Preface
Alright, so you have successfully installed Ubuntu Linux, but now what do you do with it? You are in the right place. I am going to get you started with a guide on how to use your new Ubuntu system. This transition guide is targeted at existing Windows users and will show you how to do program installations, a little system configuration, but primarily highlight some Windows “replacement” programs for common applications you can’t live without. This guide’s intent is to introduce you to equivalent programs to what you are accustomed to and, hopefully, to cover a good amount of what you might want in a new install. I am basing the content on what I have personally experienced, email feedback from my installation article, questions from the PC Mech Forums, and common topics from the Ubuntu Forums. Hopefully this will answer a lot of questions you may have before you ever have them.
There is no prior Linux experience needed to follow anything I will go over, however I am going to make the assumption you have at least played around in Ubuntu for a bit. I am not going to be covering the basics on how to use the interface, as it is quite similar to Windows. Here is a quick breakdown of the topics I will be covering:
- Configuring and using Synaptic Package Manager to install applications
- Installing common packages with Automatix
- Essential desktop, office, and Internet applications
- Playing movies and music
- Games
- Digital cameras, printing, and burning
- Installing a PHP and MySQL enabled Apache web server
- Development tools
- Installing and configuring a firewall
- Setting up remote desktop connection
- Setting up a streaming music server
Since this article’s intent is to be a beginner’s guide to Ubuntu Linux, I am going to be using the graphical interface for pretty much everything. As experienced Linux users may know, and you will soon find out, everything we are going to be doing can be done much quicker through the command line. Of course, this is not very user friendly, and a very un-Windows way to do things, so again, we will be sticking to the Ubuntu GUI (Graphical User Interface).
As you are reading, please bear in mind that Linux is not Windows. At a high level they appear to operate basically the same, but they are fundamentally different. Just keep an open mind and I promise learning Ubuntu Linux will be well worth your time.
Jason Faulkner is the man who brings you our daily tips. He is based in Atlanta, Georgia.
thank you very much
This article finally helped me actually get something working! This is not my first kick at Ubuntu, but the first time I have been able to “enjoy” it. Next step - pick up a book and get deeper into it. Thanks!
I have had it with Windows and am in the process of making the switch to either Mac or Open Source. Since I already own a couple of computers, Linux is the most appealing. This article was a huge factor in helping me make my decision. I have installed Ubuntu 7.04 on my laptop and so far am incredibly happy with it. Thanks so much for taking the time to write this blog entry.
I’m using AutoCAD drawing program for architecture work. I’m not sure if I can load AutoCad on to Ubuntu. In fact I’m at a cross roads, I’m sick and tired of forever upgrading my pc & laptop with RAM to be able to work highend graphics rendering on Windows, I’m desparate to change to Ubuntu. Is there a similar program available for Ubuntu?
Have you a suggestion?
Alex Napa
Architect Cook Islands
hmm.. it seems like the instalataion for lamp didnt work at all. after creating the public_html folder and puting my index.html there it says in the browser that i do not have permision in http://localhost/~myname/index.html
Excellent article - helped me overcome the first couple weeks with ubuntu.
For some reason, none of the screen shots are showing up. But nice article even without them (though it would have been better if they were there).
i’m looking for a recent ubuntu hardware compatibility guide, that includes a.o. the integrated intel chipsets 845, 850 and g33. can anyone help.
Thanks ,
This is a great site. I’ve been using Ubuntu for about two weeks now and love it. It’s come a long way since I tried it about two years ago. I’m just about ready to make the switch from Windows. I have a Mac machine, a couple of XP machines, a Vista Premium machine and a PCBSD machine. Ubuntu is going to be my mainstay though. I’m breaking my bonds from both Windows and Mac. Microsoft gets a bad rap sometimes and a lot of people don’t realize that Mac is just as bad with it’s propriety hardware and software. They are also over hyped and priced!!
One of the things I like the most about Linux and Ubuntu in general is the large community: always willing and glad to help. That means a lot!!! The open source community rocks with its generosity.
Thanks again to you and all the community!!
The Zoneman
how do you get to the GUI, I installed ubuntu server .. .but i cannot get to GUI, as a windows user I need interface to get things done at least for the beggining … thanks
The server forms of Ubuntu don’t have a GUI. You’ll have to install a Home or Desktop version.
[...] 1. Transition from ubuntu to windows made easy. [...]
Thanks ,
This is a great site. I’ve been using Ubuntu for about 4 weeks now and love it. It’s come a long way since I tried it about 4 years ago.
