Linux Switcher's Guide

[keiichidono]

New to Linux? No problem!

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/1134/logojlw.png

Whether you're new to Linux or you're a seasoned Linux administrator this guide will give you up to date information on commonly asked questions on Linux. The dominating Linux Distro right now is Ubuntu. This guide is currently based on Ubuntu 9.04 which offers a wide variety of enhancements over previous Ubuntu versions. If you haven't updated yet I highly recommend you do so as soon as possible.

Words to Know:

Linux Distribution - Linux is just a kernel (the brain) of the operating system, a distribution includes handy stuff like a web browser a media player and an email client amongst many other things needed in your daily computing out of the box.
Humour - Something said or done to evoke a smile or laugh from someone. I try and scatter a little of this within the guide to keep you awake through the boring parts.
Out of the Box - Ever taken a microwave out of the box and wished your frozen pizza was already heated for you? It's the same concept with Linux Distro's you might not find pizza but you will find a web browser, an office suit, and an email client already installed for you.


Foolish Assumptions:

I foolishly assume that you've been using Windows operating systems all your life and know nothing more about Linux besides the name.
That you are already pretty proficient with computers.
That you know your way around forums and the Internet.
That you're human.
That you have permission to install/remove software on your computer.


Table of Contents

<a href="#questions">Commonly Asked Questions</a>
<a href="#choosing">Choosing a Linux Distribution</a>
<a href="#troubleshooting">New Ubuntu User Infortmation</a>
<a href="#guides">Recommended Guides and Links</a>

[keiichidono]

<a name="questions">Commonly Asked Questions</a>

I heard Ubuntu doesn't have any viruses and doesn't need a firewall, is that true?

Yes and no. There are a multitude of reasons for not getting viruses in Ubuntu, you should read the Debunking the Linux virus myth (http://www.mylro.org/content/view/1088/53/) article and the Ubuntu Security (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=3088372) thread to clear things up. But the simple and plain answer is to stop going to those sites in the first place. :rolleyes:

Does Ubuntu come with bloatware?

Not at all, you don't need to worry about a trial of Microsoft Office 2007/Norton Virus Installer and tons of useless software being bundled with your computer as with Windows. It's like having a custom built operating system without the crap you don't need.

How do I launch applications in Ubuntu? I don't see a Start Menu!

There is no Start Menu in Ubuntu, there happens to be a stop menu though. Just playing, the Menu Bar you see in the upper left corner of the screen is how you launch applications and go to folders and administrate your system. The "Applications" menu has all your applications, the "Places" menu has your "Home" folder which is pretty much like "Documents and Settings" on Windows, and the "System" menu has all the tools you need to administrate your system.

What kind of maintenance do Ubuntu systems need?

In Ubuntu you don't need to defragment your hard drive, don't need to worry (too much) about viruses, (usually) you don't need install drivers, you don't have to worry about cleaning the registry, you don't need to worry about updating things because Update Manager automatically updates things for you. There is very little to no system maintenance you have to do in Ubuntu.

This seems too good to be true, is there a catch?

<s>Yes, you have to sell your soul to the devil.</s> Although it may seem that way, there is no catch. That doesn't mean that everything is always perfect for Ubuntu users. Even though for most users the experience is smooth, there may be some problems and the entire experience can sometimes have bumps along the way as many different people have different problems.

What's with those cool graphical effects I see in all those online videos related to Linux?

That is called Compiz-Fusion, it is there to give you headaches and is enabled out of the box in Linux as soon as you enable your graphics card drivers. You can set it to be as flashy as those spiffy videos, or you can tone it down a bit, or turn it off entirely if you feel so inclined. This isn't a core component of Ubuntu and is only an unnecessary composition manager that gives you eye candy if you want it.

Sweet deal on that Compiz thing, does it eat as much resources as Vista or Mac??

Nope, Compiz is made to give you all the eye candy you want and remain minimal when it comes to resources. You can have 512MB RAM and an old graphics card and set Compiz settings at Max. Vista only uses all those resources because it's designed to suck all the life out of your computer so you end up paying more money to the man.

I've grown quite attached to a lot of Windows specific applications, does Ubuntu have equivalents?

For the most part, Ubuntu has equivalents of all the applications you use in Windows. For example, instead of Microsoft Office, you use Open Office, instead of iTunes, you use Banshee, etc. In some instances there are no Ubuntu equivalents of Windows software you use (games, obscure closed source applications, etc.). in that case you can use WINE to get drunk and magically run Windows applications in Ubuntu which although not perfect is a wonderful solution. Another solution is to use a virtualization application such as VirtualBox to run Windows itself in Ubuntu but this method isn't the best solution for gamers.

