Ubuntu

The OBJECTIVE of this SITE: Simply to share what
                                i have LEARNED
                                what i m LEARNING and
                                what i will LEARN with UBUNTU LINUX
I am using UBUNTU LINUX about 3 years.Still learning it.So why dont i share with others !!.There is also a blog I have created.I will try to post very OFTEN.If you have any advise or suggession or find anything (code/help/tips/other) not correct or buggy, plz plz let me know with

What is Unix?. Unix, the original ancestor of Linux, is an operating system. Or at least it was an operating system; the original system known as Unix proper is not the "Unix" we know and use today; there are now many "flavors" of Unix, of which Linux has become the most popular.A product of the 1960s, Unix and its related software was invented by Dennis Ritchie, Ken Thompson, Brian Kernighan, and other hackers at Bell Labs in 1969; its name was a play on "Multics," another operating system of the time.In the early days of Unix, any interested party who had the hardware to run it on could get a tape of the software from Bell Labs, with printed manuals, for a very nominal charge. (This was before the era of personal computing, and in practice, mostly only universities and research laboratories did this). Local sites played with the software's source code, extending and customizing the system to their needs and liking.Beginning in the late 1970s, computer scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, a licensee of the Unix source code, had been making their own improvements and enhancements to the Unix source during the course of their research, which included the development of TCP/IP networking. Their work became known as the BSD ("Berkeley Systems Distribution") flavor of Unix.The source code of their work was made publicly available under licensing that permitted redistribution, with source or without, provided that Berkeley was credited for their portions of the code. There are many modern variants of the original BSD still actively developed today, and some of them−−such as NetBSD and OpenBSD−−can run on personal computers.

The uppercase word `UNIX' became a trademark of AT&T (since transferred to other organizations), to mean their particular operating system. But today, when people say "Unix," they usually mean "a Unix−like operating system," a generalization that includes Linux. If you'd like further information on this topic, you might be interested in consulting A Quarter Century of UNIX by Peter H. Salus (Addison−Wesley 1994), which has become the standard text on the subject.

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What is Linux?.In the early 1990s, Finnish computer science student Linus Torvalds began hacking on Minix, a small,Unix−like operating system for personal computers then used in college operating systems courses.He decided to improve the main software component underlying Minix, called the kernel, by writing his own.(The kernel is the central component of any Unix−like operating system.)In late 1991, Torvalds published the first version of this kernel on the Internet, calling it "Linux" (a play on both Minix and his own name).When Torvalds published Linux, he used the copyleft software license published by the GNU Project, the GNU General Public License. Doing so made his software free to use, copy, and modify by anyone−−provided any copies or variations were kept equally free. Torvalds also invited contributions by other programmers, and these contributions came; slowly at first but, as the Internet grew, thousands of hackers and programmers from around the globe contributed to his free software project. The Linux software was immensely extended and improved so that the Linux−based system of today is a complete, modern operating system, which can be used by programmers and non−programmers alike.

Linux consists of a central set of programs that run the PC on a low level, referred to as the kernel, and hundreds (if not thousands) of additional programs provided by other people and various companies. Technically speaking, the word “Linux” refers explicitly to the core kernel program. However, most people generally refer to the entire bundle of programs that make up the operating system as “Linux.”

Although most of us refer to Linux as a complete operating system, the title “Linux” hides a lot of confusing but rather important details. Technically speaking, the word “Linux” refers merely to the kernel file: the central set of programs that lie at the heart of the operating system. Everything else that comes with a typical version of Linux, such as programs to display graphics on the screen or let the user input data, is supplied by other people, organizations, or companies. The Linux operating system is the combination of many disparate projects.The GNU organization, in particular, supplies a lot of vital programs and also system library files, without which Linux wouldn’t run. These programs and files were vital to the acceptance of Linux as an operating system in its early days. Because of this, and the fact that Linux completed a long-running goal of the GNU project to create a Unix-like operating system, some people choose to refer to Linux as GNU/Linux.

A fierce debate rages over the correct way to refer to the Linux operating system and whether the GNU prefix should be used. For what it’s worth, an equally fierce debate rages over how we should define an operating system. It can all get very confusing. It’s also very easy to accidentally offend someone by not using the correct terminology!It’s not the purpose of this book to get involved in this debate. Suffice it to say that we acknowledge the vital input of the GNU project into the operating system many people refer to simply as Linux, as well as that of other vital projects.

What is UBUNTU?.

The homepage of the Ubuntu website says:

Ubuntu is a version of the Linux operating system.

