a time when PCs were bulky, stationary machines. Now we're in the era of Apple iPads. Our Android phones have touchscreens, and so do our game consoles. Many of us long to use our favorite open source operating system on a form factor we've come to love. Fortunately, all is not lost. If you want to acquire a touchscreen device that runs Linux, you can! The options aren't yet plentiful, but they're growing. Here are some of the current and upcoming Linux tablet projects to keep on your radar. 1. Planet Gemini Planet Gemini PDA smartphone Planet Gemini is more a smartphone than a tablet. That said, it's also more of a PDA than a smartphone. It's an un-apologetically niche product built for a more technical user. Honestly, you're more likely to appreciate this Linux-powered device more for being pocketable than for having a touchscreen. The Gemini has a physical keyboard and a clamshell form factor. When you close it up, there are no outward facing screens or dialing buttons. Still, the Gemini can serve as your phone, as you have the option to order either a 4G-enabled or a Wi-Fi-only version. The Gemini's main OS is Android, but it comes with an unlocked bootloader and is able to run other operating systems. You can install Debian Linux, for example. You can also opt for another Linux-based smartphone OS, such as Sailfish. 2. Emperor Linux Tablets Emperor Linux customized Linux laptops Want to go the conventional route? Look no further than Emperor Linux. This reseller takes existing hardware lines, such as the Lenovo ThinkPad and the Panasonic Toughbook, and installs Linux. For a couple grand, you can get a capable PC with a screen that will let you enjoy or develop the Linux touch-based experience. Depending on how powerful or durable you want your machine to be, you can easily spend thousands more. Will your device turn heads? Not likely. These are machines that look more at home in an office or at a work site than on your couch. But if your priority is getting work done, and you have a larger budget, than this may be your best option. 3. RasPad (Raspberry Pi Tablet) The RasPad is crowdfunded device that offers everything there is to love about the Raspberry Pi, but in a tablet form factor. That makes this a great product for makers and tinkerers. Judging by pledge prices, it's also likely to be relatively affordable. If you've used a Raspberry Pi, you know the platform is what you want it to be. People have already tinkered with ways to make their Raspberry Pi portable. 4 Projects That Make Your Raspberry Pi Portable 4 Projects That Make Your Raspberry Pi Portable For when you just have to have a portable Raspberry Pi, here are some of the coolest projects, ideas, and kits around. READ MORE Buying a RasPad can save you the time and effort of building your own product. That's not to say you won't have any DIY fun. For example, you can make your own Chrome OS or Android device by installing the right operating system. In an educational or industrial environment, you can hook the tablet up to a robot for use as a control panel. For something more casual, try pairing a gamepad and turning your Raspberry Pi into a mobile gaming device. 4. Librem 11 Librem touchscreen computer running Linux Librem is a privacy focused company that only ships Linux-powered PC. Similar to System76, it even provides its own Linux-based operating system. Librem's PureOS has such strong free and open source software cred that it's earned an endorsement from the Free Software Foundation. Librem doesn't sell a laptop with a touchscreen, but the upcoming Librem 11 may become the closest we have to a modern Linux-powered slate. When the device isn't docked into a keyboard, it's akin to carrying around an iPad, only with a more fully-featured desktop interface. PureOS uses the GNOME desktop environment, which feels intended for tablets as much as traditional PCs. This will offer a chance to see what happens when a developer truly puts that to the test. And if you don't like GNOME, you will have the option to install something else. GNOME Explained: A Look at One of Linux's Most Popular Desktops GNOME Explained: A Look at One of Linux's Most Popular Desktops You're interested in Linux, and you've come across "GNOME", an acronym for GNU Network Object Model Environment. GNOME is one of the most popular open source interfaces, but what does that mean? READ MORE Development on the Librem 11 is currently taking a backseat to the Librem 5 smartphone, a touchscreen-based Linux project that many are even more excited about. 