ALL ABOUT LINUX

My Compaq Presario XP recently got infected with a particularly malicious virus. This is the second time that this PC had been infected. The first time I used the system restore disks and completely restored the PC to its original day one configuration. What a pain that was.

When I hooked the restored PC up to the Internet it seemed to take the best part of a week downloading and configuring updates. After the second infection I was unable to find the system restore disks which was almost a relief. I disconnected the computer and was even considering throwing it away.

I had heard about the free open source Linux operating system: Ubuntu, and so using another computer I Googled Ubuntu and went to their site.

I read the download and installation instructions on the page. It all seemed pretty straightforward so I went ahead and downloaded the latest version: Ubuntu 9.10 and then transferred the downloaded program to a CD-R as per the instructions.

My infected Compaq Presario would boot up to the desktop but none of the icons would load. I could access some of the programs using the control alt delete command but it gave stripped down versions of the programs with limited functionality.

I put the Ubuntu CD-R into my infected Compaq Presario's CD drive and booted it as per the instructions on the Ubuntu website. The on-screen instructions asked if I wanted to have both operating systems on my machine or just Ubuntu. I decided to completely erase XP which of course was infected and replace it with Ubuntu. I clicked 100% Ubuntu. It warmed me one last time that windows XP would be completely erased from my computer. I click okay and the installation began.

The installation was pretty straightforward and it took just a few minutes before I had the fully functional Ubuntu operating system on my PC and within a very short space of time I had my PC up and running.

Ubuntu is different than Windows but has many of the same features and is pretty intuitive.

Ubuntu comes with a whole bundle of great preinstalled programs. The Open Office suite, which rivals Microsoft office. A web browser: Mozilla Firefox, which has most of the same controls as Explorer but in different places. It has a preinstalled games package with several popular card games: Blackjack, Solitaire etc. Ubuntu has it's own media player for MP3s and videos etc which works very well.

Ubuntu also has a built-in software link where you can access approximately 2700 free Ubuntu programs.
My first impression of Ubuntu is that I like it, a lot. It seems very stable seems to be very user-friendly and easy-to-use.

The installation process for software and applications is slightly different from Windows, but not very difficult. I downloaded and easily installed Skype for Linux and made a few International phone calls. It worked just fine.
Ubuntu has a several advantages over Windows. One of the major advantages of Ubuntu is that it is almost immune from viruses. Ubuntu is free of charge. Ubuntu seems to take up far less room on the hard drive and because it is almost immune from viruses it does not require an antivirus program gobbling up resources. My PC now seems to run four times faster with Ubuntu than it did with Microsoft XP but admittedly when I installed Ubuntu it got rid of a lot of junk: old unused software, probably a few orphaned files and a lot of old e-mails.
Most popular Windows program seem to have an Ubuntu/Linux version or counterpart. Windows programs will not run on Ubuntu unless you install a program called wine to run them. I haven't had the need to do this as of yet.
I have another Desktop PC running Vista. I bought a switch which allows me to use two computers with just one mouse, one keyboard and one monitor. This has worked out very well for me because now I don't have Ubuntu instead of but as well as Microsoft Windows.
If you have just upgraded and have an old PC or laptop lying around then I strongly recommend before you get rid of your old machine that you install Ubuntu and give it a try. I think you will be very pleased and very impressed. I know I was.

As I'm writing these words, a major computer wholesaler has decided to ship some of its new models with Linux Operating System.

They have selected UBUNTU's 7.04 "Feisty Fawn" distribution of Linux. (Windows have OS releases or versions like XP or Vista; Linux has "distributions" like Fedora, Redhat, Ubuntu and many others.)

Go Linux!

A perfect choice because I've been using UBUNTU on one of my machines for over a year now and I have nothing but qualified praise for it.

Qualified? Yes. Because I cannot run any of my Windows application (like Photoshop, Illustrator, FrameMaker, GoLive) on Ubuntu.

GIMP comes close to doing what Photoshop can do (at least at my level of graphic competence) but other Windows applications do not have their Linux-counterparts yet. There is nothing over the horizon, for example, to match the reliability and power of FrameMaker in a Linux environment.