Great writeup. Can’t wait to get my hands on my new computer and get started with Ubuntu.
I can only envision trouble with getting drivers for the latest hardware, but you seem to have all the other bases covered.
Only trouble is with Autocad or an equivalent. Amazing that mature applications are available for most other tasks and not for vector drawing.
Photoshop Gimp
Maya Blender (worth mentioning in your guide?)
MSoffice OpenOffice
Autocad ???
Guess it will be Autocad under Wine, since Qcad is just not good enough….
Thanks for your advice. I would never thought of Synaptic Package Manager if I have not found this post. The last time I used Ubuntu was two years and then I gave up and went back to Windows. I think I try one more time.
For the LAMP installation we need to setup the alias if you want to add your own dir. Checkout the link for adding your virtual directory:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=28184
For the example given in the link try using
/web1 in place of web1
Alias web1 /home/jc/web1
Alias /web1 /home/jc/web1
Hello. I am not a current GNU/Linux user nor am I a programmer. I am a student learning to design websites. Tomorrow I am going to buy a new laptop, wipe Vista off of it, and instal Ubuntu Studio. This article will be the first think I go to the second after Ubuntu kicks in. Thank you for helping me make the transition!!! The GNU/Linux community and ubuntu community is extremely awesome!
automatix does not support Ubuntu 8.04 hardy heron. just a heads up.
Um, your article looks great ‘n’ all, but er, how do I go to page 2?
I’m so making a fool of myself!
What do I do with Kubuntu (or Ubuntu) ?
Lots, both personal and corporate.
See
Kubuntuguide at http://kubuntuguide.org
or
UbuntuGuide at http://ubuntuguide.org
I am new to Ubuntu. I have had problems with my on board graphics card on intel D915GAV motherboard. With windows Xp my montinor supports a range of refresh rates from 60 to 85 but in Ubuntu intrepid ibex the only refresh rate is 60. Moreover, I had recently downloaded and installed a motherboard driver from intel for debian Os, still, the refresh rate is strucked in 60. On the other hand I could not see my graphics memory, which is 64 Mb, in Ubuntu resolution setting window. Please help.
[...] Windows to Ubuntu Transition Guide [...]
Just two things here… well okay, three.
1. Just so you know, the Automatix link is broken. I was a bit leery of the site we were directed to (getautomatix.com). It might be okay, but if in doubt, leave it out.
2. What would you recommend as an alternative to Camstudio?
3. Excellent post! I’m sure it will be very handy for many folks.
only need to be updated, some links are broken, and some tips are obsolete,
however, at last i installed apache+php+phpmyadmin+mysql as is explained in the document
thanks a lot!!!!
I actually like the idea of Ubuntu - I think it’s great.
BUT, this author was so quick to say how “easy” it is to install programs in Ubuntu, as opposed to Windows, when it just takes reading the true breakdown of steps involving simply “unlocking” the Synaptic manager to give you a glimpse of how lengthy and difficult Linux based systems are to deal with.
It’s full of reading and typing magic gibberish words and command lines that don’t make any sense whatsoever. Just look at the steps to deal with Automatix! Don’t believe me? Install it on a spare system and play around with it for a week.
Has everyone forgotten how easy it is just to double-click a file to install, then pick where it goes? I’m sorry, but Windows is the world’s operating system for a reason.
I would love to see Ubuntu in a humanly-usable form, but I spent days trying to figure out where to find an organized list of devices on the system, only to learn there is no such thing in Ubuntu. And if I’m wrong, then obviously the designers of Ubuntu/Linux have further failed to make it usable!
If double clicking is so easy, then download a package to the desktop and double click it. It installs just as easily.
If not for the package manager, you would need to spend hours searching the web for a software
Actually I don’t think that was his point. If, and only IF, you are lucky enough to find a package, but there are times when you cannot.
My husband is a computer programmer (he works with computerized ammunition systems) and even he could never get WoW to work properly. There isn’t always a “package” available for what you want to do.
Instead, I would say to Joshua that this is true some of the time, but not ALL of the time. It’s really the industry that is at fault, and not so much Ubuntu. The industry thinks that everything must be in Windows, but they’re not getting that they need to rethink that. Ubuntu and others like it are the way to the future. Eventually, Microsoft will not be the driving force between how software is written. In all actuality, it never should have been. There should be a standard.
Very helpful guide! I spend time helping people transition to Ubuntu Linux and I think this article would resonate with my students. For however long it lasts, I think using Linux on the desktop is a way to reduce the risk of being a victim of cybercrime.