Going Linux

for computer users who just want to use Linux to get things done

Two Books For Users Of Ubuntu MATE

Updated: 03-Jun-2022

While it's great for users who have migrated from Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS Ubuntu MATE is also an excellent choice for any kind of computer user, from the casual home user to the professional software developer. That's because of its modern, functionally thought-out design. Ubuntu MATE is capable enough for even the most experienced computer user because, well, it's Linux! It has the power of every other Linux built-in. Simply put, it provides a practical alternative to other software that can run on your computer.

I've written these books for all computer users. They will help demystify Ubuntu MATE for new-comers, and provide a reference for all users of Linux. Buy one of the books for a friend, or simply send them a link to the book's page so they can purchase it for themselves. The introduction (Upgrading from Windows or macOS) is perfect for helping someone to download and install Ubuntu MATE, to understand the key components of their new software before diving in, or as a reference as they learn to use it. The User Guide (Using Ubuntu MATE and its Applications) is excellent reference for any kind of computer user, from casual home user to professional software developer. The books are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, so feel free to make copies and give them away if you wish. So, if you've ever installed Linux for someone, make sure they get a copy of whichever book best fits their need!

Why you should upgrade Windows 7 to Ubuntu MATE

Windows 7 has reached the end of its life. It will no longer receive security updates and Microsoft's technical support will stop. Running an out-of-date OS can have serious potential risks, and if you're one of more than 750,000 people using Windows exposed to the internet, you may have a problem. Fortunately, there are two simple solutions: 1. Buy a new computer running another operating system, or 2. Install Linux on any computer you like. Our article talks about the Linux option, specifically Ubuntu MATE.

Ubuntu MATE: A Guide for Computer Users Upgrading from Windows or macOS

Not everyone is comfortable with switching without some help. I've previously written about being asked by the originator of Ubuntu MATE to help with the Welcome application, and about my follow-up providing documented help to assist with discoverability once you have Ubuntu MATE installed, but that all assumed you have discovered Linux and Ubuntu MATE, and that you have figured out how to download and install it. With that in mind, "Ubuntu MATE: Upgrading from Windows or macOS" provides you with practical, day-to-day advice on how you can obtain, install, and begin to use the Ubuntu MATE distribution of Linux and its applications. We think it's the best introduction for learning about Ubuntu MATE and to get started on using it to get things done!

To download a free pdf version of the book, simply click the image of the book cover below and save the file. If you would like the book in other formats, or you would simply like to support our efforts, you can purchase the book using one of the links below.

Second Edition (updated for Ubuntu MATE 20.04 LTS)

Available on Amazon:
2nd edition: Kindle e-book format
2nd edition: Paperback format

First Edition (for Ubuntu MATE 17.04)

Available as free PDF:
Download PDF

Available on Smashwords:
1st edition: Smashwords formats (Available in epub, mobi, pdf, lrf, pdb, txt, and html formats.)

Using Ubuntu MATE and Its Applications

The book, "Using Ubuntu MATE and Its Applications" is more of a User's Guide for Ubuntu MATE. The first edition covers Ubuntu MATE 17.10. The second edition is updated with the latest features of Ubuntu MATE 18.04. The third edition is updated with improvements, updates and new fetures included in Ubuntu MATE's 20.04 Long Term Support release. The fourth edition has been updated with new, updated, and improved themes, applications, and features included in Ubuntu MATE's 21.04 release. The fifth edition has been updated with new, updated, and improved themes, applications, and features included in Ubuntu MATE's 22.04 LTS release.

This book is written for computer users who want a reference detailed enough to help them to learn about Ubuntu MATE and its applications and to build their confidence and competence in using them to get things done. It is written from the perspective that Ubuntu MATE is a typical modern Linux for the average computer user who needs to do things like browse the Internet, check email, use a text editor or word processor, read and store document files, view and edit photos, watch videos, listen to music, and subscribe to podcasts. Many of the examples in this book are from my own experiences using Linux. The applications discussed work in the same way regardless of the operating system.

To download a free pdf version of the book, simply click one of the smaller images of the book cover below and save the file. If you would like the book in other formats, or you would simply like to support our efforts, you can purchase the latest editions using one of the links below the larger book covers.