Ubuntu is a relatively young Linux distribution. It is based on and is still closely allied with the Debian distribution (www.debian.org), like many versions of Linux. Debian has been in existence since 1993—almost as long as the Linux kernel—and embraces the spirit and philosophy of Linux, which says software should be shared and made available to anyone who wants it. Ubuntu takes this one step further. Its goal is to give anyone in the world access to an easy-to-use version of Linux, regardless of geographical location or physical abilities. Ubuntu supports a large number of languages, so it can be used in most countries around the world. In addition, it includes accessibility tools, so it can be used by partially sighted, deaf, or disabled people. From the very start, Mark Shuttleworth, Ubuntu’s creator, decided it would always be free of charge and would always be freely available. Unlike many versions of Linux, no commercial version of Ubuntu exists (although it is possible to pay for various services, such as support, if you wish). But perhaps Ubuntu’s greatest strength is its community, which extends across the world. If you have a question about Ubuntu, you’ll find hundreds of people willing to help. Just as the software is designed to be shared, a strong belief within the Ubuntu community is that knowledge should be shared, too. It might come as no surprise that Ubuntu is an ancient African word that roughly trans- lates as “humanity to others.” In Shuttleworth’s native South Africa in particular, “Ubuntu” is a way of life that advocates acceptance and compassion toward others. The Ubuntu philosophy is one of the underpinnings of post-apartheid South Africa and spreads into political spheres as well as everyday life. The Ubuntu version of Linux is an attempt to bring this spirit to the world of computer software. Ubuntu is primarily geared toward desktop users, although with a little adapting, it can also be used to run server computers. Ubuntu is designed to be easy to use. Anyone who has used Windows or Mac OS will feel right at home. It features every piece of software you could wish for or would find within a well-equipped modern operating system. It includes a web browser, an e-mail client, instant messaging software, an office suite, a graphics editor, and much more. And don’t think that these are cut-down versions designed to lure you into purchasing the full version later on. In every case, they’re full-featured pieces of software that give proprietary programs a run for their money. Perhaps more importantly, Ubuntu is very user-friendly. Updating the system can be done with just a few clicks of the mouse, as can downloading and installing new software.

Ubuntu’s Release Cycle(version of ubuntu): In keeping with the desire for a frequent release schedule, the team decided that every six months would be the target for new releases of the operating system:
The Ubuntu Release Schedule

Why Linux Why not Microsoft Windows/what’s So Great About Linux?

The Problems with Windows:
The world’s most popular operating system is Windows, which is made by the Microsoft Corporation. Linux has no links with Windows at all. Microsoft doesn’t contribute anything to Linux and, in fact, is rather hostile toward it, because it threatens Microsoft’s market dominance. This means that installing Linux can give you an entirely Microsoft-free PC. How enticing does that sound? Windows is used on 91 percent of the world’s desktop computers. In other words, it must be doing a good job for it to be so popular, right? Let’s face facts. On many levels, Windows is a great operating system, and since the release of Windows XP in particular, Microsoft has cleaned up its act. Windows XP does a much better job compared to previous versions of Windows (and Vista makes even more improvements). But the situation is far from perfect. Windows XP is notoriously insecure and virtually every day a new security hole is uncovered. The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (www.us-cert.gov) reported 812 security vulnerabilities for Microsoft Windows during 2005. That’s 15 vulnerabilities per week! In June 2005, the computer security company Sophos (www.sophos.com) advertised that its Windows anti- virus program defended against over 103,000 viruses! This has led to an entire industry that creates antivirus programs, which are additional pieces of software you have to install once your computer is up and running for it to run without the risk of data loss or data theft.Actually most virus/worms are created for windows operating system and cyber criminals like crackers find a easy way to break down the security of windows operating system. So is Linux the solution to these problems? Most would agree that it’s a step in the right direction, at the very least. Most Linux users don’t install antivirus programs, because there are virtually no Linux-specific viruses. As with all software, security holes are occasionally discovered in Linux, but the way it is built means exploiting those holes is much more difficult.

Compare that to Windows, where most users aren’t even aware they can update their systems, even when Microsoft gets around to issuing a patch (which has been known to take months).Linux distributions renew (new version) themselves very often like 6 months to 1 year.On the other hand microsoft release there new operating system after a very long time like 5 to 6 yreas(not months).
There’s also the fact that Linux encourages you to take control of your computer, as opposed to treating it like a magical box. As soon as you install Linux, you become a power user. Every aspect of your PC is under your control, unlike with Windows. This means fixing problems is a lot easier, and optimizing your system becomes part and parcel of the user experience. One of the biggest questions asked by most newcomers to Linux is whether it can run Windows soft- ware. The answer is yes . . . and no.Linux is completely different from Windows on a fundamental technical level. Its creators based it on Unix, an industrial-strength operating system, and deliberately steered clear of emulating Windows. This means that Linux isn’t a swap-in replacement for Windows. You cannot take the installation CD of a Windows program and use it to install that program on Linux, in the same way that you cannot install an Apple Mac program on Windows.However, several current projects let you run Windows programs on Linux. Wine (www.winehq.com) is an example of such a project, and you can download a commercial and easy-to-use variation of it from www.codeweavers.com. You can also use programs like VMware (www.vmware.com) to create a “virtual PC” running on Linux. Then you can install the Windows operating system and, therefore, any Windows software you like.In most cases, however, you’ll find that there’s a Linux equivalent of your favorite Windows software.Frequently, you’ll find that this Linux version is actually superior to the Windows program you’ve been using.

