A friend of mine just got a new computer for christmas with linux installed on it --- she knows absolutely nothing about linux, and was a pretty basic beginner to computers in general anyhow, and she has no idea how to use it or to troubleshoot it --- I've helped her as much as I can, but I have very limited knowledge of Linux since I have only read about it, I have not yet switched nor have I run on Linux systems before, so I only know so much to guess on before I'm clueless too, so I need some basic how-to help with getting her up and running again. She got a new Dell mini 910n UMPC with Linux preinstalled on it. She's been using her WiFi no problem from the get go, but randomly today her internet went out and she cannot figure out what the problem is. She opens up her browser, which is FireFox, and a window pops up that says Application unable to initiate. And then it lists some suggestions of how to fix it: memory / hardrive is full, or almost full or Security Applications are not enabled properly or Updates need to be installed She has checked her hardrive, and it is not full or nearly full, but she cannot locate specifically where her security features are to check them. She has checked under system/administration system/networks system/network tools and system/authorizations and she cannot figure where she needs to go to check her security settings. Also - She tried to download and install the listed feature updates that could possibly resolve the problem, and it pops up with an Error saying it cannot connect to the DNS server. My assumption is because she cannot connect to the internet, obviously, the Download center cannot reach the DNS server.... She has also checked her ISP, cables and routers, and all of them are functioning properly, and the internet service itsef is not out, and is working fine. What could the problem possibly be, and what are some suggestions to resolve this issue? I need some easy to follow instructions as I am new to linux, and instructions that can be easily explained so I can walk her through them over the phone, as she is not tech-saavy at all, and needs simple to follow instructions. Please, anyone who may have an idea help, and thankyou so much for any sugestions you guys have. --Mordi

I believe the Dell Mini uses Ubuntu 8.04? You could try this: Open the file browser. Go to view, and select "show hidden files". Look for the a file labeled ".mozilla". Delete that, then restart firefox. This will delete all your bookmarks and plugins, by the way. You might want to save a backup of the folder first. Help page: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/DellMini9 There is a section on troubleshooting wireless. I see that the Function+"2" key (Fn+2), cycles through enabling/disabling wireless and bluetooth. If that key sequence was accidentally pressed, it could be the problem.

It sounds more like she is having a problem with her network service provider, or her router/wi-fi access point and that is giving her errors on the system. How does she know that the internet service is fine? Did she call them and they checked? I had intermittent problems with my ISP and when I called them, they ran a test and it was fine (then), but it kept going out, so I kept on them until they escalated the issue to someone who could do more advanced testing of the line. They found the problem, which was excessive ground noise and sent out a repair person who found a shorting wire up on one of their distribution boxes down the block. Once they fixed that, my intermittent internet problems went away.