Ok, so I got the nepomuk to stop alerting (checked a box), I switched the proxy box to be the one that says 'connect to internet directly', so far I haven't seen the message again just yet, so that may be good as well.

I found where to get to the software manager, and how to view the different programs available, as well as those installed on the computer. When I click on a program I want to use, nothing happens-doesn't matter what I click on, no change.

Any ideas?

Thank you-that was very helpful! I followed the directions you gave-the box wasnt checked, therefore nepomuk wasnt enabled at all, so enabling it may fix the problem.

As far as the proxy thing goes-the box that is checked says automatically detect proxy configuration, then prompt as needed.

As far as where the computer came from-my cousin sent it to me. From what I understand she had this computer built for her. She recently needed to upgrade and sent me this one. She kept her OS, but loaded Linux for me. She said the only thing that is really wrong with it, is the wifi board is cracked and may, at times lose a connection.

I thank you very much for your time and assistance.

I completely understand having other things to do, and completely appreciate you taking the time to provide assistance in learning how to use Linux. I am working towards a business degree, mostly online, and trying to transition from windows vista to Linux Mint 12, with until quite recently, limited exposure to most computer related activities.

I occasionally get a notification that Nepomuk has been disabled, (some dialogue underneath). Now that I have an idea of what Nepomuk is, I should probably enable it? How? How did it get disabled?

I get another notification "could not find a usable proxy configuration script". That usually pops up when switching between sites/pages on the web. Wondering if that could just be due to the wifi not keeping a constant connection? She did mention the wifi card was cracked, making it impossible to maintain a constant internet connection, which affected her with gaming, but wouldn't interfere with schoolwork, etc.

About opening files-I found something on the Linux site that I was interested in, Stellarium. I downloaded it (accidentally several times I believe). I found where it is stored on the computer, in many files, but cannot figure out how to use it. I tried opening it, obviously with the wrong thing, and it went beserk. It seemingly planned to go beserk for a long time, until I restarted the computer. I believe I chhose something under the heading media player-should I have chosen a different option. Choosing between which (of many) files associated with the download, and matching with each option to open with seems to quickly become a tedius/wary task of process of elimination-I need to learn how to do this better to do many things I have tried to do.

I mentioned on another thread I was looking for a snipping tool. I followed the link provided by another helpful member, chose which tool I wanted to use, but cannot figure a way to download, then I will probably need help learning where it is-how to get it to where I can use it.

I do not know the term distro, so I cannot say, or even guess. I have seen kde somewhere, so I'm assuming that would be the desktop envirnoment. I usually see the notification pop up in the lower right corner of the screen, then accumulate in the task bar within the icon of the circle with the i inside, until I go through and delete them. They generally pop up as I am switching through sites/pages on the web.

I would like to try the 1 from the second link called JShot-now that I know which one I want to try-how to I get it on my computer-I saw a download icon nowhere-am clueless. Thank you for showing me where, could you help me with the how too?

Cannot find a way to do something like a free form snip of something that is on the screen

Havent figured out how to cut and paste yet, or know anything about proxy system/where to look.

Why do I keep getting i's reading 'could not find a usable proxy configuration script'? What is it? Do I need to fix something?-Once again I am clueless, plz enlighten me on this...

Where is there a tool similar to the snipping tool, where I am able to snip something? I have Linux Mint 12.

You're right, it is set up similar to Windows, and it is the unfamiliarity of the names that are used more so than how it works probably, althought, I do still have a long way to go before understanding how to do many things, regardless of the OS, so doubly confusing I guess.
Occasionally, in the lower right corner, something about the nepomunk shows up-its not currently up, so I cannot say for sure what it says-have no clue about nepomunk.
When I try to open different downloads, apps, documents, etc., it asks me to choose what to open it with, and lists everything, and seems to want specifics as to what to use to open the program, but having no idea exactly what I am looking for, as well as what it would be called is very frustrating-seems like in Windows maybe there were just more defaults, and less choices, wow, not meaning choices are a bad thing, just overwheming when you dont know what you're doing.
Another thing I am having trouble locating is the system information-how much hard drive free/empty, RAM? Haven't been able to locate that anywhere, as well as a system restore, or disk defrag (read shortly after my post that no defrag is needed with Linux?)
So far I have noticed a few instances where holding the cursor over the icon gives a little description, and I have explored, and discovered how to do a few things-Im determined to learn, just taking in a lot at a time.
My cousin sent me her very nice laptop to use for school when she upgraded, as my 4 year old seems to have taken over the laptop with Windows (Vista). Whatever OS she was using she kept for her new laptop, and she installed Linux Mint 12 so I could use, however encourages me to install Windows if I have trouble with Linux, as she is unfamiliar as well. And so far all the computer classes I have taken at school have been Windows based, some even inaccessible without Windows.
Once again-any help appreciated, and I will def be looking over the links posted...I think what I am looking for is something like a Linux for Dummies maybe?
And what is Root, terminal?