Will my printer, and webcam and stuff work in Ubuntu?

For the most part, your printer will be automatically recognized and set up for your use once you plug it in, along with many other 3rd party components. There are some third party components that won't work in Ubuntu though, and require special workarounds or need to be exchanged for something else.

How well does Ubuntu run on older machines?

For a machine that uses an old version of Windows or runs slowly, Ubuntu will usually run much faster than Windows because it uses a lot less resources and manages them well. Ubuntu will also run superbly on newer machines if you are so inclined but you don't need as much RAM as the current version of Windows (Vista) which needs 8GB of RAM to run fast and smoothly, while Ubuntu is just fine with 512MB or 1GB. The same goes for processors and your grandma.

So....no gaming on Ubuntu, eh?

Not necessarily true, Ubuntu has plenty of open source games, and has some commercial games that run on it too. Just not as many as Windows. There's always WINE to run games in your mind but it's sometimes not the best choice. The best thing to do is to shrink the space Windows uses and use it to play games when you need to or accept the sacrifice and play with yourself.

I heard Ubuntu was customizable from startup to shutdown, is that true?

Very much so, Ubuntu is made to give you all the freedom you want. While you have to use unauthorized hacks to get to use 3rd party themes in Windows, in Ubuntu you are given themes out of the box and are given the freedom to choose many more online. You can even customize your usplash (the loading bar when you boot up and shutdown) and your login screen. Everything is customizable.

I've heard Ubuntu is for hackers and requires me to use the command line, is that true?

Ubuntu is by no means for hackers (whoever told you that is an idiot), and you don't have to use the command line if you don't want to. It's up to you to use it if you want, it's not required as many people will falsely state.

Sweet deal, how do I install it?

Use the Ubuntu Installation Guide (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation) to help you with that.

[keiichidono]

<a name="choosing">Choosing a Linux Distribution</a>

There are many Linux distributions out there, this is only meant to be a starting point to help you get to know that there is more out there than Ubuntu. This lists and compares the 5 most popular distributions according to DistroWatch (http://distrowatch.com/). If you want more specific answers as to what Linux distribution you should use, either the Linux Distribution Chooser (http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/) test or the What Linux distribution should you try? (http://desktoplinuxathome.com/distro.html) test would be suitable options.

From: Hardy Heron converts an Ubuntu skeptic (http://www.linux.com/feature/134672)

Ubuntu 8.04 has still not won me over completely. Though I realize I can change the look and feel of my desktop, I still think the "Ambassador of Linux" should be prettier upon first boot. I'm disappointed in the Ubuntu Nvidia driver handling, but happy that I can finally use my wireless connection in Ubuntu. The functional Migration Assistant, the available Help tool, and refined software stack earn Ubuntu points in helping new users adjust, while the new PolicyKit loses one for over complicating an already confusing concept.

However, I found little to complain about this release. In the end, my experience with 8.04 was much better than any version previously. I was actually fairly impressed, darnit.

From: Kudos to openSUSE 11.0
(http://www.linux.com/feature/139073)

openSUSE 11.0 is a fabulous release. The pretty new graphics set the stage for significant improvements under the surface. All the time and energy put into the package management system has paid off. Including KDE 4 is not as big of a risk for openSUSE as it might be for other major distributions because of the conservative and intuitive way KDE 4 is set up. openSUSE has given me hope that I could actually like KDE 4.

As many point-0 releases, 11.0 does have bugs and rough edges. I experienced a few, and others are likely to be reported in the upcoming weeks. For the most part, the ones I encountered were insignificant, not show stoppers.

Overall, 11.0 is a commendable release. The developers have done an admirable job walking that fine line between stable and bleeding edge. If you like the latest software or wish for a nice usable KDE 4, then openSUSE 11.0 is for you. If you're completely happy with 10.3, well, perhaps you might want to wait for further reports.

From: Fresh Linux Mint is a mixed bag
(http://www.linux.com/feature/138887)

The latest version of Mint contains new features galore that help push it above and beyond the distribution it's based on, but it's also hampered by some issues that keep it from becoming superior. Regardless, the features it does contain make it worth a look. Just think of Mint as a great distribution with some hurdles to overcome before it can reach perfection.