5. Youyota (Sailfish OS 2-in-1 Tablet) Youyota tablet running Sailfish OS The Youyota tablet is a spiritual successor to the short-lived Jolla Tablet that both launched and reached end-of-life in 2015. This newer iteration has an official license from Jolla and an identical form factor. Primary improvements include a bigger battery and increased storage space. Unfortunately, despite being funded over 250% on Indiegogo, this project has hit a snag. The development team has found that several components are more expensive than anticipated. Having already exceeded the expected release date by a year, the final product may never arrive. If you love Sailfish OS, all you can do is keep your fingers crossed. Want to Make Your Own Linux Tablet? If you already have a touchscreen lying around, it may be tempting to install Linux yourself. This will save you some money, assuming everything works out enough to do what you want to do. Here are a few options: Install Linux on your own Windows tablet or convertible notebook. Run Linux on an Android device. You can use a tool dedicated to running Linux on a non-rooted device, such as KBOX. Or you could fire up Linux in an emulator, like Limbo. You can run Linux on some consoles such as the Nintendo Switch. Linux Tablets Have Been a Long Time Coming Linux tablet projects have come and gone over the years. The KDE community once excited many Linux users with the prospect of a Plasma-powered tablet. Devices such as the Aquaris M10 running Ubuntu and the Jolla Tablet actually came to fruition, but their lives were short. Still, the dream survives. Thanks to crowdfunding and cheaper open components such the Raspberry Pi, it's easier for people to take matters into their own hands. If, on the other hand, you just want a solid Linux PC, even better. There are many great computers that come with Linux! The 5 Best Cheap Linux Computers to Buy Today The 5 Best Cheap Linux Computers to Buy Today Here are several cheap Linux computers you can get that come pre-installed with user-friendly operating systems. READ MORE Image Credit: Gemini PDA/Planetcom Explore more about: Linux, Linux Tablet, Raspberry Pi. Enjoyed this article? Stay informed by joining our newsletter! Enter your Email your@email.com Submit Read our privacy policy 0 COMMENTS WRITE A COMMENT Bertel King, Jr. 252 articles Bertel is an RVA-based writer who has covered consumer tech for over five years. With a BA in History and Government from the College of William and Mary, he is as comfortable helping others understand digital rights and policy as he is reviewing apps. Latest Giveaways! The Nuraphone: Gimmick or Gamechanger? (Review and Giveaway!) Ecovacs Deebot 901: Great Robot Vacuum, Ruined by a Broken App (Review and Giveaway) Cord Cutters! Stream and Record Live TV with Plex and the HD HomeRun Duo Related Articles LINUX 3 Linux Smartphone Operating Systems You Can Install Today LINUX 5 Ways to Fix a Malfunctioning USB Device or Port on Linux DIY 6 Ways to Print With a Raspberry Pi Latest Free PDFs How to Supercharge Your Email Marketing With Constant Contact A Complete Beginner's Guide to macOS: Get Started in Just 1 Hour Latest Deals The Award-Winning Black Friday Mac Bundle Ft. Acorn 6 The Award-Winning Black Friday Mac Bundle $688 $25 Meross Smart WiFi Wall Light Switch with Alexa Voice Control: 2-Pack Meross Smart WiFi Wall Light Switch with $46 $39.99 Learn Linux Administration and Supercharge Your Career Learn Linux Administration and Supercharge $199 $19 RetroMini with 900 Games RetroMini with 900 Games $99 $79.99 Scroll down for the next article Save 49% on the Gym-Ready AXUM Gear Wireless Earbuds Save 49% on the Gym-Ready AXUM Gear Wireless Earbuds Save 49% on the Gym-Ready AXUM Gear Wireless Earbuds 5 Secret Santa Apps and Ideas for Great Gift Exchanges 5 Secret Santa Apps and Ideas for Great Gift Exchanges 5 Secret Santa Apps and Ideas for Great Gift Exchanges Xiaomi Teases Ridiculous 48-Megapixel Smartphone Camera Xiaomi Teases Ridiculous 48-Megapixel Smartphone Camera Xiaomi Teases Ridiculous 48-Megapixel Smartphone Camera How to Recognize and Avoid Free Gift Card Scams: 7 Warning Signs How to Recognize and Avoid Free Gift Card Scams: 7 Warning Signs How to Recognize and Avoid Free Gift Card Scams: 7 Warning Signs 10 Awesome Toys Under $100 That Are Perfect as Gifts 10 Awesome Toys Under $100 That Are Perfect as Gifts 10 Awesome Toys Under $100 That Are Perfect as Gifts Should You Buy a Fitbit? 5 Honest Questions to Ask Before You Do Should You Buy a Fitbit? 