ubuntu
Linux, first steps....
I've been a Windows user ever since Windows 3 and have used most if not all "upgrades" since with XP being the last and final straw. The thought of having to upgrade to Vista and then re buy all my hardware and search for compatible software and drivers drove me into trying Linux again.Some years ago I did try out Red Had and Susie but was soon returned to Windows for all the usual reasons, however it got me started on using open source software. Linux, the install....The install was relatively easy as I was accepting the default which loads Ubuntu onto the whole drive and what a breeze it was, a lot fewer user inputs required and the whole install only lasted 20 minutes. The process picked up my local network and the Internet service and I was quickly accepting the option to install the graphics "restricted" driver and then the automatic software & Security patch update and then the fun began.Ubuntu, the software....All my old favorites are already loaded from go and the menu system [loading Ubuntu gives you the Gnome desktop as default] very ordered on the menu under, [Accessories], [Games], [Graphics], [Internet], [Office], [Sound & Video] & [System Tools] with a few of them that I recognise and have used in Windows particularly Open Office, Firefox & Gimp. There are plenty of new programs to try out and many more available from the [Add program] option. This was a vast improvement since I last played with Linux and now all I need to do is add one or two programs of my own, JAlbum my website program and the Wifi printer to name 2.Ubuntu, the progress....I'm going to try and keep this site up to date with the progress and add "How To's" as I go to a) help me to repeat the process when I move onto new PC's [memory loss!] and b) help others.19/10/2007 The "Gutsy Gibbon" Ubuntu 7.10 released on 18th and tonight I downloaded the ISO from the torrent site and will leave it seeding for a few days/weeks to help others get it. 20/10/07 The new Gutsy Gibbon ISO has downloaded and I used K3b to burn it to a CDR and have done a fresh install on my oldest spare PC. The PC has only 1 hard drive but it has had Feisty Fawn loaded on it and I used the "manual configuration option to give me separate root, swap and home partitions so this time I'm using the same option but telling it not to format the home partition so my files remain intact. All loads ok with my files untouched and now to re install my favourite programs and test them, first though I go to admin and install the "restricted driver" for the graphics card next Thunderbird is my mail client of choice and after install loads my settings from it's hidden folder in my home folder and has everything still there. Now I set-up Samba to share documents with the other PC's on my network. 21/10/2007 Added the printer see Printing and tested the shared folders and add the extra codecs to get Rhythmbox to play MP3 01/02/2008 Laptop - Took the risk and loaded Gutsy on my HP Laptop, there have been several postings on the ubuntu forum to the effect that Gutsy will not work with HP. My install went ok, it even picked up the Broadcom wireless card and ubuntu now gives the option to load it as part of the Restricted Drivers option along with a driver for the modem and the Nvidia drivers. Full marks to Gutsy on the wireless card front as the workaround for it on Feisty took me a long time to source and get working. The laptop worked fine for the first, second & third boots [although the boot time was extremely slow] but unfortunately on the 4th boot the next day! it booted so far but seemed to hang just before the logon screen. I eventually decided to try a re install to see if that fixed the problem and it did, the all works well including the wireless card and mousepad, my only concern is the very, very slow boot time must be several minutes more that it was before. 04/02/2008 Laptop - Found a Thread on the ubuntu forum with a workaround for the gutsy slow boot which I tested on the laptop with instant success! see here. 22/03/2008 I found an interesting program called Reconstructor here which allows you to take an .iso image of ubuntu Gutsy v8.10 and make your own CD or DVD install disc with your own selection of packages, desktop decoration etc. You can go with the modules that come by default with the package or go to the download page and add some further modules from the list or open one in a text editor and write your own. The result so far have been very successful. 09/04/2008 Now added a page about adding a scanner and support here. I have now downloaded the beta release of Hardy Heron v 8.10 and started testing it on my spare PC. 26/04/2008 Hardy Heron v8.10 the final version is now out and I've installed it on the laptop and so far I've had no major problems. The wireless card being the first hurdle, but after connecting the laptop via cable and enabling the 3rd party repositories, updating then opening [System], [Administration], [Hardware Drivers] the wireless card was showing and it allowed me to enable it, download the driver and then select it. 23/12/2008 I have had Intrepid Ibex v8.10 installed on my laptop for several weeks now and must says it's the best so far. The wireless network seemed to install quicker this time and everthing seems much more stable, now for the PC install! 
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