In-Depth: AI, Development, and Graphics (Optional Track)

Reading time: about 9 min

Congratulations! You have now traveled the entire journey from initial curiosity about Ubuntu to becoming a competent and confident user. You can install the system, navigate it, manage programs and files, keep it secure, and even make it personal. For most teachers this is everything that is needed.

This final lesson is an optional in-depth track. It is aimed at those who teach programming or technology, are IT responsible, or who want to use your computer for more demanding tasks like AI development, 3D modeling, or gaming. We will not give a complete step-by-step guide for these complex topics, but rather explain why Ubuntu is a leading platform for them and give you the keywords and concepts you need to continue your journey on your own.

1. Ubuntu for Developers and Programming Education

If you teach programming you will quickly notice that Ubuntu is not just an alternative, it is often the standard. The majority of the world's servers and development tools are built for and on Linux.

Why Ubuntu? You give your students an authentic environment that mirrors how development works in reality. Installing programming languages and tools is often much smoother than in Windows.
Central tools:
- The Terminal: As you saw in lesson 7, the terminal is a developer's best friend.
- Code editors: The world's most popular code editor, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), has an official version for Linux that works excellently.
- Language support: Installing Python, Java, Node.js, or C++ is usually just a single command away in the terminal (e.g. sudo apt install python3).
- Docker: Ubuntu is the best platform for working with containers like Docker, which lets you and your students run programs in completely isolated environments.

2. Graphics, Gaming, and Performance (NVIDIA & AMD)

To get maximum performance from your graphics card, whether it is for gaming, video editing, or 3D rendering, you need the right drivers.

Open source vs. proprietary drivers: Ubuntu installs open source drivers by default. They work excellently for regular desktop work. But for demanding tasks you need to install the "proprietary" drivers that the manufacturer (NVIDIA or AMD) has developed.
How to install them (the simple, graphical way):
1. Open the program Software & Updates.
2. Go to the Additional Drivers tab.
3. The system will search and list the available proprietary drivers for your graphics card.
4. Select the recommended, tested version (often marked "tested").
5. Click Apply Changes and restart the computer when done.

3. Ubuntu for AI and Machine Learning (ML)

This is the area where Ubuntu completely dominates. If you or your students want to work seriously with AI and train your own models, Ubuntu is the obvious platform.

Why Ubuntu? Almost all guides, tools, and frameworks (like Google's TensorFlow or Meta's PyTorch) are primarily developed and tested for Ubuntu.
Key components: The installation is complex and requires precision, but here are the building blocks:
1. NVIDIA drivers: The first step is always to install the proprietary drivers according to the method above.
2. CUDA Toolkit: This is NVIDIA's platform that lets programs use the graphics card's enormous computing power.
3. Python environments: To manage the complex dependencies in AI projects, you use isolated Python environments (with tools like venv or conda).
The way forward: Since the steps change with new versions, it is best to follow a dedicated, current guide. Search for "Install TensorFlow with GPU support on Ubuntu 22.04" (replace version and framework as needed) to find detailed instructions.

Course Completion and Your Next Steps

A big congratulations! You have now completed the entire course "From Windows to Ubuntu." You have taken the step from beginner to a user who not only can handle the system, but also understands its strengths and possibilities. You have learned everything from installation and file management to security, customization, and now even got a glimpse into the advanced uses.

What happens now?

Use the system daily: The best way to become really comfortable is by using Ubuntu for your daily work. The more you use it, the more natural its logic will feel.
Keep exploring: Do not be afraid to test new programs from the software store or try a new extension. The worst that can happen is you have to uninstall it again.
Be a resource: Share your new knowledge with colleagues and students. Show them that there are powerful, free, and exciting alternatives in the digital world.

You are now equipped with the knowledge to use one of the world's most powerful and versatile operating systems. Use it to create, teach, and inspire!