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The Ultimate Ubuntu Handbook
The Ultimate Ubuntu Handbook

The Ultimate Ubuntu Handbook: A complete guide to Ubuntu 24.04, from installation to advanced security and development

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The Ultimate Ubuntu Handbook

Introduction to Ubuntu

Welcome to the world of Ubuntu! Whether you’re a first-time Ubuntu user, a first-time Linux user, or a seasoned Linux veteran, this book will serve as a primer for getting the most out of your Ubuntu experience. We’ll cover many key concepts, from what a Linux distribution is to the history of Ubuntu, all the way through setting up an optimal development or data science environment on Ubuntu.

We’ll start with the most basic question: what is Linux? Just like Windows and macOS, Linux is an operating system. Linux is the most popular platform in the world today! Android is powered by Linux, as is most of the world’s cloud and web infrastructure. An operating system provides software with access to your hardware. Actually, Linux is just the core part of the operating system (called a kernel) and is surrounded by other applications and services.

However, even though the Linux kernel provides the most critical part of the operating...

A brief history of Ubuntu

Before we get to the history of Ubuntu, let me answer one of the most common questions I hear: how do you pronounce Ubuntu? Is it You-buntu or Oo-buntu? Ubuntu is pronounced Oo-buntu.

Ubuntu’s story began in 2004, conceived by South African entrepreneur and developer Mark Shuttleworth, inspired by the ideals of the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which translates to “humanity towards others.” The phrase “I am what I am because of who we all are” is commonly used to describe the term Ubuntu, which for me really sums up what Ubuntu is all about!

The first version of Ubuntu, codenamed Warty Warthog, was released on October 20, 2004. The version was 4.10, which marks the 10th month of 2004:

Figure 1.1 – Ubuntu Desktop Warty Warthog 4.10 user interface

Figure 1.1 – Ubuntu Desktop Warty Warthog 4.10 user interface

A fun thing to know about Ubuntu releases is what’s up with the code names. The Ubuntu code names comprise an adjective and an animal with the...

The Ubuntu mission – free software for everyone

Ubuntu’s core mission revolves around the principle of free and open source software. It advocates for free access to software, along with the freedom to use, modify, and distribute. The philosophy aligns with the broader open source movement, emphasizing collaboration and community. You can learn more about the mission of Ubuntu at https://ubuntu.com/community/ethos/mission.

Ubuntu’s values

As the Ubuntu community grows, it’s important to never forget that Ubuntu embodies four key values:

  • Freedom: Ubuntu celebrates freedom – freedom to choose, to change, to participate.
  • Reliable: You can depend on Ubuntu. Like the people who make it, it is trustworthy and keeps its promises.
  • Precise: Ubuntu is crisp and clean in engineering and attitude. There is beauty in the precision of the process and product.
  • Collaborative: Working together is at the heart of Ubuntu. It is...

Ubuntu releases – trust through stability

Ubuntu is trusted by millions of users worldwide due to its solid foundation, which has been built over the past two decades. It is trusted on all computing platforms, including desktops, laptops, servers, the cloud, the Internet of Things (IoT), manufacturing, and robotics.

All Ubuntu users should understand the anatomy of a Ubuntu release version. The version numbers consist of a two-digit year, a period, and a two-digit month.

Ubuntu 24.04 was released in April 2024 (see the explanation in Figure 1.4):

Figure 1.4 – The Ubuntu release version

Figure 1.4 – The Ubuntu release version

Ubuntu releases occur every April and October. Releases in April of even years are LTS releases; more on that later in this chapter.

Different release channels

Ubuntu provides two release channels, more precisely, two cadences, depending on risk aversion and need:

  • LTS: These releases focus on stability and receive security and bug fixes for five...

The power of community – collaboration and support

Ubuntu thrives on its strong and active community. This diverse group of users, developers, translators, and enthusiasts plays a crucial role in the operating system’s success.