From: New PCLinuxOS 2007 looks great, works well (http://www.linux.com/articles/62199)

In conclusion, I was quite pleased with final release of PCLinuxOS 2007. Its hardware detection and configuration is well above average. All the software I tested was stable and performed well. As delivered PCLOS is missing Kontact, my choice in a mail and news application, and KDE games, but they are available through Synaptic. So, between the included applications and those available in the repositories, PCLOS is a complete system ready for work or play.

With its great looks and out-of-the-box capabilities, PCLOS is a wonderful choice for anyone who wants an elegant yet capable Linux desktop system.

From: Fedora 9: Leading edge or bleeding edge? (http://www.linux.com/feature/135685)

Aside from the problems with PackageKit -- and, to a lesser extent, the inclusion of KDE 4.0.3 -- Fedora 9 manages to balance innovation with a high degree of usability. Over the last few months, Fedora has been increasingly compared favorably with Ubuntu on both accounts, and, to a large extent, it deserves this praise. If anything, it has probably exceeded Ubuntu in innovation, with at least a dozen major new ideas in every release. It is a rare release, too, in which Fedora's menus and dialog do not show minor tinkering to fine-tune the user experience.

Yet the problems in Fedora 9 emphasize how difficult a balance the Fedora project tries to maintain. The fact that improvements are coming for both KDE and PackageKit, and that, meanwhile, workarounds exist, is beside the point -- these facts are lucky accidents, and nothing that Fedora has done.

Although Fedora's innovations make it one of the more interesting distributions to use and watch these days, the project needs to temper its creativity with more consideration of how changes affect users. Perhaps these relatively minor problems will help the distribution correct its release policies before a major disaster happens in a future release.

Commonly Asked Linux Distribution Questions

Why are there so many distributions to choose from?!

One core concept of Linux is to give the user a choice, which is why you are able to customize it so much more than Windows. The different distributions out there cater to different needs and focus on different concepts which gives you the freedom to choose. If you're unsure of which one to choose it's generally recommended that you use the most popular one as it gained it popularity from being the one that caters to most people's needs. If that distribution doesn't suit you well you can always try the next most popular distribution. If you still can't find a distribution that fits your needs then it would be appropriate to ask in this thread or make a separate thread for help in choosing one perfect for you.

What's the big difference, they're all still Linux right?

For the most part they are no different from one another, but one distribution may focus on security and stability over being cutting edge, while another distribution is geared to general multimedia production, while at the same time another distribution focuses on gaming. They are all special in their own way and give you the option to choose them depending on what you want.

[keiichidono]

<a name="troubleshooting">New Ubuntu User Information</a>

I just installed Ubuntu, what do I do now?

You should take some time to get used to your new OS. There are many new shortcuts, programs, tweaks and things you need to get used to. Don't be discouraged if something goes wrong and be sure to ask questions as much as possible when you're lost on something. You need to poke around your system to find out where things are, don't worry about messing things up because most problems in Ubuntu can be easily fixed.

Alright, I'm ready for some learning, but how do I Add and Remove programs?

Open up the "Applications" menu and click Add/Remove. That's where you will add and remove any and all applications you want. To add a program just find the program you want to install, click the check box next to its name and click "Apply Changes" at the bottom right corner of your screen. After you enter your password the program will be installed. It's quite similar for removing programs, just open the Add/Remove utility again and find the program you installed, this time you un-check the box next to it and click "Apply Changes".

Sweet deal, but where can I learn more?

You could continue poking around your system but if you're the type who wants to read about something before you go messing around then check out the Recommended Guides and Links section, there are many links there that will satisfy your thirst for knowledge.

Troubleshooting

I seem to have run into some problems, where do I get help?

Throw your computer out the window, after you pick up the peices and put it back together get the help you need for free online, just ask us here or over at Ubuntu Forums. Either of us should be able to fix your problem, but if you like speaking over the phone with someone then you can purchase support from Canonical. Another good way to get information and help is to Google it.

