First, the good news: every piece of software you’ll learn about in this book, including the Ubuntu operating system, is 100 percent free—free to download, free to install, and free to use. I might as well go ahead and say that the software is also free to uninstall, free to love or hate, free to complain about, and, of course, free to rave about to your friends and family.
And now the bad news: unless a major breakthrough in direct-to-brain downloading has occurred as you read this, that 100 percent free operating system and software will need a home. And that means a computer—a whirring, beeping, plugged-in personal computer (PC) that contains a few basic components that are absolutely required for you to download, store, and use the previously mentioned software. But there’s more good news. It is no longer mandatory that you spend a bundle of money to be able to install an operating system and all the software you know you’ll want to use. Let me explain.
In early 2007, Microsoft introduced its latest operating system, Vista, to the world. It then promptly informed everyone that running the operating system properly would require some hefty computer hardware requirements: more hard drive space than any previous operating system, more memory, and a much faster processor. And those requirements were the minimum just to run Vista; other limits existed. For example, if you wanted to have all the fancy new graphics features, you’d have to invest in a faster (and more expensive) video card. It wasn’t uncommon to find users spending $500 or more on hardware upgrades. And in many instances a completely new computer would need to be purchased if the user wanted to run Vista; older computers simply didn’t meet the requirements.
Have you had enough? Are you tired of spending dollar after dollar chasing the dream of the “perfect PC?” Are you looking for an inexpensive but scalable (upgradeable) computer that can provide you with basic services such as e-mail, word processing, and Internet browsing? And don’t forget other features, such as Internet messaging, VOIP (using your Internet connection to make phone calls), photo editing, and games. You shouldn’t have to skimp on any services or features. Does this sound like a computer you’d enjoy owning and using?
If so, today’s your lucky day. Because I’ll show you how easy it is to put together your own computer using inexpensive components. And because you won’t be spending any money on software, you’ll have the option to put some (or all) of those savings into your new computer. You might splurge and buy a bigger LCD panel (or a second LCD for multiple-monitor usage!) or add some more memory so you can run more applications at once. Or you can spend the bare minimum on hardware, keeping your expenditures low without skimping on software and services. (And if you want to get some more life out of your existing computer, I’ll explain how you can possibly give it a second life by installing Ubuntu to save even more money!)
Basic Components
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Your mileage may vary,” and it’s no truer than when dealing with different computer hardware settings running Ubuntu (or any operating system). But when it comes to the Ubuntu operating system versus the Windows operating system, there is one large difference in hardware requirements: Ubuntu requires substantially less “oomph” when it comes to the basic components you need inside your computer. By this, I mean you don’t need the fastest processor, a huge amount of RAM memory, or even a large capacity hard drive.
The recommended Ubuntu hardware consists of the following:
• 700MHz x86 processor
• 384MB system memory (RAM)
• 8GB disk space
• Graphics card capable of 1024x768 resolution
• Sound card
• Network or Internet connection
Note that you don’t need an Intel 3GHz (gigahertz) Core 2 Duo processor with 2GB (gigabytes) of RAM and 500GB hard drive to install the Vista Ultimate operating system. You can install the latest version of Ubuntu on cutting-edge hardware found in a computer from 2000. Back in 2000, a good computer might typically come with a 60GB hard drive, 512MB or 1GB of RAM memory, and a Pentium 4 processor; as well as a built-in network card, video, and sound on the motherboard. Surprised?
This means that it’s possible for you to install Ubuntu on your current computer (or an older one you’ve packed away and hidden in a closet somewhere). Ubuntu doesn’t put a lot of demand on hardware, so you can use your current computer or build your own, but avoid the latest bleeding-edge technology (that also comes with a bleeding-edge price).
Not convinced? Okay, here’s where I put my money where my mouth is and show you just how easy it is to build a computer that will run Ubuntu and hundreds more applications for very little money. What’s even better is that I’m 99.9 percent certain that in five years this computer will most likely run the latest version of Ubuntu. Can you say that about your current computer and, say, Windows 2014 Home Edition?
In the introduction of this book, I mentioned that I wanted to build a basic computer that would satisfy a number of requirements:
• It must cost me less than $250.00.
• It must allow me to access the Internet.
• It must also let me access my e-mail, either via the Internet or stored on my hard drive.
• It must provide me with basic productivity features: word processor, spreadsheet, and slideshow-creation software.
• It must allow me to play music and create my own CDs or DVDs.
This list helps define the hardware I need to purchase to build my U-PC.
Source of Information : Apress Ubuntu On A Dime The Path To Low Cost Computing
