Linux/Ubuntu - Post Interest Here!

[DavidW]

Yep, installed, updated, etc. 
Hmm.  My initial excitement may be premature.  I had to run cock-a-hoop through a terminal to install ATI drivers using a 'superuser' command string.   

I warned you!

Did you install a proprietary ati driver?  You only need that for 3d acceleration, the open source driver (usually) works fine for 2d acceleration.

I go to websites and they say such and such software runs under...unix, KD*, etc, and I only know what I have is Linux.  Does it matter?   I think I'll have to wave goodbye to Pro Evolution Soccer too! 

Anything that runs under kde runs under linux.  Linux refers to the kernel, kde is one of the desktops.  The three main desktop flavors are Gnome, KDE and XFCE.  If you installed plain old Ubuntu, then you are running gnome.  If you want to try other desktops you can try apt-get install kubuntu-desktop as superuser for kde, and apt-get install xubuntu-desktop as superuser for xfce.  Doing it that way will make sure that you don't start cluttering everything up with multiple desktops.

For installing software, most software will be in ubuntu's repo, for example if you want firefox just go apt-get install firefox (as superuser).

Revise: What I meant by Linux is that GNU software can be found on many flavors of Linux and Unix.  The Linux operating systems are different from Unix operating systems in many ways, the primary difference being the kernel, the heart of the OS.  The Linux kernel is GNU software, first created by Linus Torvald.  Even though the BSD, Solaris etc operating systems stand apart proudly by having different license agreements, outside of the kernel, they still mostly use GNU software!

[mahler10th]

I mean...

WTF???  Below are the guidleines for installing 'Wine.'

Why can't anything just simply be double clicked on and it will install...this is getting me angry.  I don't want to have to pre-program the OS with command line shit, I left all that behind with DOS and Windows 95.  Windows already has command line built into it, with the run command and you can even browse to whatever it is you want to run.  With this, one has to open a 'terminal' and issue commands, which if you're not familiar with the syntax protocols of Linux, is not user friendly at all.
My mouth is no longer watering, it has gone as dry as hell.
And it's maybe not one small step for freedom, one giant leap for freedomkind.  More like one small step for freedom, one giant leap to get f**c*ed up.  Things better improve with this, I tell ya, cos I'm not going through all the following kind of stuff every time I want to install something:
Yes Dave, I installed the proprietary ati drivers.
[I don't expect anyone to read the following spaghetti, but it's here just to let folks know that running this stuff is more complicated than a standard MS OS.]  Pah!

Ubuntu and other Debian-based distributions utilize a special tool for managing packages known as APT. APT is able to automagically install all of the needed dependencies for a software package, as well as keep the package up to date, by scanning what are known as APT repositories. Ubuntu has its own repository of software that includes Wine, however we keep our own repository of the latest available beta packages here for download.
Warning: These are beta packages
The packages here are beta packages. This means they will periodically suffer from regressions, and as a result an update may break functionality in Wine. If the latest stable release of Wine (currently Wine 1.0.1) works for you, then you may not want to use these beta packages.
Adding the WineHQ APT Repository:
Open the Software Sources menu by going to System->Administration->Software Sources. Then select the Third Party Software tab and click Add.
System->Administration->Software Sources->Third Party Software
Then, copy and paste one of the lines below depending on which version you are running.
For Ubuntu Intrepid (8.10):
deb http://wine.budgetdedicated.com/apt intrepid main #WineHQ - Ubuntu 8.10 "Intrepid Ibex"
For Ubuntu Hardy (8.04):
deb http://wine.budgetdedicated.com/apt hardy main #WineHQ - Ubuntu 8.04 "Hardy Heron"
Trusting the WineHQ APT Repository and installing Wine:
After adding the repository, you also need to add the key for the repository to your system's list of trusted keys.
Download and save Scott Ritchie's key (right click -> save as) to your desktop. Then open the Authentication tab, click import key file, and select the key file you just saved (Scott Ritchie.gpg). It is safe to delete this file after doing this step.
System->Administration->Software Sources->Authentication
Click close to finish, and then reload the package information when prompted. If you have Wine installed, the system's update manager will now inform you of the latest Wine beta release and prompt you to upgrade. If you haven't installed Wine yet, go to Applications->Add/Remove and search for Wine or just click this link.
Upgrading to a new version of Ubuntu
If you are upgrading the entire system, such as going from Ubuntu 8.04 to 8.10, you will need to come back to this page and add the repository for the new version above. The built in update manager will not switch the Wine repository automatically.
Older .deb packages
Since the APT repository can only hold the latest packages, older versions of the packages are available at the WineHQ .deb packages archive.
You can install downloaded packages by double-clicking on them.
Alternative command Line Instructions for Installing Wine:
It is also possible to add the Wine repositories and install via the command line, as follows. These may be useful on Kubuntu, Xubuntu, and other Ubuntu derivatives.
First, open a terminal window (Applications->Accessories->Terminal). Then add the repository's key to your system's list of trusted APT keys by copy and pasting the following into your terminal:
wget -q http://wine.budgetdedicated.com/apt/387EE263.gpg -O- | sudo apt-key add -
Next, add the repository to your system's list of APT sources:
For Ubuntu Intrepid (8.10):
sudo wget http://wine.budgetdedicated.com/apt/sources.list.d/intrepid.list -O /etc/apt/sources.list.d/winehq.list
For Ubuntu Hardy (8.04):
sudo wget http://wine.budgetdedicated.com/apt/sources.list.d/hardy.list -O /etc/apt/sources.list.d/winehq.list
Then update APT's package information by running 'sudo apt-get update'. You can now install Wine normally or by typing 'sudo apt-get install wine' into the terminal.
Very fast and reliable webhosting for the APT repository is graciously provided by budgetdedicated.com.

