Ubuntu Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Rick's Daily Tips

Want to learn how to use Linux? Take the $99 ‘Introduction to Linux’ course for free!

Posted on May 28, 2015

If you’ve been thinking about dipping your toes into the Linux world, now is the perfect time to get started. For a limited time, the Linux Foundation is offering their outstanding $99 “Introduction to Linux” course for free!

“Introduction to Linux” covers the basics of the Linux operating system. You’ll learn how to use the GUI (Graphical User Interface) as well as the command line to perform many common Linux tasks. You’ll also get hands-on training in several of the most useful Linux-based applications.

The only prerequisite to taking this course is basic familiarity with computers in general. Experienced Windows and Mac users will do just fine. [Read more…]

Q&A: What’s the best way to run Linux without installing it on my hard drive?

Posted on February 24, 2015

Question from Evan L.: Hi Rick. First of all, I love your site and all the great info you post here. Thanks so much!

And now on to my question. I just finished reading your post about replacing Windows with Linux to speed up an older computer, and I’d love to give Ubuntu a whirl on my Acer S3-391-6046 Ultrabook.

I don’t want to install Ubuntu on my hard drive because the drive is so small (and full) that I’d have to wipe out Windows 8.1 to make room for it, and I don’t even know if I’ll like using Linux or not.

I know that you can run Ubuntu from either a CD or a USB Flash Drive, but I have no idea which way to go on that. What do you recommend?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I install Ubuntu Linux on my laptop without using the optical drive?

Posted on August 17, 2014

Question from Terry G.: Rick, I have an older Dell laptop with Windows XP installed. I want to take your advice and replace Windows with Ubuntu Linux, but I have a problem. The Dell’s DVD drive is broken and no longer works.

My question is how can I install Ubuntu on my laptop without using a Linux installation disc?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: What should I do with my Dell Inspiron Mini 12 after Microsoft abandons Windows XP?

Posted on December 12, 2013

Question from Derick G.: I read a news report that indicated that Windows XP will become unusable when Microsoft abandons it this spring. I have a Dell Inspiron Mini 12 that’s running Windows XP Home Edition that still works like a champ.

What would you recommend that I do with this computer? Sell it? Scavenge it for spare parts? Just recycle it? I really have no idea how much it’s worth, either in whole or in parts.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Make Ubuntu Linux work the way you want it to with Ubuntu Tweak

Posted on December 4, 2013

If you have recently taken the plunge and replaced Microsoft Windows with Linux, you are probably marveling at the increase in your computer’s speed and appreciating the fact that you don’t have to run an anti-virus program. For sure, Linux offers plenty of advantages over Windows.

One advantage it has never offered however is a simple way to tweak your Linux installation to your liking. You can easily use Google to find command line tweaks for most anything that you can think of, but wouldn’t it be nice to have a GUI system tweaker that uses the mouse instead of the keyboard and command line?

Well, if you’re running the “Ubuntu” flavor of Linux you can now download a very good one, for free. [Read more…]