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Joined: Mar 21, 2008
Posts: 5
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Posted Mar 22, 2008 at 12:11:20 AM
Subject: New to Linux, please help!

Hello to everyone out there in Linux world.

I'm an absolute beginner to Linux but years of Windows use behind me. I recently got a laptop that was surplus to the owner, as it wasn't working and they got a new one. I stuck a 12GB hard drive in it from another old laptop and everything else seemed OK.

I thought that I might give Linux a go to see what happens.
Knowing nothing about the various distros (did even know that term till a few days ago) I downloaded some ISO images I to try them out: Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Fedora, Knoppex and Gentoo. At the minute the Kubuntu is installed.

The first problem I came across was (as you may have guessed) playing DVDs (not to mention MP3 files).
I tried to look up information about how this is done but couldn't make head nor tail of the guides (even the ones for beginners!) as there is so much jargon used.

Could someone please explain in nice simple terms how to do this.

The Laptop is a Toshiba, 1496MHz Celeron with 512Mb and ATI graphics (Gentoo had problems with the graphics).
The Modem is a Speedtouch USB ASDL PPP with Tiscali.
Is there a distro that runs better on laptops?
I've just started to explore Linux and I have so many questions:
can it run *.exe files?
How do you install software,
how do you set up the modem for the internet

If all goes well I'd upgrade and stick with Linux, otherwise, sorry but it'll be back to Windows. I'm not a fan but at least it does get things done.

Thanks.

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Shashank Sharma
Joined Jan 01, 1970
Posts: 1536
Location:New Delhi, India

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Posted: Mar 26, 2008 10:47:34 AM
Subject: New to Linux, please help!

Welcome to Linux and Linux.com, explorer. To answer your questions in no particular order,

1. Linux can't handle .exe file. So, you won't be able to install any Windows software on Linux.

2. Configuring the modem isn't a big deal for any Linux distribution, so depending on what distro you're running, a google search would be quite revealing.
http://www.kubuntu.org/doc/7.10/network/C/connect-modems.html

3. Installing software also is an involved process, but very nicely documented for each distribution.
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installingsoftware

Mostly, all Ubuntu guides are equally relevant for Kubuntu as well.

4. Playing MP3s and DVDs etc.
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RestrictedFormats

You would have to install a few codecs to be able to play your DVDs and MP3s, follow the instructions as provided in the link above to install these and you'll be set.

Cheers!

Coauthor of Beginning Fedora: From Novice to Professional published by Apress.

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Explorer
Joined Mar 21, 2008
Posts: 5

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Posted: Mar 27, 2008 8:14:13 PM
Subject: New to Linux, please help!

Thanks Shashank.
I still haven't decided which distro I'll stick with. So far I'm just playing around to see what's what. Since posting my message I've installed Fedora on the laptop. Are there any major differences between the various distros?

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alpinesatan.com
Joined Dec 01, 2007
Posts: 639
Location:London, England

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Posted: Mar 28, 2008 1:47:33 PM
Subject: New to Linux, please help!

LOL, Sharma will smile knowing that your using Fedora :D
They are all a little different to be honest, but as most of them are free you can afford to try as many as you like untill you find your favorite.
I suppose it depends on what your using your PC for.

Kind Regards

OS X 10.4.11 and Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon 7.10, not forgetting fedora :D

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