1) It's FREE.
2) OpenOffice that comes with it is also FREE and it can match MS Office in every category, except in mail management. (NOTE: You can download and use OpenOffice on Windows and Mac machines as well.)
3) No viruses. Period. I have not used any anti-virus programs or firewalls with my Ubuntu system yet. Knock on wood.
4) No system crashes. And when I crash my system (a rare event) while trying to open 10 different applications or files at the same time, Ubuntu recovers beautifully, restoring each crashed file one by one when you restart the system.
5) Auto updates... when you click this great little "you have updates" button on top of the screen, UBUNTU automatically downloads (after your approval of each item) whatever updates are developed by hard-working Linux volunteers around the globe.
6) An ever-growing collection of free, new and interesting software available for instant downloads through Synaptic Package Manager. (For example, it's free CHESS program - one of the hundreds of Linux games available online for free - is one of the best I've ever played against.)
I do all my writing, for example, on my Linux machine. Since OpenOffice also has a free PDF conversion utility built right into its word processor, I'm writing my new book ("Copyright-Free Content for Your Newsletters") also on my Linux machine. (YES - you don't need to buy Adobe Acrobat Pro to generate PDFs!)

Ubuntu is a Linux-based operating system, designed specifically for personal computers, it is seen as a viable alternative to Microsoft Windows.

It is derived from Debian, another well-known Linux distribution. The name comes from an African ideology which means "humanity to others". Used the slogan "Linux for humans" embodies one of the stated aims of the project is to make Linux a popular operating system and easy to use.

Ubuntu is freely distributed software part of the family of "free and open source. " Canonical LTD. system developer who is committed to improving launch every six months under the GNU General Public License.

History

The first version appeared as a copy of Debian on October 20, 2004, and used the GNOME environment, compared to other Debian derivatives. Canonical has made the code Debian system plus a lot of free programs offered through the Update Manager user. Ubuntu is currently funded by Mark Shuttleworth with his company, Canonical. On July 8, 2005 Canonical Ubuntu Fundata established, of which he donated a capital of 10 million dollars. This role is generally fundantie to continue with the development of operating system and create software packages compatible with Ubuntu.

Features

"A traveller through our country would stop at a village, and he didn't have to ask for food or for water. Once he stops, the people give him food, entertain him. That is one aspect of Ubuntu but Ubuntu has various aspects. Ubuntu does not mean that people should not enrich themselves. The question therefore is: Are you going to do so in order to enable the community around you to improve?" Nelson Mandela.

Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning 'humanity to others'. It also means I am what I am because of who we all are. It is the essence of being human. Ubuntu emphasises that human beings cannot exist in isolation. We are interconnected. We are not just individuals, separate from one another, we are connected and what we do affects the whole world. Ubuntu is achieved when the good that we do spreads out and the whole of humanity is enriched. A quality of Ubuntu is generosity.

This truly is collective power in action. A worldwide community of highly skilled experts that build, share and improve the very latest software and then make it available to everyone at absolutely no cost. It's an almost unbelievable concept, but it's for real, and so powerful. So powerful that threats to the security structure are of the lowest in the industry. The power of the global community is too daunting to be threatened by virus authors.

Ubuntu software has and will always be free, this is an undertaking from Canonical. This give people freedom to use it as they want and share it with whomever they choose. The benefits of this liberation are enormous. This Ubuntu community is able to grow and share its collective experience and expertise. This results in continual improvement and it ensures access to essential software for those who couldn't otherwise afford it. What a fantastic advantage to individuals and organisations world-wide.

Ubuntu believes that every computer user should have:

The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.
The freedom to study how the program works and adapt it to your needs.
The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help others.
The freedom to download, run, copy, distribute, study, share, change and improve their software for any purpose, without paying licensing fees.
The ability to use their software in the language of their choice.
The ability to use all software regardless of disability.

Install Ubuntu and you can rest assured that all the software meets these ideals. Plus, Ubuntu engineers are continually working to ensure that every piece of software you could possibly need is available under a licence that gives you those freedoms.
Community, unselfishly sharing knowledge and resources, being unselfishly helpful, and fostering care, trust and respect are the core values of Ubuntu.

This African tradition of Ubuntu is a way of life and a universal truth. This wise ancient concept truly underpins the concept of an open forward thinking society.

We at TSD International, with our African roots, will help anyone we can to experience this Ubuntu community. Visit our website at http://www.tsdintl.com read our blog and check out our offers. Fill out the contact form and we will contact you at your convenience.