[keiichidono]

<a name="guides">Recommended Guides and Links</a>

Important Ubuntu Links

Get Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download)
Requesting an Ubuntu CD (https://shipit.ubuntu.com/)
Common Questions (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/CommonQuestions)
Glossary (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Glossary)
Dual Boot Ubuntu and Windows (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsDualBoot)
Release notes (http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/releasenotes)
Installation (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation)
Walk-through Installation of Ubuntu (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GraphicalInstall)
Switching to Ubuntu from Windows (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows)
Ubuntu Eye Candy (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UbuntuEyeCandy)
Supported Printers (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/HardwareSupportComponentsPrinters)
What is Synaptic? (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SynapticHowto)
Wine (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Wine)
Supported Wireless Cards (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WifiDocs/WirelessCardsSupported)
ATI Driver Help (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BinaryDriverHowto/ATI)
Nvidia Driver Help (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BinaryDriverHowto/Nvidia)

Significant Guides and Links

Known Jaunty Jackalope bugs with workarounds (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1145967)
Ubuntu Forums (http://ubuntuforums.org/)
Advantages and Disadvantages of 64bit (Plus install Guides) (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=765428)
Comprehensive Multimedia & Video How-to (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=766683)
Tutorials & Tips Forum (http://ubuntuforums.org/forumdisplay.php?f=100)
LinuxQuestions (http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/)
Linux on Laptops (http://www.linux-on-laptops.com/)
LinuxGames (http://www.linuxgames.com/)
Ubuntu Information Guide (http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy)
Ubuntu Installation Guide (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation)

Interesting Articles

Linux is Not Windows (http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm)
Getting started with Linux (http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/starting.htm)
What's wrong with Microsoft? (http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/wrongms.htm)
Does FOSS have a future? (http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/future.htm)
Ubuntu Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu)
openSUSE Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenSUSE)
Fedora Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fedora_(operating_system))
Linux Mint Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_Mint)
PCLinuxOS Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCLinuxOS)
List of Linux based devices (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_based_devices)
X Window System (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_Window_System)
Linux Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux)
History of Linux (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Linux)
Tanenbaum-Torvalds debate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanenbaum-Torvalds_debate)
GNU/Linux naming controversy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU/Linux_naming_controversy)
History of free software (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_free_software)
GNU General Public License (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_General_Public_License)
Free Software Foundation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Software_Foundation)
GNU (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU)
Free software Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_software)
Linux distribution Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_distribution)
Linux kernel Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel)
GNOME Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNOME)
KDE Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KDE)
Xfce Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xfce)
Comparison of Linux distributions (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Linux_distributions)
Comparison of Windows and Linux (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Windows_and_Linux)
Comparison of open source and closed source (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_open_source_and_closed_source)
Linux Foundation Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_Foundation)
List of Linux distributions (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions)
Linux Documentation Project (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_Documentation_Project)
GNU Project Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_project)

[Mr. Picklesworth]

Really, really nice post, but I command you to go through and change all (or almost all) instances of "Linux" to "Ubuntu Linux". That matter doesn't need explaining in your writing; it just needs to be there. Simply using a different term avoids much confusion down the line. We don't want to encourage misinformation; misinformed users is one of the things wrong with that other operating system. Linux runs quite happily on 4 MB of RAM and has no GUI whatsoever ;)

This would do well on the wiki, if there is not such a page already...

Edit:
And while I'm here, it may be worth mentioning Launchpad Answers as another source for troubleshooting. It's a great place to go for tech support since it connects straight to the bug tracker and the blueprints system. Amazing possibilities emerge. It seems a good place to look for the more technical issues.

[keiichidono]

This is another one of my Linux guides, the "Choosing a Linux Distribution" needs a revision as it's biased, anyone have any ideas? I also need some Ubuntu Forums links to populate the "Recommended Guides and Links" section. Tell me what you think. :D

EDIT: Kinda snuck in on me with the "Please don't post yet" i had up in the OP, thanks for the comments though. :p EDITEDIT: If i replace every instance of Linux with Ubuntu (good idea) i would need to get rid of the distro choosing part, right?

[MaxIBoy]

I agree that you need to be more specific; you are gearing this article toward Ubuntu to a large extent and need to say so.

[tuebinger]

Commonly Asked Questions

I've heard Linux is for hackers and requires me to use the command line, is that true?

Linux is by no means for hackers, and you don't have to use the command line if you don't want to. It's up to you to use it if you want, it's not required as many people will falsely state.


It has been my experience that learning to use the command line in Linux is unavoidable and a prerequisite to making some things work. It was necessary to install the new printer we recently bought and to get my iPhone to sync with Amarok.

[MaxIBoy]

Yes, the command line is indispensable at times. However, lots of the commands can be copied verbatim from the Internet (with caution, of course.)

[GuiGuy]

Yes, the command line is indispensable at times. However, lots of the commands can be copied verbatim from the Internet (with caution, of course.)

While I commend this tread, it is a little misleading.