WTF??

[DavidW]

Well with kde you can have a run in the menu, and a run keyboard shortcut just like in windows, I had mine set up that way.

Anyway welcome to linux!   That's why I said that it's still really a diy os.

Hey there are *nix OSs that have click to install packages (and in fact wine has one for them)-- it's called pc-bsd.  Now you wouldn't be using linux though, but it's still pretty cool.

In general, there are distros that try to make it easy for windows user, I'll post 'em and what's cool about 'em in a second.

[DavidW]

Alright

Pioneer Linux-- http://www.tapioneer.com/index.php because it comes with wine.  Also it has support (if you pay) for Crossover Office.
Pioneer is a branch off of Mepis which is now a branch off of Ubuntu.

Linux Mint-- http://www.linuxmint.com/index.php
Mint (full version) comes with proprietary goodies to get the video drivers working, wireless, play mp3s, dvds etc all the stuff that vanilla distros don't do.  Mint is a branch off of Ubuntu.

Mandriva-- http://www.mandriva.com/
Mandriva (One) includes the propriety stuff again including drivers and it's wine rpm is a one click install.  Mandriva used to be Mandrake, which is a branch off of Red Hat.

[Opus106]

Click to install is available in Ubuntu. John, you can install anything available in the repository by going to System->Administration->Synaptic Package Manager. There you will find the list of all packages available, installed or not. You can search for a package with its name or description. After selecting the packages, it takes only a couple of clicks to have them all installed. (This is probably the same or less than the number of clicks it takes, in MS, to go to a website of the software provider, then to the download page, click on the link to the install file, save it somewhere, then run the installer, answer umpteen questions, and finally click Finish. Oh, and don't forget that .dll that you may have to download from some other site that for this program to run.) APT usually takes care of dependencies, asking you for nothing more than your permission to install them.


Personally, I do away with clicks, and simply type (actually, simply press Ctrl+R to find the command from the terminal's history) and insert the appropriate package name(s) and hit enter.

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install <package1> [<package2> ...]


Moreover, if some software is not supported or not available in any of the repositories, it is likely that they will have a .deb package installer (similar to the double-click .exe installer in Windows.)[Example], and even better they may have a repository that you can add to Synaptic, so that the software will be updated when a new version is out without you having to go to their website to download it. [Example - the Wine page linked to below] (Do check for reviews before adding new programs/repositories, though. There was once a program called Automatix, which could install many oft-used programs and plugins not supported by Ubuntu by the "select and click" method, and it had to be added through a repo. While I personally did not have any problems with it, there were some complaints. Eventually, the project was discontinued.)

Here's a simpler HOW-TO I found for installing Wine. Also, the stuff you posted in small font is NOT recommended for all users. [A note for those who didn't read the spaghetti: it's various (sometimes unrelated) sections all put into one paragraph, giving you the illusion of a long process. Here's the actual page: http://www.winehq.org/download/deb.]

P.S.: With regard to Pro Evolution Soccer, I did tell you that dual-booting was an option.

[mahler10th]

I am sorry for ranting last night. 
I woke up this morning, switched my PC on, everything came up and, by all the megabytes, I thought to myself, how bloody ungrateful can I get?  I've done away with Windows (for sure) and joined and expanding Worldwide community who use this software developed gratis and for gratis by well meaning, hard-working programmers all over the World.
So I played with it a little bit, looking around some more, playing music (must get a nicer Media Player for Ubuntu, it's built in player is fully functional, etc, but lacks aesthetics).  I downloaded Mandriva Linux overnight too, I'll install it for dual boot.  And I like the look of Mint, so I'll get that today too and have a triple booting system!  Over a while I'll try these three OS's, and eventually settle on my favourite.  I am NOT going back to Windows.
There's no point in my complaining already.  It's free, I just have to accept that there is a slight learning curve involved.  So I'll install Mandriva on dual boot, see how that is, and when I get used to it, I'll probably be hanging from the chandeliers singing it's praises again.
Point of fcat, it was Mandrake that I had in 2000 and was thoroughly appalled with - but Opus, you are right, things have come a long, long way since then.
Thank you Opus and Dave for all your guidance, patience and comments.  I am growing happier again by the minute.