The community contributes via the following:

  • Development: Programmers worldwide contribute code, fix bugs, and enhance features
  • Documentation: Experienced users create guides, tutorials, and forum discussions to assist new users
  • Translations: Ubuntu’s broad international user base helps provide translations so that future users in their native tongues feel more welcome and can easily use their systems
  • Support: Forums, chat services, email lists, and other means of community engagement provide a platform for users to seek help, share experiences, and learn from each other

This collaborative spirit fosters a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone interested in Ubuntu.

Summary

This chapter has provided a foundational understanding of Ubuntu’s history and mission and the amazing community that powers its development. As you dive deeper into the world of Ubuntu, you’ll discover a powerful, user-friendly operating system backed by a philosophy of openness and collaboration.

In Chapter 2, we’ll get into what’s new in Ubuntu 24.04. As it is an LTS, we’ll cover new features since the previous 22.04 LTS.

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Key benefits

  • Master Ubuntu 24.04 through a structured learning path, from initial setup and customization to advanced development workflows
  • Avoid common mistakes with practical tips for ensuring stability, security, and clean configuration
  • Learn directly from an Ubuntu Core developer as he shares his insider knowledge and best practices
  • Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Description

Ubuntu 24.04 brings powerful new features, but most users barely scratch the surface of its potential. This book transforms you from a basic user into an Ubuntu power user by guiding you through setup, security, and development workflows step by step. Ken VanDine reveals insider knowledge and proven strategies that turn Ubuntu into a stable, secure, and productive development platform. Starting with Ubuntu’s mission, release lifecycles, and what’s new in 24.04, you’ll learn how to install the system, customize your desktop, and use the command line to work more efficiently. The book shows you how to apply updates, activate Ubuntu Pro, configure firewalls, and secure data with full disk encryption before covering topics often overlooked by desktop users. Moving into advanced territory, this book covers container-based development using LXD, working with virtual machines through Multipass, and setting up Kubernetes with MicroK8s. Whether you’re building cloud-native apps or data science projects, you’ll benefit from reliable and repeatable Ubuntu workflows. Beyond the technical skills, you'll discover how to tap into Ubuntu's global community for ongoing support and opportunities to contribute. This book is ideal for both newcomers eager to accelerate their Linux journey and seasoned professionals seeking to maximize their Ubuntu expertise.

Who is this book for?

This book is for software engineers, DevOps professionals, data scientists, systems administrators, and tech enthusiasts who want to get hands-on with Ubuntu 24.04. Whether you're new to Linux or looking to improve your setup, this book shows you how to build a secure desktop, use the command line with confidence, and create clean, reliable development environments. A basic understanding of operating systems is helpful but not required.

What you will learn

  • Understand Ubuntu's software lifecycles to keep your system updated and secure
  • Connect with Ubuntu communities to seek help and contribute to the ecosystem
  • Master the command line to improve flexibility and efficiency
  • Configure firewalls to manage network traffic securely
  • Protect your data with full disk encryption for comprehensive security
  • Differentiate between Snap and Debian packages to make informed software installation choices
  • Build and manage containerized environments with Ubuntu
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Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Aug 01, 2025
Length: 356 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781835465202

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Length: 356 pages
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Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781835465202

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Table of Contents

25 Chapters
Part 1: Getting to Know Ubuntu Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Introduction to Ubuntu Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
What’s New in Ubuntu 24.04? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Security and Transparency – The Advantages of Open Source Software Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Getting Started with Ubuntu: A User’s Guide Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 2: Getting the Most Out of Your Ubuntu System Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Using Your Ubuntu Desktop Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Software Discovery: Finding and Installing Applications Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Software Updates: Enhancing Security and Stability Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Getting Help: The Ubuntu Community and Beyond Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Ubuntu in the Enterprise and at Scale Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Command-Line Tricks and Shortcuts: Boosting Your Efficiency Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 3: Security and Privacy Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Introduction to Network Security Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Understanding Firewalls Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Safeguarding Information with Data Encryption Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 4: Ubuntu, the Ultimate Development Platform Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Ubuntu for Developers Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Leveraging Containers for Development Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Cloud-Style VMs on Your Desktop Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Kubernetes Development on Your Desktop Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Building Your Data Science Toolkit Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Embracing the Spirit of Ubuntu Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Other Books You May Enjoy Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
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