Exploring the JDS Linux Desktop

Description:

The Java Desktop System (TM), from Sun Microsystems, is a modern system for all kinds of users, novice through expert. As an unusually robust, well-integrated desktop system, it may become the first to fulfill the promise of mass adoption for open source.

JDS brings Linux and other open source software up to a level of usability that makes them suitable for the enormous base of Personal Computer users including office workers, students, mobile and home users. It behaves pretty much the way a Windows or Mac user would expect, but with many more powerful features. JDS has seen widespread adoption in the United States, Britain, China, and elsewhere.

This book is the ideal guide to JDS: it is clear and direct, but loaded with insights from authors who have spent time working with, supporting, and enhancing the system. Tom Adelstein is an award winning polymath system designer; Sam Hiser is a respected business consultant with an itch that led him to become the marketing project lead for OpenOffice.org. Both are advocates for open source and founders of the Open Government Interoperability Project, members of the Open Source Software Institute and contributors to the JDShelp.org project.

This book carefully covers such housekeeping chores as setting up networking, updates, and backups. Then it enters into great depth concerning the key productivity tools every user needs: email, web browsing, instant messaging, word processing, spreadsheets, and slide presentations.

A number of chapters and appendices concerning useful tools, including things you can add to your system, rounds out this remarkably useful book. It has plenty to offer the new user as well as the seasoned Linux professional.

 

. Preface   ix

1. Introducing the JDS Linux Desktop
      So What Do You Get?
      How to Use This Book
      System Requirements
      Installing JDS
      What's on Your JDS Screen
      Where to Find the Information You Need
      What's Next?

2. Essential JDS
      Starting JDS
      Ending a Session or Shutting Down JDS
      Running Programs
      Managing Users
      Accessing Directories (Folders)
      So What Have We Learned?

3. Toward JDS Proficiency
      Role of the Operating System

4. JDS Networking
      Looking at the Internet
      Connecting by Dial-up Modem
      JDS in a Local Network
      Going Wireless
      Public and Private Hotspots
      Joining Wireless Hotspots
      Different Networking Protocols Available in JDS
      JDS Networking Recap

5. Maintaining and Supporting JDS
      Using Online Update
      Install/Remove Software
      Backing Up and Restoring Files and Folders
      Maintaining and Supporting JDS

6. Using the Internet Applications
      Email and Calendar
      JDS Instant Messenger (IM)
      Web Browser

7. Word-Processing with StarWriter
      StarWriter Basics
      StarWriter Power Tips
      StarOffice Initial Setup
      StarWriter Customizations
      StarWriter's File Format

8. Spreadsheets and Presentations Using StarCalc and StarImpress
      StarCalc
      StarCalc Basics
      StarImpress
      StarImpress Basics

9. Using Windows Applications with JDS
      Remote Desktop Protocol
      Using Windows Applications with JDS

10. Using Other JDS Software
      Adobe Acrobat Reader and Star Office PDF Creator
      RealPlayer 8 Plug-in
      GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP)
      Using Other JDS Software

A. Linux Commands

B. Online Documentation

C. Secure Remote Connections Through SSH

D. Using RPM Manager

E. Known Problems and Solutions

F. Installation Guide

Glossary

Index