To learn more about how you can do the same visit http://www.tsdintl.com or contact Martin directly at Martin@tsdintl.com
When you visit the web site you'll also discover...
-ERP options that deliver business answers.
-Current Offers from the company thinking of you as an opportunity to receive value add.
-Links to Partners we feel add value.
-A Blog that is something of content and value.

VIA ups its investment in Linux as market demand moves towards affordable, low power mobile devices

SAN FRANCISCO, September 8, 2009 – The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of Linux, today announced that VIA Technologies, Inc. has become its newest member.

VIA offers highly integrated low power x86 processor platforms that are being adopted in a wide range of netbooks, notebooks, desktops, servers, and embedded devices from leading brand names such as Dell, HP and Lenovo.

VIA is among a growing number of processor platform vendors that recognize the importance of working with the Linux community. By collaborating at the technical and business levels, VIA can ensure its hardware and the technology of its partners are supported in the Linux kernel releases. The company opened its specifications and code and began to adhere to a quarterly release schedule more than a year ago. This move allows open source developers to easily support VIA’s components.

“VIA shares the Linux Foundation’s goal of fostering the growth of the
Linux ecosystem,” said Richard Brown, vice president of marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. “We are seeing new momentum for Linux, particularly in the mobile space, and are excited about the potential of Linux in this segment and are investing considerable resources in supporting developments in this area.”

VIA continues to work closely with the Linux community to ensure compatibility with its processor platforms by providing drivers, key documentation and source code. For access this information.

“VIA is among an important group of companies that are working with the Linux community to help create a whole new class of computing devices,” said Amanda McPherson, vice president of marketing and developer programs. “VIA’s membership represents an acknowledgement that we’re seeing industry-wide: Linux is fueling the future of the PC industry. We’re excited to work with them on that future.”

VIA Technologies Inc. will attend the first ever LinuxCon, organized by the Linux Foundation and sponsored by Dell, HP, IBM, Intel, Novell and Qualcomm. LinuxCon is taking place September 21-23, 2009 in Portland, Oregon.

As a new member, VIA Technologies, Inc. will also attend the invitation-only Linux Foundation Collaboration Summit in April 2010.

About VIA Technologies, Inc.
VIA Technologies, Inc is the foremost fabless supplier of power efficient x86 processor platforms that are driving system innovation in the PC, client, ultra mobile and embedded markets. Combining energy-saving processors with digital media chipsets and advanced connectivity, multimedia and networking silicon enables a broad spectrum of computing and communication platforms, including its widely acclaimed ultra compact mainboards. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, VIA’s global network links the high tech centers of the US, Europe and Asia, and its customer base includes the world’s top OEMs and system integrators. 

About the Linux Foundation
The Linux Foundation is a nonprofit consortium dedicated to fostering the growth of Linux. Founded in 2007, the Linux Foundation sponsors the work of Linux creator Linus Torvalds and is supported by leading Linux and open source companies and developers from around the world. The Linux Foundation promotes, protects and standardizes Linux by hosting important workgroups, events and online resources such as Linux.com.

As grasp in the Java Developers community, Java is a platform independent object oriented language which runs on each platform. That is why it's very said for Java that "Compile once, run anywhere" language.

The Linux su command gets its name from the word superuser. The su command is run in a Linux terminal emulation window to log during and work because the root user, following logging in to a Linux desktop because a "regular" (non-root) user. Never log during to a Linux desktop as the root user.

LUGs give training and technical support and is going to help fresh users with operating system installations. They are also also pivotal in establishing the internet communities that incorporate widespread chatrooms and newsgroup usage. In addition there are also a number of specialist the internet and traditional print publications devoted entirely to Linux secrets, allowing users to keep up to date with every one the newes developments.

Two recent Linux news items are price noting. First, the mobile phone industry is strongly embracing Linux. When we determine Motorola, NEC, Panasonic, Samsung Electronics, NTT DoCoMo and Vodafone band together to standardize Linux for handies, we know the Linux pathogen has reached a crossroads from where it is able to infect the population at wide. Since the cell telephone business is highly keen, with margins thinner than Kate Moss, such a cable is interesting -- because is any time competitors band along.

These commands is going to clear your screen. Really helpful if you've done numerous index lists and are also confused by the output on your screen. Simply kind transparent and regarding-execute your index listing command.

