Calling all Ubuntu users!

[humphreybc]

Hi there, If you've got a minute I'd like some help with a small project I am working on.

I've started writing a small (50 or so pages) manual entitled "The Beginners Guide to Ubuntu" - similar to the likes of the Ubuntu Bible by Olly Connelly. My plan is to make is easy to read and follow, informative but simple at the same time, and most importantly I am going to attempt to make it version independent so that it isn't completely redundant after six months. I will release a new revision each time a new version of Ubuntu comes out, but I'd like to keep the changes to a minimum. I'm providing a brief history of Ubuntu and Linux as well. Of course I will include all the basics, such as installation, around the desktop, how to use Software Center and some basic command line stuff.
I would like to ask you this question:

Think back to when you first installed Ubuntu and began using it. What are some things that you would like to see in a manual of this kind that would have helped you back then?

Post your replies in this thread, or feel free to PM them to me.

Many thanks!

[fancypiper]

I switched to Ubuntu after several years of running Fedora Core, so I wasn't new to GNU/Linux.

I would have liked to have an option to boot to the command line as I was used to setting up my gui with the ~/.xinitrc file. It took me some time to ever get fluxbox going.

[humphreybc]

I switched to Ubuntu after several years of running Fedora Core, so I wasn't new to GNU/Linux.

I would have liked to have an option to boot to the command line as I was used to setting up my gui with the ~/.xinitrc file. It took me some time to ever get fluxbox going.

So like, Recovery Console instructions using the LiveCD?

I suppose I could include a "Troubleshooting" section at the end of the manual, with common problems.

[User3k]

One of the main things with first trying Linux is the packages. There is so many and not that organized for people coming from Windows. It can be confusing using Synaptic, apt-get, etc. The Add/Remove applications is set up much better and is easier to use I think. Maybe some more help/focus on that to make it less confusing for new users?

[humphreybc]

One of the main things with first trying Linux is the packages. There is so many and not that organized for people coming from Windows. It can be confusing using Synaptic, apt-get, etc. The Add/Remove applications is set up much better and is easier to use I think. Maybe some more help/focus on that to make it less confusing for new users?

Yeah I agree with you - a lot of Ubuntu guides don't cover the package system in depth enough. This is one of the big changes from Windows, so it's important users understand it well.

I've already got a section on Packages, and then also a whole chapter dedicated to installing/removing programs, Synaptic and Software sources.

Thanks!

[fancypiper]

So like, Recovery Console instructions using the LiveCD?

Well, I would like another choice of booting to the command line (used to be run level 3) rather than using the graphical login. Also, I had rather see the boot messages rather than a progress bar or nothing much else displayed upon boot up.

That's just some unnecessary niggly things that used to be shown are now hidden with some research necessary in order to do things the "old" way, probably unnecessary for a newbie.

[soni1770]

i had some problems getting wireless to work. a few pointers would be nice

[madnessjack]

i had some problems getting wireless to work. a few pointers would be nice

Same here. Having to trawl through NDIS isn't cool for a first time user, especially for a huu'maan. If Ubuntu wants to aim at newbies, they need to sort this stuff out.

[Alex Libman]

Yeah, wireless can be a pain.

And for some reason I'm still in the habit of using sysv-rc-conf to manage my daemons...

Also a big chapter on "so you were apt-getting stuff you have no clue about and now your GNOME / KDE broke".

And some self-hypnosis exercises would be nice. "So what if Firefox ran faster on Windows, that doesn't bother me one bit. Vuze isn't so bad, really - I don't miss μTorrent one bit. Learn to forget the video card performance you were getting on Windows. I don't need to test my Web design work in Internet Explorer - no one uses it. Ten different scripting languages installed by default - who cares. Etc, etc, etc."

[t0p]

A clear guide to networking in Ubuntu would be good. Including networking with Windows computers, and also file sharing with Windows clients. I'm forever seeing posts in these forums by people needing help with that.

Under what license are you planning to publish your book? Reading this might be helpful.