Windows & Mac emigrants should be told that while initial installation is easy, if it works they'll have a stable platform. But if it doesn't, or if they need to install or tweak something extra the shell becomes almost mandatory. This is because of legacy and the delight Unix/ Linux masochists take in turning simple, procedural instructions, that could easily be scripted, into long-winded obfuscated cryptography. :lolflag:

Aside from the shell, knowledge of directory layout is useful. My favourite references:

http://www.linuxconfig.org/Portal:Linux_Commands
http://www.linuxconfig.org/Filesystem_Basics

Cheers




Cheers

[keiichidono]

I'll be sure to change it to specify it with Ubuntu, i'm working on it. :D

[pac-man]

ubuntu stability 10/10 ? hahaha come on, you wish! (especially on 8.04)

[GuiGuy]

ubuntu stability 10/10 ? hahaha come on, you wish! (especially on 8.04)

Is the version number the stability rating? :)

I don't know about others, but my instability issues relate more to the ATI gfx drivers and Firefox 3.0, I think.

The other thing I notice that the desktop (KDE and GNOME) gets more sluggish as time goes on. I need to reboot every few days.

[William Dojinn]

Granted yes this is an Ubuntu forum and yes Ubuntu is THE Linux distro...

UBUNTU IS NOT LINUX!

It annoys me when people describe how ubuntu behaves as 'linux'. Its all well and good if you want to make a newbie friendly guide but please could you renamedit switching to ubuntu or something to prevent later confusion when folk figure out that there are other distros out there?


Other than that decent guide that assumes there won't be a screwwy installation (such as mine was when i tried installing on a system where the onboard graphics couldn't be disabled, and for some reason the system didn't want to see my pci card).

Thank you for writing it.

[keiichidono]

Granted yes this is an Ubuntu forum and yes Ubuntu is THE Linux distro...

UBUNTU IS NOT LINUX!

It annoys me when people describe how ubuntu behaves as 'linux'. Its all well and good if you want to make a newbie friendly guide but please could you renamedit switching to ubuntu or something to prevent later confusion when folk figure out that there are other distros out there?


Other than that decent guide that assumes there won't be a screwwy installation (such as mine was when i tried installing on a system where the onboard graphics couldn't be disabled, and for some reason the system didn't want to see my pci card).

Thank you for writing it.
i brought this over from another forum that i generalized everything as Linux to keep it easy on newbies. I actually have a lot more experience than you take me for, i know Ubuntu is not Linux and that there are other distro's.

Also about the comments regarding the ratings, they're not effective, i need a new system but i don't have any ideas whatsoever. If you have any ideas I'd like them instead of complaints. :D

[Dale61]

I'm sure I stumbled upon this same guide some 6-8 weeks ago.

If I happen to stumble upon it again, I'll be sure to remember this thread and I'll be paying more attention it, especially to who the author is.

[Riffer]

i brought this over from another forum that i generalized everything as Linux to keep it easy on newbies. I actually have a lot more experience than you take me for, i know Ubuntu is not Linux and that there are other distro's.

Also about the comments regarding the ratings, they're not effective, i need a new system but i don't have any ideas whatsoever. If you have any ideas I'd like them instead of complaints. :D

Great thread, and lots of resources. It would be nice once you're done if the admin would use it as a sticky.

Rather then rate the different Distros, why not just list them with perhaps qualifiers. Such as:

Ubuntu

Based on Debian, and comes with a full feature "Gnome" desktop. Comes a very large selection of software that can be easily downloaded and installed.

Install on your harddrive is straight forward and simple ....... etc.


Rating different Distros is so subjective and each has its own advantages as well as disadvantages.

Great thread none the less.

[keiichidono]

I'm sure I stumbled upon this same guide some 6-8 weeks ago.

If I happen to stumble upon it again, I'll be sure to remember this thread and I'll be paying more attention it, especially to who the author is.
Perhaps you mean my original guide on Notebook Review Forums? That's the only other place i posted it. If you see it somewhere else please tell me, if someone isn't giving me credit for my work i will personally deal with them.

Great thread, and lots of resources. It would be nice once you're done if the admin would use it as a sticky.

Rather then rate the different Distros, why not just list them with perhaps qualifiers. Such as:

Ubuntu

Based on Debian, and comes with a full feature "Gnome" desktop. Comes a very large selection of software that can be easily downloaded and installed.

Install on your harddrive is straight forward and simple ....... etc.