The philosophy behind Linux suggests that advocates promote the operating system and is going to as well warmly embrace any applications that is able to be used in conjunction with it. Anyone who gives a reliable fast messaging service throughout the Linux platform is able to be convinced that the news will quickly spread and be widely adopted.

Let's start by mentioning a few facts that can be very disconcerting to die-hard Linux and Unix fans. Serious computer viruses appeared first in Unix systems. And arguably the worst computer virus attack in history occurred on Unix systems about twenty years ago. The good news is that the lessons learned from this attack were integrated into the constantly evolving Unix and Linux systems. Of course, to some extent they have been integrated into protecting Windows systems, and that's also good news.

One reason that Linux surpasses Windows for virus resistance is that Linux is open source. When an attack occurs hundreds or perhaps thousands of techies start working on solutions and post them to the Internet. You won't have to wait for an anti-virus company to come up with something.

What other factors make Linux systems more virus resistant? For a virus to take effect it must be part of a running program. Simply opening an attachment in the Microsoft Windows environment does the trick. The last time (pun intended) I opened an electronic greeting card on my Windows computer I was rewarded with a nasty virus. It took quite some time to remove it even with the aid of technical support. Linux systems won't launch the virus unless the user reads the email, saves the attachment, modifies the appropriate permission assigning execution permission to the attachment, and then explicitly executes the attachment. Unless all these steps happen the virus remains in quarantine. While an educated Linux user could carry out all these steps unleashing the virus this unhappy state of events doesn't occur often in properly organized systems.

Another limits virus impact in the Linux world. Ordinary Linux users don't have permission to do a lot. Even if they unleashed a virus it usually wouldn't go very far. Getting beyond the individual computer requires administrative power - the kind held by Root Users in Linux and Administrators in Windows. Regular users of Linux are usually not accorded root permission. In contrast, a newly installed Windows system automatically creates the first user as an Administrator. In our mind this is asking for trouble.

Just think - a regular Windows user has permission to install files that can run amok and destroy lots of good things. It seems that in Windows the operating system, the applications, and the data are inextricably intertwined. As if they were asking for trouble.

I have read that bananas are in danger. It looks like biodiversity is a thing of the past in banana-land or at least in the commercial banana world. So there is some chance that one powerful banana virus will make banana splits a thing of the past. The very diversity of Linux systems offers some protection. And it's a LAMP onto the world as discussed in the next two articles.

The Motorola A910 is endowed with a number of new technologies. This sophisticated mobile gadget can serve up as your main source of communication, information and entertainment and provides everything you need and want in your handset. The Motorola A910 is a clam-shell phone with user-friendly key pad to navigate all the features. The new technologies include Wi-Fi connectivity and flexible Linux platform software for good technology performance. Apart from that, you can enjoy camera features plus MP3 player, office tools, Bluetooth and lots more.

You can get the new Motorola A910 contract phone for all that you need in a handset. Under the Motorola A910 deals, there are different tariff plans that you need to choose. All you need to do is to choose the handset and the deals. There are different network service providers in the UK who provide Motorola A910 mobile phones as per the deal.

The Motorola A910 offers a brilliant 1.3 megapixel digital camera with 3x digital zoom. Capture the moments that are all time special for you. You can save all those moments in your handset and also share it with your friends and family using advanced Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS).

The Motorola A910 handset comes with a new generation Linux-Java operating system, Bluetooth wireless technology, J2ME performance, and superior text prophecy features for a simplified yet influential mobile experience.

Experience the ever growing technology that you call Bluetooth. It allows your Motorola A910 handset to communicate with other compatible devices without wires. Connect your PC, handsets, printers, etc., without using a wire.

Enjoy the new technology Motorola A910 with interactive and innovative games. Download latest java games from the Internet or from the network service providers and play games to refresh you mind anytime-anywhere.

Get connected with the Internet and connect the world. Get your Motorola A910 contract phones and enjoy the next generation features and technologies

There is currently alot of interest and curiosity with the Linux / Unix operating systems becoming more widely used, well-known, and available.  They have been around since the mid 90's, and used mostly as a server platform until recently - mostly due to the increased user-friendliness of recent releases - along with the integration of,
and compatability with, the Mozilla Firefox browser, Google's Chrome browser, the Openoffice.org program suite (ODF - Open Document Format compatible with the Microsoft Office Products), the GIMP graphics editor and many others - all of which are free and open source as well.