5 Honest Questions to Ask Before You Do Should You Buy a Fitbit? 5 Honest Questions to Ask Before You Do The Best Geek Gifts for Programmers: 20 Ideas for Coders and Nerds The Best Geek Gifts for Programmers: 20 Ideas for Coders and Nerds The Best Geek Gifts for Programmers: 20 Ideas for Coders and Nerds How to Solve Blue Screen Errors Using WinDbg and BlueScreenView How to Solve Blue Screen Errors Using WinDbg and BlueScreenView How to Solve Blue Screen Errors Using WinDbg and BlueScreenView The 5 Best Linux Distros for Laptops LINUX The 5 Best Linux Distros for Laptops Ryan Dube December 7, 2018 7 minutes The 5 Best Linux Distros for Laptops Email Facebook Pinterest Twitter Maybe you've just purchased a brand new laptop. Or maybe you have an older laptop sitting in your closet that you'd like to bring back to life. Either way, the best Linux distros for laptops are those that offer better driver support and can accommodate the performance offered by most laptops. People buy laptops for a specific purpose. That may be software development, creating graphic content, gaming, or office work. The Linux distros below are well suited to run on any laptop. Choosing the Best Linux Distros for Laptops New laptops come with processors that are just as powerful, if not more so, than many desktop computers. How to Look Up Your Intel Processor Generation How to Look Up Your Intel Processor Generation Finding out what generation Intel processor is in your PC only involves a few clicks. We'll walk you through how to find that information and why it's useful. READ MORE Desktop computers have components that can be replaced if they aren't compatible with a certain Linux distro. That isn't the case with laptops. Components are often soldered directly to the motherboard, so the Linux distribution you use will need to accommodate that. The Linux distros below have the best support for graphic and sound cards, webcams, wireless adapters, and more. Many are also very lightweight, which is especially suitable for older laptops. 1. Manjaro Linux manjaro linux distro startup Manjaro Linux is one of the easier open-source Linux distros to learn how to use. It's designed to work right out of the box, with a wide variety of pre-installed software. The highlight of Manjaro Linux is that it's well known for having amazing hardware support, thanks to its hardware detection manager. Manjaro is based on Arch Linux, one of the most well-known and highly-customizable Linux operating systems. There are plenty of great reasons to install an Arch Linux distro like Manjaro. manjaro updates You can easily change the kernel without any complex troubleshooting. Arch Linux-based distros also let you choose your own components. This means you can customize it to suit the specific laptop you're installing it on. And if you ever find yourself looking for support, Manjaro has a great community. You have access to the Arch Wiki, and of course the Manjaro forums. Best of all, if you really want to go full-out Manjaro, you can buy the Spitfire, a laptop created and sold entirely by the Manjaro team. 2. Ubuntu ubuntu-linux-distro An obvious choice for the best Linux distro for laptops is definitely Ubuntu. It's easily one of the most popular and well-known Linux distributions, which means it comes with a large user community as well as solid online support. But what makes it especially useful for laptops both new and old is the fact that it's free, lightweight, and offers excellent driver support for most hardware. ubuntu-settings Ubuntu will usually accept any hardware you connect to your laptop. This is thanks to the fact that most manufacturers provide Ubuntu drivers. In the Ubuntu Software Center, you'll find free apps to accomplish just about any task on your laptop. ubuntu software center It works fine on older laptops that are a few years old, but it's important to note that it does require more RAM than many other lightweight distros out there. So, if your laptop is very old, you may want to opt for one of the other Linux distros on this list. However, many people do believe that Ubuntu does a lot of things much better than Windows. It's also the distro of choice for dual-booting a Chromebook with Linux. All of these reasons make it a perfect alternative OS for laptops. 