Ubuntu is a relatively new flavour of Linux. Since the release of ‘Warty Warthog’ in October 2004, it has become the most popular Linux distribution worldwide. Similar to its parent, Debian GNU/Linux, Ubuntu is based entirely on free software. It inherits outstanding package management and provides one-click access to thousands of downloadable applications.
Ubuntu can be installed as an application inside an existing Windows installation. This provides new users with a great opportunity to try Ubuntu at no risk to their existing setup. Ubuntu 8.10 (Intrepid Ibex) is the latest version and available for download from today.
www.unbuntu.com
debian
30/10/2008
Ubuntu Linux is for everyone
16/11/2006
Samba as a file server
Samba enables Linux to speak the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, which is also used by Windows and Mac OS X to exchange data over a network.
Get the necessary packages with the following command:
user@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get install swat netkit-inetd
For an initial configuration, edit the file /etc/samba/smb.conf to contain the following entries:
[global]
workgroup = SAMBA
[homes]
comment = Home Directories
valid users = %S
read only = No
create mask = 0640
directory mask = 0750
browseable = No
Continue by adding local users to the smbpasswd file:
user@ubuntu:~$ sudo smbpasswd -a user
Restart the Samba server with the following command:
user@ubuntu:~$ sudo /etc/init.d/samba restart
The server ubuntu now joins the SAMBA workgroup, giving users who have been added to the smbpasswd file access to their respective home directories.
Using SWAT
Using the Samba Web Administration Tool (SWAT), you can access help, obtain status information and change the configuration of your Samba server. Use a web browser to access http://localhost:901/ and log in as the local root user.
In principle, SWAT can also be reached from other machines on your local network. However, such connections are vulnerable to password sniffing because of the clear text protocol that SWAT uses to authenticate users.
www.samba.org, copia.ogbuji.net
10/10/2006
Setting the time zone
Set the local time zone with the following command:
user@ubuntu:~$ sudo tzconfig
27/09/2006
Thoughts on moving from Debian to Ubuntu Server
“If Canonical keeps its update schedule and support commitments along with the legendary Debian robustness, we may have a keeper.” Staff at Advosys Consulting are considering Ubuntu for entirely practical reasons.
www.advosys.ca