Linux is the fastest growing OS worldwide - as it is not only freely available in many different versions - (or distros), but compatible with much of the software and programs we are already using and familiar with. In addition, Linux systems are immune to the malware and security threats that most other operating systems continue to remain vulnerable to. You don't have to invest in or concern yourself with antivirus programs or
security suites at all. For your outgoing web applications, it features an MAC (Mandatory Access Control) activated by default for built-in protection. To me - this stuff sells itself - even though it's not for sale.....

This article will benefit those who are new to Linux and are interested in understanding what the current trend is all about. Linux is based on the free open source software (FOSS), which means that the source code is free to view, free to use, modify, apply and share in any way you see fit. It is released and protected under the GNU General Public License. The GNU License prohibits any 'for profit' development or releases of independent
versions or variations thereof.  This means that it is free to use, free to modify, and free to share without the usual restrictions that come with proprietary and 'for profit' software - not to mention free of malware or the need for antivirus or security software. GNU and supporters of open source create superior alternatives to the restrictions and confines of the more popular and expensive proprietary software and OS, as well as their
developers and corporations. It has gained significant momentum as resourceful and innovative developers are consistantly improving upon an already very flexible and reliable product profile.

There is growing intrigue toward Linux as it is (aside from being free of charge and free of malware) becoming more popular among average PC users who are finding it easy to install and use. A more favorable and flexible user interface, combined with optimal speed and overall system performance, is now widely distributed by manyLinux developers, and in many different forms. It has a reputation for being extremely dependable as there is no
mysterious behavior such as the unexpected interuptions, freezes,  shutdowns, restarts, death screens.....you know the ones....

Many Windows users are finding the transition surprisingly easy, and the results gratifying. I personally haven't heard of anyone making the switch to Linux, and then going back due to dissatisfaction with the installation, functionality, or interface. Actually, quite the opposite.  I've seen several YouTube videos sharing their favorable experiences in switching to a Linux distro. Check 'em out. Though they all seem to agree that there is a learning curve, depending on your level of experience with the Unix / Linux basic protocol and functionality.  It is different - as different programs designed to do the same thing vary in their interface or performance.  Any learning required will be well worth it and there are numerous resources and tutorials available as you go. There are even Linux groups and forums online and off - that readily offer support and share knowledge and experience as needed.  A Linux 12 step?

One of the first things people get confused over is the various names and terms associated with the various distributions available.  These mostly distinguish the various features or preferences.  There is an extensive selection depending on what appeals to you - such as interface, bundled software, level of experience, functionality, the look and feel, and others. Other terms refer to the interface, file systems, email client, browsers, etc....

If you are wondering what exactly you're getting yourself into and would like to try it out first, there are several Linux versions available as downloadable live CD or DVDs - bootable from your CD-ROM. Currently, Knoppix is available as a live CD download and includes most features and programs you would most likely use. It boots from the CD or DVD and you don't have to install anything - probably a good way to start without committing to virtual machines, partitioning or formatting your hard drive.

There are hundreds of versions or distributions of the Linux OS. Some are well known and widely used which you may be familiar with. Ubuntu is probably the most widely used and well known. Linux Mint is also widely used and both are said to be very easy to install and configure. Kubuntu is right behind it and is similar to Ubuntu and features the KDE interface. Gnome is another popular user interface and considered very stable. Konqueror is the default KHTML web browser / file mgr. Evolution and Kmail are available email client
programs.

In conclusion, any decision to use Linux will be a rewarding and educational experience. It is reliable, economical, capable, flexible and fast. There is literally an endless supply of this stuff and it really depends on personal preference and a bit of research. Experience will likely be your best teacher as to its functionality and your personal preference in the end.

I've provided a link to a comprehensive guide to the world of Linux and Open Source.
Every owner will benefit from the beginner to the advanced user content and resources.

There are four programs which offer certification for Linux Systems Administrators. These programs are offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association, the Linux Professional Institute, the Novell Corporation, and Red Hat, Inc. The first two are professional industry associations whose certification programs do not depend on any specific Linux distribution. Novell and Red Hat Linux certifications are closely associated with their popular Linux distributions. If you want to prepare for these two certifications you will definitely need access to their Linux version.