6 Things That Ubuntu Does Better Than Windows 6 Things That Ubuntu Does Better Than Windows Some think that Ubuntu is for nerds - but the truth is that Ubuntu is just as easy to use as Windows. In fact, there are several things Ubuntu does better than Windows 10. READ MORE 3. Elementary OS Elementary OS is a distribution based on Ubuntu. With it, you get the beautiful, custom desktop environment known as Pantheon. Beyond the fact that it's so aesthetically pleasing is the fact that it's well-known as a powerful operating system that can accomplish anything you'd need to do with a laptop. And if that laptop is a low-end one that you've pulled out of the closet, it can run on that as well. The Elementary OS community developed the OS to be as lightweight and efficient as possible. Because of this, it runs easily on a large assortment of low-end laptops (or even desktops if you're so inclined). It also comes with most of the drivers low-end laptops will need to start working right out of the box. elementary os applications The display utility includes a night light feature for when you're using your laptop in those low-light environments like a student lounge or a library. It also provides convenient scaling, and the ability to mirror your display if you're using your laptop to give a presentation on a larger screen. Elementary OS is considered one of the best alternative Linux distros for anyone switching over from Windows or macOS. And if you're a Mac user, it's especially good thanks to the Mac-like appearance of the desktop. We've included Elementary OS on our list of the best Linux distros to install, and for good reason. And if you ever run into any issues, the Elementary OS community forum provides excellent help. The Best Linux Operating Systems The Best Linux Operating Systems There are Linux distros available for every purpose, which makes choosing one difficult. Here's a list of the very best Linux operating systems to help. READ MORE 4. openSUSE opensuse desktop The Linux openSUSE distro is sponsored by major companies like B1 Systems and AMD (and of course, SUSE). It's also popular among system admins and computer science students. Why? Because it puts you in control of many functions and services without the need to learn or memorize any complex commands. This is thanks to YaST, one of the best and most powerful system configuration tools of any Linux distro out there. opensuse yast This means you can easily configure the OS to suit the particular laptop system you're installing it on. It has fantastic driver support, and works well right out of the box. opensuse system monitor It was even given a test-run by ZDNet on a brand new laptop with the latest hardware installed. They found that it worked flawlessly. "Display, graphics, sound, USB and SD slots. Nothing special to install, download, compile, or whatever. When I plugged in an HDMI display, with the system already running, it was recognized and configured at the optimum resolution as an extended desktop, all without disturbing the laptop display. Very, very nice." With the ability to handle even the latest hardware, you can be sure openSUSE will work just as well installed on any of your older laptops. And if you do run into any issues, openSUSE provides an entire section of their Wiki devoted to helping people install and use openSUSE on laptops. 5. Linux Mint Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, but many people opt to install it instead because of how lightweight it is. It also feels a bit more familiar to people who are accustomed to the Windows user interface. linux mint system settings It comes pre-installed with a number of things Ubuntu doesn't install by default. For example, it includes the codecs you need to watch Flash video. Ubuntu has the option to install third-party tools for this during installation, but those options aren't set by default. linux mint backgrounds The benefit you get by installing Linux Mint rather than Ubuntu is a more lightweight OS that works on older laptops. But you still get access to Ubuntu software repositories to download additional apps and tools you might want. The Best Linux Distro for Your Old Laptop If you're focusing on installing Linux on an older laptop, there are several important things you need to take into account. Lack of processing power Limited RAM Older devices (hard to find drivers) Limited hard drive space For all of these reasons, you might want to avoid Ubuntu on older laptops. Ubuntu runs efficiently on new laptops, and those that are a few years old. But if you're considering something like an old Dell Latitude with 4GB or RAM and a vintage processor, Ubuntu could bog it down. Instead, opt for the Linux distros listed above that are resource efficient. The best