Some Linux features:

No constant rebooting—Uptime is valued as a matter of pride (remember, Linux and other UNIX systems are most often used as servers, which are expected to stay up 24/7). After the original installation, you can install or remove most software without having to reboot your computer.

Fewer Crashes— The experiences of different people vary but, in our extensive experience, Linux very rarely crashes. The mouse cursor has never frozen on screen. A strange error box has never appeared and remained until we’ve rebooted. Program windows don’t freeze and leave trails as we drag them around. It’s possible to leave a Linux system running for years without ever needing to reboot (although most desktop Ubuntu users shut down their PCs when they won’t be using them for a while, just like the rest of us). Of course, programs that run on top of Linux sometimes crash, but they don’t take the rest of the system down with them. Instead, you can clean up after a crash and just carry on.  

Start/stop services without interrupting others—You can start and stop individual services (such as Web, file, and e-mail services) without rebooting or even interrupting the work of any other users or features of the computer. In other words, you should not have to reboot your computer every time someone sneezes.

Portable software—You can usually change to another Linux, UNIX, or BSD system and still use the exact same software! Most open source software projects were created to run on any UNIX-like system and many also run on Windows systems, if you need them to. If it won’t run where you want it to, chances are that you, or someone you hire, can port it to the computer you want. (Porting refers to modifying an application or driver so it works in a dif- ferent computer architecture or operating system.)

Downloadable applications—If the applications you want are not delivered with your version of Linux, you can often download and install them with a single command, using tools such as apt and yum.

No settings hidden in code or registries—Once you learn your way around Linux, you’ll find that (given the right permissions on your computer) most configuration is done in plain text files that are easy to find and change.

Mature desktop—The X Window System (providing the framework for your Linux desktop) has been around longer than Microsoft Windows. The KDE and GNOME desktop environments provide graphical interfaces (windows, menus, icons, and so forth) that rival those on Microsoft systems. Ease-of-use prob- lems with Linux systems are rapidly evaporating.

Freedom—Another big benefit is that Linux can be obtained free of charge. Once it’s installed, the latest updates for all your programs are also free of charge. Not only that, but if you want any new software, it will also usually be free of charge (and normally just a download away). Is this starting to sound attractive yet? The software is also released under a license that means you can share it with anybody you want. Suppose that you find a really great image editor. You mention it to a friend, and he asks for a copy. Under Windows, copying the program is strictly illegal—to do so turns you into a software pirate! Unless that image editor is freeware, your friend will need to buy the software himself. Under Linux, sharing software is normally entirely legal. In fact, it’s encouraged! This philosophy of sharing applies to the entire operating system. You can install the software contained on the DVD on the computer of your friends, relatives, or neighbors. You can even give them copies of the DVD. All this can be done entirely legally! In fact, this redistribution is what the makers of Ubuntu want. They created Ubuntu so that it would be shared and used by anybody, anywhere in the world. They’ll even send you or somebody you know free copies of the installation CD if you want.No Annoying Copy Protection or Usage Restrictions A happy side effect of the sharing culture that surrounds Linux is that you’ll never need a software registration code to install it. There’s no scheme like Windows Product Activa- tion (WPA), or Windows Genuine Advantage, whereby the software must “phone home” over the Internet to be “activated.”

Why First Time i used Ubuntu linux and still using it?I am a student of Computer Scince.Before i first got admitted,unfortunately, i knew that there is only one operating system in the world and that is -Microsoft Windows XP;even, i did not know that Apple has an operaing system called Mac.One month later i found that there are other operating system like Microsoft winodox Xp -- Mac/linux.Then i knew about ubuntu.First time i become stranged that there are operating systems which are free of cost and dont have to give a key during installation.I really became excited when i knew that virus cannot affect linux and i can build a linux of my own.Actually i knew the word 'Linux' after i knew the word 'Ubuntu'.Well,later i came to know that i can do everyting in ubuntu that i do with XP;even more effectively, moreover i can do more with ubuntu which Xp can not do.One other reason why i became fan of ubuntu is its OUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECT which is simply IMPOSSIBLE in XP with low CPU use and RAM use.The big list of Free software for Ubuntu is really a big matter to make a user become LINUXED. Now i am a regular user of my favourite Ubuntu Linux and i am LINUXED.

BE LINUXED.