Rating different Distros is so subjective and each has its own advantages as well as disadvantages.

Great thread none the less.
Thanks, i was thinking about inserting an exert from a review of the distro and link to it so they can get a good feel for it. I might try and find a review site like linux.com or something, good idea?

[keiichidono]

Alright, i just gave it the much needed distro chooser make over and changed it to specify on Ubuntu. Anything else i can improve?

[keiichidono]

What do you guys think about the new "I heard Ubuntu doesn't have any viruses and doesn't need a firewall, is that true?" in the "Commonly Asked Questions" part of the guide? I feel the new links help explain it better than I could but I want to know if there are any better links around to use there or anywhere else.

[Prefix100]

5 star guide.

[keiichidono]

Thanks. :D Does anyone have any ideas for improvement?

[linuxisfree]

What do you guys think about the new "I heard Ubuntu doesn't have any viruses and doesn't need a firewall, is that true?" in the "Commonly Asked Questions" part of the guide? I feel the new links help explain it better than I could but I want to know if there are any better links around to use there or anywhere else.

That's great actually... helps newbies a lot. Great guide too:D

just a slight grammar correction...



How do I launch applications in Ubuntu? I don't see a Start Menu!

There is no Start Menu in Ubuntu, the Menu Bar you see in the upper left corner of the screen is how you launch applications and go to folders and administrate your system. The "Applications" menu has all your applications, the "Places" menu has your "Home" folder which is pretty much like "Documents and Settings" on Windows, and the "System" menu has all the tools you need to administrate your system.

The bolded word should be administer.

[keiichidono]

The bolded word should be administer.
Both can actually be used in this situation but I can see where you're coming from, thanks. :)

[sandysandy]

here is a thread on Free Linux and Ubuntu Books Online

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=484846

regards

[keiichidono]

Thanks for the link. :)

[cardinals_fan]

Add the PolishLinux distro chooser (http://polishlinux.org/choose/quiz/). I much prefer it to the Zegenie one.

[keiichidono]

Add the PolishLinux distro chooser (http://polishlinux.org/choose/quiz/). I much prefer it to the Zegenie one.
WOW, thanks for the link. There are many interesting resources there. It'll take some time to link to all of them. :D

[cardinals_fan]

WOW, thanks for the link. There are many interesting resources there. It'll take some time to link to all of them. :D
PolishLinux is a GREAT resource.

[keiichidono]

PolishLinux is a GREAT resource.
Do you have any more resources like it?

[cardinals_fan]

Do you have any more resources like it?
The Gentoo Wiki (http://gentoo-wiki.com/Main_Page) is always good. This site (http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/linux) from IBM served as my intro to the command line.

[keiichidono]

This is geared more towards beginners so I think Gentoo and the CLI should be things the user explores on their own.

[cardinals_fan]

This is geared more towards beginners so I think Gentoo and the CLI should be things the user explores on their own.
The Gentoo Wiki has some useful tips that apply to all distros. For example, read this article on creating wallpapers with the GIMP: http://gentoo-wiki.com/TIP_GIMP_Fractal_Backgrounds.

[keiichidono]

The Gentoo Wiki has some useful tips that apply to all distros.
Can you point them out to me? I don't want to miss any good information, and I'm not seeing anything right now.

[cardinals_fan]

Can you point them out to me? I don't want to miss any good information, and I'm not seeing anything right now.
http://gentoo-wiki.com/TIP_GIMP_Fractal_Backgrounds
http://gentoo-wiki.com/TIP_Firefox_Settings
http://gentoo-wiki.com/TIP_Firefox_Plugins
http://gentoo-wiki.com/Tip_Nano_Mouse_Support
http://gentoo-wiki.com/HOWTO_Lightweight_package_selection_(using_Xfce_an d_suitable_for_office_usage)
http://gentoo-wiki.com/TIP_Open_Source_Alternatives
http://gentoo-wiki.com/TIP_KWord_and_Spellcheck
http://gentoo-wiki.com/TIP_Openoffice_and_dead_keys

[keiichidono]

Thanks, I'll look into them. :D

[keiichidono]

I just updated everything and refreshed what didn't need updating. One big problem is that there is no HTML support in this forum so the easy switching doesn't work. Can a mod fix that for me?

[cariboo]

Instead of using html, use bb code (http://ubuntuforums.org/misc.php?do=bbcode).

[keiichidono]

Does bbcode has the naming system that html has so I/the reader can easily go through items on the page because I made "bookmarks" on it?