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Re: [LUG] Help with my Linux (re-installing)

 

On Saturday 03 February 2007 16:59, 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:-

It works :) 

>
> 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?
>
>
The general advice most people give is to use one of the Ubuntu based distros. 
As you have been using Windows 98, I would go with Kubuntu, which gives you 
the KDE desktop - it is closer to Windows layout than say a Gnome based 
destop. I would also comment that these distros ,once downloaded, can be 
burned to cd and then you can use them as a live CD for a day or two if you 
like - to get the feel of things. They install straight from there if you so 
desire - there is an install icon on your desktop.


>
>  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!)
>
Yes, OpenOffice.org is installed by default (which is the open source version 
of Star Office). You can read and write documents in the Microsoft .doc 
format as well as many others. You won't need wine for that - but of course, 
wine is available if you need it for other things. DOS programs run best 
using a DOS emulator - such as DOSEmu or dosbox. Both are available from the 
*ubuntu repositories via a simple interface.


>
>
>   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)

A little too far for me Pete - as I am in mid Cornwall. But feel free to 
either mail me off the list or whatever and I am happy to help where I can.

Mark

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