choices here include: Manjaro: customized as a scaled down OS with limited features Elementary OS: designed to be lightweight and efficient Linux Mint: a favorite among old-laptop Linux enthusiasts You can't go wrong installing any of these Linux distros on an old laptop that you'd like to bring back to life. Choosing a Linux Distro When you're trying to decide on which Linux distro above that you should install on your laptop, much depends on what's important to you. If you prefer a beautiful interface with more of a macOS feel, then Elementary OS is the one you want. If you're looking for an OS that's extremely easy to use but still highly functional, then Manjaro is perfect. If you're installing on an older laptop and want a lightweight OS that has the look and feel of a Windows PC, then Linux Mint is the way to go. Really, it depends on your intentions for using the laptop, and your own preferred user interface. That's the beauty of Linux distros, there's a flavor to suit anyone. If you're also thinking of installing Linux on a desktop PC, make sure to read our list of great distros that'll give any old desktop PC new life. Who knows, you may get so used to using Linux that you prefer it over Windows or macOS. 13 Lightweight Linux Distributions to Give Your Old PC a New Lease of Life 13 Lightweight Linux Distributions to Give Your Old PC a New Lease of Life These flavors of Linux are light on CPU and RAM, meaninig they run great on older and weaker devices! READ MORE Explore more about: Laptop, Linux Distro, Linux Elementary, Ubuntu. 3 Linux Smartphone Operating Systems You Can Install Today5 Linux Tablets and Tablet Projects Worth Looking Into Enjoyed this article? Stay informed by joining our newsletter! Enter your Email your@email.com Submit Read our privacy policy 13 COMMENTS WRITE A COMMENT Ryan Dube 1057 articles Ryan has a BSc degree in Electrical Engineering. He's worked 13 years in automation engineering, 5 years in IT, and now is an Apps Engineer. A former Managing Editor of MakeUseOf, he's spoken at national conferences on Data Visualization and has been featured on national TV and radio. Latest Giveaways! The Nuraphone: Gimmick or Gamechanger? (Review and Giveaway!) Ecovacs Deebot 901: Great Robot Vacuum, Ruined by a Broken App (Review and Giveaway) Cord Cutters! Stream and Record Live TV with Plex and the HD HomeRun Duo Related Articles ENTERTAINMENT How to Buy a Good Cheap Gaming Laptop for Under $500 LINUX 3 Linux Smartphone Operating Systems You Can Install Today TECHNOLOGY EXPLAINED Chromebook vs. Laptop: Which Should You Buy on Black Friday? Latest Free PDFs How to Supercharge Your Email Marketing With Constant Contact A Complete Beginner's Guide to macOS: Get Started in Just 1 Hour Latest Deals A to Z Microsoft Office Bundle A to Z Microsoft Office Bundle $1592 $29 Pay What You Want: The 2018 Machine Learning Bundle Pay What You Want: The 2018 Machine Learning $844 $1 AXUM Gear True Wireless Earbuds AXUM Gear True Wireless Earbuds $299 $149.99 RetroMini with 900 Games RetroMini with 900 Games $99 $79.99 Scroll down for the next article The 4 Best Bluetooth Car Adapters to Connect Your Smartphone The 4 Best Bluetooth Car Adapters to Connect Your Smartphone The 4 Best Bluetooth Car Adapters to Connect Your Smartphone 10 Handy iPhone Shortcuts to Automate Everyday Tasks 10 Handy iPhone Shortcuts to Automate Everyday Tasks 10 Handy iPhone Shortcuts to Automate Everyday Tasks Spotify Wrapped 2018 Reveals Your Streaming Habits Spotify Wrapped 2018 Reveals Your Streaming Habits Spotify Wrapped 2018 Reveals Your Streaming Habits Razer Releases Ultraportable Gaming Laptop With Nvidia Graphics Razer Releases Ultraportable Gaming Laptop With Nvidia Graphics Razer Releases Ultraportable Gaming Laptop With Nvidia Graphics A Gift Guide for the Ultimate PlayStation 4 Fan A Gift Guide for the Ultimate PlayStation 4 Fan A Gift Guide for the Ultimate PlayStation 4 Fan 8 Ways to Give the Gift of Audiobooks This Year 8 Ways to Give the Gift of Audiobooks This Year 8 Ways to Give the Gift of Audiobooks This Year 10 Cool Gift Ideas for Mac Users This Holiday Season 10 Cool Gift Ideas for Mac Users This Holiday Season 10 Cool Gift Ideas for Mac Users This Holiday Season The 10 Best Table of Contents Templates for Microsoft Word The 10 Best Table of Contents Templates for Microsoft Word The 10 Best Table of Contents Templates for Microsoft Word © 2018 MakeUseOf. All Rights Reserved.
posted by Fitzgerald Randolph at 5:46 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home