the psycho cat on an HP Mini with Ubuntu

Just Beginning
Introduction
Read this first before you try Ubuntu*

Which Ubuntu to pick?
Getting Ubuntu
Making a bootable USB of Ubuntu

Ubuntu inside Windows
Dual-boot with Windows
Install Desktop CD Ubuntu
Modest Specs

Install Software
Security in Ubuntu
Where's the Terminal?
Password in Terminal

Next Steps
Install Proprietary Drivers
Mount Windows
Install Proprietary Plugins
Finding iTunes Alternatives
Use Wine

Beyond the Basics
Backing up Ubuntu
Upgrade Ubuntu*
Change boot menu

Playing Around
Unity to classic Gnome
Unity Gnome/KDE Plasma Comparison
Install KDE
Install XFCE
Pure Ubuntu
Pure Kubuntu
Pure Xubuntu
Pure Lubuntu

Troubleshooting
Can't sudo
Graphical sudo
Forgot password

* Off-site link

Cheap Plugs
If you've found these tutorials useful, please consider donating a small amount to one of my favorite non-profits/charities. Every little bit helps.

You may also want to consider donating directly to the Ubuntu project.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Ubuntu is committed to Free software (free in cost and free in licensing restrictions), but in "the real world," most computer users are used to having proprietary or nonfree codecs and support software installed (to use Java, MP3s, Microsoft fonts, etc.), so Ubuntu has included an easy way to install these nonfree items. The free in the word nonfree refers to licensing restrictions, not to cost.

During installation of Ubuntu, you may have already enabled these nonfree codecs, in which case you do not need to follow these instructions to get them installed.

If you're using Unity, you can find Ubuntu Software Center on the left side of your screen.

If you're using classic Gnome, go to Applications and select Ubuntu Software Center

Do a filter search for the word restricted and then click Install next to Ubuntu restricted extras.

You may get asked to confirm a few things as you go. That's okay. After all is done, you should be able to play Flash, MP3, etc.

When prompted for your password, enter it.

Wait for the restricted extras to install.

Confirm again.

Then you're all set.

You can find more details here (without all the screenshots).

There are also variations on Ubuntu that include proprietary/nonfree software in the default installation. One popular variation is called Linux Mint.

Last updated 04/29/12 04:14