New Version of Ubuntu Linux Released Today

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Ubuntu Linux is probably the best Linux distro for new Linux users to install to their desktops. It is a good Linux distro to put on your laptop, and since is does not easily get viruses it is great for checking your banking online.

"Ubuntu" means "humanity towards others", and Ubuntu Linux is an attempt to bring the concept of Ubuntu to computing.

You can download Ubuntu, or order Ubuntu CDs and they will be shipped to you at no cost. The shipped version of Ubuntu Linux comes with two CDs — one is a live CD so you can try Ubuntu first, and the other is an install CD that will put Ubunu Linux on your hard drive.

You can even install Ubuntu Linux next to Windows as a dual-boot system so that you have both operating systems on your hard drive. That will give you the features, software, and security of Linux, but you will be able to still use Windows if you need to.

To install Ubuntu as a dual-boot system, first go into the Windows Control Panel and defragment your hard drive. After your drive is completely defragmented and your files are all on one side of the hard drive (which may require more than one run of the defragmenting tool), you should back up all your Windows files.

Then put the Ubuntu install CD in your CD drive and boot the computer from the CD. There will be instructions on the screen to guide you through the dual-boot install process.

After Ubuntu is installed, go to the EasyUbuntu web site and download EasyUbuntu which will help you install some of the plugins and features that you might need.

You will find that the Ubuntu Linux community is very helpful and can quickly answer any questions that you might have about using Ubuntu. Further support for Ubuntu can be found at the following resources:

  • Google.com — The best place to get help with computer problems is Google. You can get help from the resources below which is essentially free tech support, but people will expect that you have taken the time to search Google for the answer first.
  • UbuntuForums.org — There is a lot of information here and you can ask your own questions.
  • Start Guides — Check out this page for the official start guides. The basic start guide is here.
  • Official Documentation — Good resource for information.
  • Multi-language Forums — Discuss Ubuntu in non-English languages.
  • Internet Relay Chat (IRC) — You can get Ubuntu help by logging on to IRC chat with the included Xchat program. You should search Google for an answer to your problem before asking on IRC, but IRC is an excellent resource for any difficulties that you might encounter.
  • Ubuntu Blog — There are some good tips here.
  • Ubuntu on Wikipedia — Some more background on Ubuntu here. May be a little technical in some places.