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On Sat, 2007-02-03 at 16:59 +0000, Peter M Le Mare wrote: > I hope this works 'cos I have had considerable trouble actually > posting this and I'm not sure list recognises my e-mail address. If > all you and I get this then it's there is no need for this note!! Here > is pasted my original attempt at posting:- > > Dear All Linux Users > > I have been getting your e-mails for many years now but have not used > you. I am not even sure this will get through as I have forgotten my > Log On name and the Password. > > > > Some time ago (well a long time actually) I did boot up with a Linux > but had trouble at that time installing, the hardware in particular. I > could neither get a modem that would work and my video card seemed not > to work properly and printers. I did find out what to write on what I > think you call the command line but I never understood WHERE to write > it. Different programming commands presumable need to go in different > parts of the system. I know I may seem stupid but I could never find > anyone who would properly explain this and I read all the Linux for > Dummies and other instructions. > > > > Well I really want to try again, as my annoyance with Bill Gates is > probably greater than ever (notwithstanding Vista!!) and I have > recently had to rebuild my computer after a blown motherboard and a > scrapped hard disc. I have re-installed my W98se MANY times and even > spent money to a computer shop to try for me and it is now still not > working properly. > > > > How should I start? There are several distros in the magazines in > Smiths but I am confused as to which is which and exactly what is the > meaning of these distros. One says Fedora 6 core (another seems to > imply that this is also Red Hat) on 5 DVD's. Another says Ubuntu? and > says this is the easiest to use. I realise that a core is free but are > the distros merely some programmes or are you tied to a particular > desktop? Can you mix these different distros or are they completely > different systems? What do you suggest a beginner should start with? > > > > If I get it working can I import my MSword files directly to such as > Star Office and can I send them as attachments to people in a form > that they can receive (most can receive MSword.doc but I suppose I may > have to use Adobe PDF's?)? Or do I have to install WINE – and is it > possible to run a programme that was just on DOS? (it is an excellent > DTP, some of you may have heard of it, called Jetsetter and much > better than anything else I can find – except possibly the very > expensive Quark Express – unless you know different!) > > > > Better still is there anyone down this way - Penzance or St Just > (Penwith) - willing to help me get started? Or is there a course I can > go on (that is inexpensive as I live on a minimum state pension of > only £85 a week!)? > > > > Life, love, peace and freedom > > > > Pete (Le M) > > > > Peter M Le Mare > Petanna Peace Barn > Carnyorth, St Just > Penzance, CORNWALL TR19 7QD > Tel: 01736 787 056 > e-mail: pete@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx > > > > PS I have my soft toy penguin already! If I was you, I would buy the Linux Format magazine as you get free distro dvd's and the articles are most informative. Personally I prefer either Ubuntu or Kubuntu - they are similar but, with very different user interfaces (as a result of them using different Window Managers - Gnome and KDE). My opinion is that KDE is prettier and more like Windows but, Gnome is solid as a rock and easier to learn (not as pretty though). Open Office which comes with both, is very compatible with Excel / Word and you you shouldn't have any problem with your existing documents. When I started, the main problem I had was with my flat screens - however, the older version of Ubuntu (6.06) worked fine with both of them. It was just the newer versions. However, I was able to fix the problem. Most Linux distros are available as 'Live' CD's and DVD's - that means that you can try them before you install. Therefore, if any device you have doesn't work, you will know before installing and you can check on the internet how to fix the problem. I use HP printers and they are both fully supported. If you are prepared to search around on the net when you have a problem, you will generally find that someone has had it first, and provided a solution. I am not near you so, can't offer help directly. However, good luck - I am sure you will like Linux as much as I do, once you have got it set up how you want it. regards Viv -- The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG http://mailman.dclug.org.uk/listinfo/list FAQ: http://www.dcglug.org.uk/linux_adm/list-faq.html