1. Chapter 2 Background Info and Resources
Ubuntu Unleashed
Chapter 2
Background Info and Resources

2. What is Linux? Think free speech, not free beer
Kernel or core of the OS
GNU GPL (gnu's not Unix general public license)
Open source – free software
Think free speech, not free beer
Linus Torvalds – created the Linux kernel
Richard Stallman – founded the Free Software Foundation and came up with the GPL – ensuring that Linux will always be free

3. Why use Linux? Excellent return on investment (ROI)
If IT can support it...
Works on multiple hardware platforms
Alpha, SPARC, PowerPC, phones, tablets, PlayStation, DVD players, etc., etc., etc..
Works on outdated equipment
Can push back the inevitable hardware upgrade...
Thousands of distros
Maybe even one that your grandmother could use
Free support is widespread
Forums, FAQ's, etc.

4. What is Ubuntu? South African word meaning "human kindness"
“I am what I am because of who we all are”
Sponsored by Canonical Software
First release – October 2004
2 major releases per year – October & April
Numbering scheme – y.mm – (Oct 2004 = 4.10)
Each major release has a codename
Alliterative animal names (Warty Warthog, Saucy Salamander, etc.)
Intended to be easy to install and use
Based on Debian – an older, well respected disto

5. Documentation The “man” pages
In a terminal typing “man command name” will give you LOTS of info on that command.
Support from developers
Most of the established distos have a support page
Google and Wikipedia
There's an abundance of forums out there – both general and specific

6. LILO & GRUB The Bootloaders LILO – Linux Loader
Older Bootloader – Mostly replaced by GRUB
Cannot boot from the network
GRUB (and GRUB2) – GRand Unified Bootloader
Developed by the Free Software Foundation
It has an interactive command interface
Supports network boot

7. DOL and CCBY