New and need some help..

[cwl97045]

Hello, I'm COMPLETELY new to Linux and through a distro chooser decided on Ubuntu. I decided that since my Windows 7 OS was starting to bug me, to make a complete switch and have my second computer run Ubuntu as the main operating system.

I made a cd and burned it using Active Iso Burner, went through the install and everything seemed fine. It then restarted and brought me to the password screen. I entered in my password and am went to what looks like the standard background.

It has been stuck at this with a mouse cursor for over an hour doesn't seem to be doing anything.

Did I mess up on the installation? Or am I just not doing something?

[Vereinfachen]

Can you move the mouse cursor? Can you start programs?

[Shadius]

Hello, I'm COMPLETELY new to Linux and through a distro chooser decided on Ubuntu. I decided that since my Windows 7 OS was starting to bug me, to make a complete switch and have my second computer run Ubuntu as the main operating system.

I made a cd and burned it using Active Iso Burner, went through the install and everything seemed fine. It then restarted and brought me to the password screen. I entered in my password and am went to what looks like the standard background.

It has been stuck at this with a mouse cursor for over an hour doesn't seem to be doing anything.

Did I mess up on the installation? Or am I just not doing something?

Welcome! I've had this happen to me a few times. I just did a reinstall and everything worked out. Might want to to give it a try, but perhaps another forum member has an alternative. Stick around.

[cwl97045]

Can you move the mouse cursor? Can you start programs?

I can move the cursor. There are no programs, just the background.

[fantab]

It is possible that something went wrong during Installation, so reinstall.

When you boot your Ubuntu LiveCD and you are presented a screen with an option to choose between "Try Ubuntu" and "Install Ubuntu", choose "Try Ubuntu". Play around a bit... see all the default software there is and make sure things are good to go (LiveCD will be slower compared to Hard-disk boot). Connect your internet to check everything is ok.

A fully functional desktop will confirm that all is well with your hardware and you may proceed.

Then from Desktop or Launcher Choose to install Ubuntu. Be patient.

[Vereinfachen]

So there is no dock at the left where you can start programs? If so, then try to restart the computer. If that didn't change anything, reinstall

btw: Welcome You made a great choice using Ubuntu

[cwl97045]

Alrighty!

Thank you guys for all the warm welcomes!

I'll give it the good ole' reinstall. But I will probably use the try it option to test it all a bit!

Thanks for all the help and I'll let you know how it turns out!

[jtarin]

Another option is at the "login" screen choose another desktop.....such as "Gnome Classic".

[cwl97045]

Scratch that. It suddenly decided to start working!

Are there any test I can run to ensure that this isn't just a fluke?

[Shadius]

Scratch that. It suddenly decided to start working!

Are there any test I can run to ensure that this isn't just a fluke?

Wow! After an hour it started to work!? Interesting. I guess good things come to those who wait. I guess you could try restarting or logging out and then in again.