What do you have to do for Linux Certification? You must pass one or more extensive tests that demonstrate your prowess in dealing with the typical and some atypical problems faced by Linux systems administrators. We'll take a closer look at the CompTIA Linux+" Certification, the one often recommended as the first certification for people new to Linux. This certification does not apply to any specific Linux version. The test is designed to validate the knowledge of individuals with a minimum of six to twelve months of practical Linux experience. According to the Computing Technology Industry Association, professionals achieving the CompTIA Linux+ certification can explain fundamental management of Linux systems from the command line, demonstrate knowledge of user administration, understand file permissions, software configurations, and management of Linux-based clients, server systems, and security. Many of these functions are available on Damn Small Linux.

The Linux+ certification is a basic, entry-level certification for Linux system administrators. It is intended for people with six-months experience installing, operating and maintaining Linux operating systems. To achieve Linux+ certification, candidates must pass the 98 question Linux+ exam which covers seven areas: Planning and Implementation; Installation; Configuration; Administration; System Maintenance; Troubleshooting; and Identify, Install and Maintain System Hardware. This multiple-choice exam costs about $232. It is a good starting point for people who want to continue with other Linux certifications including those from Novell and Red Hat.

Why would people start preparing Linux certification on a limited version of Linux? The answer is simple - certification is not to be taken lightly. Don't make a major financial and time investment unless you know that you really want to be certified and that you possess the required skill set. You can easily find schools that promise you success in Linux certification and in any of their course offerings. But Linux certification may not be for you. Don't make a major certification investment only to find that it wasn't what you had in mind. Work your way through my tutorials including the suggestions for going further. Get your hands on several Linux books. I would start with books designed for learning Linux and for running Linux systems before working with Linux certification books.

Don't be satisfied with running computer exercises in your mind, and nodding your head at the appropriate times. To succeed you must do the exercises on a computer running Linux. Since installation is a component of all Linux Certification exams don't stint on installing several versions of Linux on your computer. An external USB hard drive is quite inexpensive. Try to make friends with someone who knows better than you how to do things. Ask a lot of questions. And good luck!

And while you're working on your certifications take a look at some of Damn Small Linux's other advantages in our final article in this series.

As know in the Java Developers community, Java is a platform independent object oriented language which runs on every platform. That is why it is said for Java that “Compile once, run anywhere” language.

But when the term “anywhere” had been used, they must have some specific platforms described. If we are running Java Application on Linux then something arise in mind that which context and environment I’m into?

A Java developer new to Linux plat form may wonder about whether or not and if yes then how Java can find the environment on Linux platform? In particular four things to get on Linux platform:

The answer to all these factors varies on different cases like of which kind your Java application would be and how portable you want Java application to be.

The basic external information is supplied by program invocation. It may be simple parameters or arguments. This information can direct a program to flexibility and execution.

Command-Line Arguments

When a program is run from the command line, more than just the program name can be supplied. Here are some examples:

$ javac example.java

$ mv Acct.java core/Account.java

$ ls –l

In the ?rst example, we invoked a program called Javac and gave it the parameter example.java, the name of the ?le containing the Java program that we want Javac to compile to Java byte code The mv got two commandline arguments, Acct.java and core/Account.java, which look a lot like pathnames. The ls command has one argument,  -l, which in Linux usually indicates, by its leading minus sign, that it is an option for altering the behavior of the command.

     When trying Ubuntu especially if it's your first experience with Linux, there might be times that you just can't stand a certain application or program. You might not like how it works or how it looks. Maybe it feels too different from what you are used to on your Windows machine or your Mac. There is a simple solution to this if can't stand on the applications.

     One of the big advantages of using a Linux distribution like Ubuntu is that there are thousands of applications to choose from. The only thing that makes Ubuntu what it is would be the selection of applications for that specific distribution. If you don't like something, whether it's a program or interface, you can change it.

In Ubuntu there is something called the Synaptic Package Manager. This program will let you search for other open source software. If you hate the text editor, browser, paint program, or anything else, search for an alternative. For most common desktop applications there will be a wide variety of alternatives to download, test out, and use for free.

     If you don't like the way Ubuntu looks, download and try Kubuntu or Xubuntu as these run different programs to have a completely different interface. These also come with a different set of applications to do basic computer tasks. Kubuntu for example comes with KDE and runs a wide variety of "K" applications that will be different than the ones in other versions of Ubuntu.

Before making up your mind about Ubuntu or any other distribution of Linux, realize that the system is extremely flexible and does allow for changes to be made on almost any level.