Covers 20.04, 20.10, and 21.04

Ubuntu Linux Unleashed 2021 Edition is filled with unique and advanced information for everyone who wants to make the most of the Ubuntu Linux operating system. This new edition has been thoroughly updated by a long-time Ubuntu user and early community leader to reflect the exciting new Ubuntu 20.04 LTS release, with a forthcoming online update mid-2021, at the halfway mark before the next LTS release comes out.

Linux writer Matthew Helmke covers all you need to know about Ubuntu 20.04 LTS installation, configuration, productivity, command-line usage, development, systems administration, server operations, networking, virtualization, cloud computing, DevOps, and more-including intermediate-to-advanced techniques you won't find in any other book.

Helmke presents up-to-the-minute introductions to Ubuntu's key productivity and web development tools, programming languages, hardware support, and more. You'll find new or improved coverage of the Ubuntu desktop experience, common web servers and software stacks, an introduction to containers like Docker and Kubernetes, as well as a wealth of systems administration information that is stable and valuable over many years.

• Configure and use the Ubuntu desktop
• Get started with multimedia and productivity applications
• Manage Linux services, users, and software packages
• Administer and run Ubuntu from the command line
• Automate tasks and use shell scripting
• Provide secure remote access and configure a secure VPN
• Manage kernels and modules
• Administer file, print, email, proxy, LDAP, DNS, and HTTP servers (Apache, Nginx, or alternatives)
• Work with databases (SQL) and learn about NoSQL alternatives
• Get started with virtualization and cloud deployment, including information about containers
• Learn about options for managing large numbers of servers, including in the cloud
• Learn the basics about popular programming languages including Python, PHP, Perl, and gain an introduction to new alternatives such as Go and Rust

Matthew Helmke has used Ubuntu since 2005. He has written about Linux for several magazines and websites, is a lead author of The Official Ubuntu Book, and has coauthored both A Practical Guide to Linux: Commands, Editors, and Shell Programming and The VMware Cookbook. In his day job, Matthew works for Gremlin (https://www.gremlin.com/) making the Internet more reliable. Matthew first used UNIX in 1987, while studying Lisp on a Vax at the university. He has run a business using only free and open source software, has consulted, and teaches as an adjunct professor for the University of Arizona.

You can find out more about Matthew at https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewhelmke/ or drop him a line with errata or suggestions at matthew@matthewhelmke.com.

Covers 20.04, 20.10, and 21.04

Ubuntu Linux Unleashed 2021 Edition is filled with unique and advanced information for everyone who wants to make the most of the Ubuntu Linux operating system. This new edition has been thoroughly updated by a long-time Ubuntu user and early community leader to reflect the exciting new Ubuntu 20.04 LTS release, with a forthcoming online update mid-2021, at the halfway mark before the next LTS release comes out.

Linux writer Matthew Helmke covers all you need to know about Ubuntu 20.04 LTS installation, configuration, productivity, command-line usage, development, systems administration, server operations, networking, virtualization, cloud computing, DevOps, and more-including intermediate-to-advanced techniques you won't find in any other book.

Helmke presents up-to-the-minute introductions to Ubuntu's key productivity and web development tools, programming languages, hardware support, and more. You'll find new or improved coverage of the Ubuntu desktop experience, common web servers and software stacks, an introduction to containers like Docker and Kubernetes, as well as a wealth of systems administration information that is stable and valuable over many years.

• Configure and use the Ubuntu desktop
• Get started with multimedia and productivity applications
• Manage Linux services, users, and software packages
• Administer and run Ubuntu from the command line
• Automate tasks and use shell scripting
• Provide secure remote access and configure a secure VPN
• Manage kernels and modules
• Administer file, print, email, proxy, LDAP, DNS, and HTTP servers (Apache, Nginx, or alternatives)
• Work with databases (SQL) and learn about NoSQL alternatives
• Get started with virtualization and cloud deployment, including information about containers
• Learn about options for managing large numbers of servers, including in the cloud
• Learn the basics about popular programming languages including Python, PHP, Perl, and gain an introduction to new alternatives such as Go and Rust

Introduction xxxi

PART I: GETTING STARTED

Chapter 1 Installing Ubuntu and Post-Installation Configuration 1

Before You Begin the Installation 1

Researching Your Hardware Specifications 2

Installation Options 2

32-Bit Versus 64-Bit Ubuntu 4

Planning Partition Strategies 5

The Boot Loader 5

Installing from DVD or USB Drive 6

Step-by-Step Installation 6

Installing 7

First Update 11

Shutting Down 11

Finding Programs and Files 12

Software Updater 12

The sudo Command 14

Configuring Software Repositories 15

System Settings 17

Detecting and Configuring a Printer 18

Configuring Power Management in Ubuntu 18

Setting the Time and Date 19

Configuring Wireless Networks 20

Troubleshooting Post-Installation Configuration Problems 21

Chapter 2 Background Information and Resources 23

What Is Linux? 23

Why Use Linux? 25

What Is Ubuntu? 27

Ubuntu for Business 27

Ubuntu in Your Home 28

Getting the Most from Linux and Ubuntu Documentation 28

Linux 29

Ubuntu 30

PART II: DESKTOP UBUNTU

Chapter 3 Foundations of the Linux GUI 31

Foundations and the X Server 31

Basic X Concepts 32

Using X 33

Elements of the xorg conf File 34

Starting X 39

Using a Display Manager 39

Changing Window Managers 39

Chapter 4 Ubuntu Desktop Options 41

Desktop Environment 41

Using GNOME: A Primer 42