Looking for an Ubuntu Manual? Try This Book

I feel that some times the book relies too much on text. For example, there is a section that discusses using the Software Center and I feel that it could have included more screenshots.A dedicated chapter on getting help may seem overkill but beginners will find it helpful. There is also a chapter introducing ‘Ubuntu Landscape’, an enterprise tool for managing your fleet of Ubuntu servers.This isn’t just a reference; it’s a hands-on guide that makes Ubuntu easier, more secure, and more powerful for everyday use. If you want to confidently navigate Ubuntu 24.04 and unlock its full potential, this book is a must-have addition to your collection.If you ever wanted to appreciate our work with Plus membership but didn’t like the recurring subscription, this is your chance 😃

The Ultimate Ubuntu Handbook

Probably that’s the reason why there is a new book on Ubuntu, unsurprisingly called “The Ultimate Ubuntu Handbook” and it gives you a good overview of the Ubuntu as a desktop, as a server and as a developer platform.As the title suggests, this is a book dedicated to Linux users who are using Ubuntu on their desktop or server.

Part 1: Introduction to Ubuntu

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Part 2: Getting the most out of Ubuntu system

Well, yes and no. Looking for a specific information on the search engines can be daunting. We live in the age of information overload and getting the precise information from a trusted source is a challenge. A book solves this problem.Whether you’re new to Ubuntu or have been using it for years, The Ultimate Ubuntu Handbook offers a wealth of practical tips, time-saving tricks, and insider insights that will help you get even more out of your Ubuntu experience.The book contains 19 chapters divided into these four parts.

Part 3: Network security and privacy

Since there is so much to cover, the book sometimes only touches the surface of a topic. For example, the chapter on packages doesn’t discuss the concept of sources.list. That’s something that needs to be talked about, especially when it comes to fixing mistakes that might happen when third-party repositories are added without thinking.

Part 4: Ubuntu as a development platform

The last part of the book introduces Ubuntu as a developer focused platform. There are dedicated chapters on LXD (containerization), Multipass (for cloud-style virtualization) and MicroK8s (for Kubernetes).

nWhat I like

The Ultimate Ubuntu Handbook is available in print and digital format both on Packt and Amazon website.Starting with a brief history and philosophy of Ubuntu, the book moves on to dedicate a chapter on what’s new in version 24.04. Yes, the book is focused on the current LTS release. It then lists the advantages of using Ubuntu, followed by an installation guide. All the spans over four chapters.

I know that there is pretty extensive online documentation from Ubuntu available for free. But extensive can also be overwhelming too. The next six chapters are about using and understanding some basic but essential concepts for using Ubuntu. It starts with a chapter on exploring the Ubuntu desktop and then moves on to dedicated chapters on package management and handing updates and the best practices that should be followed.

What I do not like

This book is written by Ken VanDine, a Linux veteran with over 16 years of work experience at Canonical, the parent company of Ubuntu. He primarily worked on GNOME, Ubuntu Desktop, and Snap integration. Ken also has over 30 years of experience in building Linux distros.

Another thing is that you can revisit sections of your favorite book as you know exactly where to look for a certain detail. A quick web search or AI query may seem quicker but you may not get the same answer that you were hoping to look for. This is why I prefer having my own knowledge base with Obsidian or Logseq. I organize my own notes and refer to them when needed. These notes also contain snippets from various Linux books I read.

Do we need a book in the age of unlimited internet and AI?

The chapter on Kubernetes features Microk8s, which is a handy tool for local Kubernetes deployment. This is smart and thoughtful. Most Kubernetes setup involves deploying multiple servers and that is not feasible for everyone.Even experienced users will discover useful features and best practices they might not have explored on their own, making it a valuable companion for refining your workflow and boosting your productivity.I therefore wondered what perspective someone like Ken, an Ubuntu insider, would take when he decided to write a book about the operating system. Turns out, it’s something for everyone who wants to use Ubuntu as their daily driver.

Conclusion

To celebrate 13 years of It’s FOSS, we have a lifetime membership option with reduced pricing of just . This is valid until 25th June only.But I understand that the author can also not go too much deep on a specific topic. If we have to cover packaging in Ubuntu in deep, it can be a book in itself.The book is also filled with callouts to highlight important details.It’s FOSS turns 13! 13 years of helping people use Linux ❤️The author, Ken VanDine, has been working at Ubuntu for more than a decade, and he has a good understanding of what a “typical Ubuntu user” would want to learn, and it duly reflects in his book.