If you've only ever used Windows, getting to grips with a Linux OS can be an intimidating thought. So we've put together an easy-to-use guide to help you get the most out of this OS.
Getting help
Obviously this guide is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the wide world of Ubuntu and Linux computing. We'll keep updating this and other articles as Ubuntu continues to evolve, but if you're still stumped for now, your best option for further assistance is the Ubuntu forums, where beginners and advanced users gather to troubleshoot (and just shoot the breeze about) their favourite OS.
If you ask for help with a particularly thorny technical issue, you may be asked to post the contents of system logs or configuration files to help the gurus diagnose your problem. That may even involve delving into the dreaded world of the Linux command line (which you can access via the Terminal, under the Accessories heading of the Applications menu). Don't be afraid! Just follow any instructions you're given, but pay attention - the more you learn about Ubuntu, the closer you climb to guru status yourself.
Above all, have a good time. Linux's greatest strength is the community around it, and by choosing Ubuntu you have joined a thriving, growing community of users of one of the most powerful and exciting operating systems available today.
- Visit PC Advisor's Linux News Spotlight
Comments
David Newman said: Although I am far from a newbie as a pensioner I found the idea of a FREE operating system very appealing I had no problems installing Ubuntu 1204 the latest version and all I had to do was locate the menu top right hand corner of the desktop select my hub which was already listed input the hubs password and that was it My only moan at the moment is how to get the TV tuner to work but as this is not a priority I can work on that when I feel like it Windows Blah-h-h not anymore My computer is faster and slicker I dont need virus protection and I no longer dual boot having removed Windows completely so that I can use the whole drive I get an updated version of Linux every few months with LXF
Matt said: Ok so you covered some of the basic things you might want to do suggesting that the installation of a linux distribution ends up leaving you able to complete the tasks mentioned but what about the common hardware issues I cant get my wireless working Or my soundcard doesnt work Maybe one should address the issue of actually getting GNUlinux to work correctly before trying to do anything else not really something I consider newbie friendly
PC Advisor said: Good spot Peter thanks
Peter Killick said: Neil McAllister awarded Freudian slip of the yearIf youve only ever used Windows before then getting to gripes with another operating system such as Linux can be an intimidating task