5 mins on:   Ha!  Ha Ha!  How silly of me.  On that spaghetti page which you kindly linked to again below Opus, there is a wee hyperlink saying "Click here if you want to install Wine"  or something like that.  I clicked it, and about 20 seconds later Wine was installed, no need for spaghetti, no hassle, nothing.  I want to remove that ranting post below now, but I won't, because prospective Linux users can see how easy it is to get into a flummox over nothing - all one has to do is PAY ATTENTION to the guidelines and it can be as simple as just one click!

[DavidW]

Cool John, good that you got it set up.  If you haven't already, I would register on the Ubuntu forums and then you can jump on with questions and get things solved fast.  Have fun!

[mahler10th]

Yes, now things are going swimmingly well, but if I hadn't you guys initially, I would still be using Windows.

Initial Notes about this OS:

1.  Integrated Firefox is a breeze, not overloaded, and very fast indeed.
2.  There seems to be an array of things you can do with the sound - at least for my card anyway.
3.  I know the temperature and weather for Glasgow without installing 3rd party apps!
4.  Spellchecking Spell checking is fantastically integrated.
5.  Ooodles of things one can do with it to suit oneself without having to install other apps to do the same -     do it your way, not the way a program wants you to do it.
6.  Evolution email is good, and like everything else seems to be as easy as 1+1.
7.  The stretch icon function is fabulous, one can decorate ones desktop with pictures in any way you want, etc, again without the need for other apps to do it for you.

Och I'm very happy now.  As for Pro Evolution Soccer, that's for the PS2 now.  Other than the little bundled games (GNU Chess!), I've decided that a PC is not the ideal gaming device anyway, and I can dedicate the system more to what I love, music, writing, and other stuff.
I have gone all soft.
Thanks for everybodys help.  Now I'm going to sign up to an Ubuntu forum as you suggested David, and tackle any snags from there.

[SonicMan46]

Yes, now things are going swimmingly well, but if I hadn't you guys initially, I would still be using Windows.

Initial Notes about this OS:

3.  I know the temperature and weather for Glasgow without installing 3rd party apps

John - been reading your posts (and the helpful ones by David) - glad that all is working out w/ your Ubuntu experience!  Love the ability to add the little applets on the top panel line - at the moment in Piedmont, NC - 43 degs F & sunny; may have a little snow tonight?  Dave

[Opus106]

I'm glad that installation was smooth, John. Re: music player, give Amarok a try. Not the latest (version 2.0), which has received mixed reviews, but the earlier 1.4.10, which is available in the repo.

sudo apt-get install amarok

(That can be done through Synaptic as well.)

Since Amarok is a KDE app., there is the need to install other files related to that environment, but that little command above will take care of all that.

And, since you are new user, you would need the help of this site. It was very helpful when I first installed Ubuntu, and even today l sometimes go back to it for reference.

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/index.php

[mahler10th]

sudo apt-get install amarok

Thanks Opus.  Happening now as I type!
Actually, after playing around, installations are so easy!  I have all manner of wee toys and things on my top bar now.  Another thing, system resources are not in any way swallowed up by the OS and its gadgetry, leaving a MASS of HD space for music files, etc.
I am so into this now!

Dave:  Piedmont, NC - 43 degs F & sunny; may have a little snow tonight?
An OS integrated with the Worldwide weather system.  This is so cool!

EDIT:  Amarok - that's more like it.  Just what I had in mind.

[Opus106]

In other news, Debian rolled out their latest version - that would be 5.0 for those keeping count - codenamed Lenny.

http://www.debian.org/

[Opus106]

The next(-to-next) version in the line of Ubuntu releases has been announced.

Let me introduce to you - drum rolls, please - Karmic Koala!

This will be Ubuntu 9.10. 9.04 is, of course, Jaunty Jackalope.

Announcement

[Catison]

The next(-to-next) version in the line of Ubuntu releases has been announced.

Let me introduce to you - drum rolls, please - Karmic Koala!

This will be Ubuntu 9.10. 9.04 is, of course, Jaunty Jackalope.

Announcement

This is dictionary abuse.

[Opus106]

New to the wonderful world of Linux? Looking for an easy way to get started? Download our complete 130-page guide and get to grips with the OS in hours rather than weeks or months. We show you how to install Linux onto your PC, navigate around the desktop, master the most popular Linux programs and fix any problems that may arise.

Free e-book: http://www.tuxradar.com/linuxstarterpack

[mahler10th]

Ta.

[Opus106]

*Wikis it*

Thank You in British, Australian, New Zealand and South African English





Yu wuh (I just made that up... )

[Opus106]

FINALLY...

An Ubuntu package for Google Chrome... actually it's a pre-alpha (read very early, not ready for market) version.

Details here: http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/03/17/google-chrome-on-linux-progressing-screenshots-inside/

[Opus106]

The release candidate for Ubuntu 9.04 (a.k.a Jaunty Jackalope) has been announced. [Link] The RC is usually as good as the official release on release day. But I would ask first-timers to wait for at least a week until after release date (23 April 2009) before trying the new version out. There will be enough reviews written by then. Of course, you can always download the LiveCD and do a test run without it affecting your existing installation.

[Opus106]

As CmdrTaco put it: gentlemen, start your torrents.

Ubuntu 9.04 has been released.

http://www.ubuntu.com