A Practical Guide to Ubuntu Linux

The Linux operating system grew out of the UNIX heritage to become a popular
alternative to traditional systems (that is, Windows) available for microcomputer
(PC) hardware. UNIX users will find a familiar environment in Linux. Distributions
of Linux contain the expected complement of UNIX utilities, contributed by programmers
around the world, including the set of tools developed as part of the GNU
Project. The Linux community is committed to the continued development of this
system. Support for new microcomputer devices and features is added soon after the
hardware becomes available, and the tools available on Linux continue to be refined.
Given the many commercial software packages available to run on Linux platforms
and the many hardware manufacturers offering Linux on their systems, it is clear
that the system has evolved well beyond its origin as an undergraduate project to
become an operating system of choice for academic, commercial, professional, and
personal use.