Which distr. do I have??

**bhendry** · 10-09-2008

Obviously, I am completely new to Linux. I just installed FreeSpire 2.0.??. My understanding is that this is based on Debian Linux and has recently been takenover by Xandros Linux.

What installation packages should I download? (.rpm, .deb. other?)

Which will "apt-get install" work with? I need to install GIMP and Acrobat Reader. Also, what is the best Linux replacement for WinAmp?

Thanks, and I'll keep the light on . . .

Bob Hendry

**smolloy** · 10-09-2008

Hi -- welcome to the forums!

Installing software on Linux is a little different than on Windows. I'll give you a few pointers to start with, but there's tons more information here in the Newbie forum.

Installing gimp should be as easy as

Code:

apt-get install gimp

. This will take care of downloading any files you need, so you don't have to do it yourself. The command for Acrobat reader will be something simlar, but I forget the package name.

There's lots more detail than this, but this is a good start. Have a look at the "sticky" threads in the Newbie forum for more info.

**L4Linux** · 10-09-2008

The best replacement for WinAmp is Amarok.

Code:

sudo apt-get install Amarok

I hope it gets ported to windows soon. It will make the migration to Linux much easier.

**bhendry** · 10-09-2008

Is there a good explaination of the apt-get command? Evidently, it's having trouble getting out - I'm getting errors:

Reading package lists . . . Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information. . . Done
E: Couldn't find package Amarok

Is there a recommended command usage guide?

Thanks.

Bob Hendry
Southern Maryland

oz · 10-09-2008

Originally Posted by bhendry

Is there a recommended command usage guide?

Hi, Bob

Here's the link to the Apt HowTo Manual:

APT HOWTO - Managing packages

Hope that helps.

**smolloy** · 10-09-2008

Originally Posted by bhendry

E: Couldn't find package Amarok

Try it without the capital letter

Code:

apt-get install amarok

**L4Linux** · 10-09-2008

Sorry for the typo

The correct is without the capital letter, as smolloy said:

Code:

sudo apt-get install amarok

**NeoPjcpp** · 10-10-2008

Use

Code:

man apt-get

You'll use man command a lot.

**bhendry** · 10-12-2008

Thanks to all for your help. I did indeed have gimp already on my distro. And I downloaded Amorak and it is running intermittantly! I'm now considering going back to Fedora. I had that up and running the last time XP crapped out on me - about a year ago. It just got deleted over time - oity too. It seemed to be more robust and complete that Freespire 2. Any suggestions?

Also, is there a decent and "robust" Windows emulator out there under which I can run some of my apps such as Nikon Capture and photoshop?

Ciao,

Bob Hendry
Southern Maryland
[via South Philly!]

**L4Linux** · 10-12-2008

I would suggest Ubuntu which is also Debian-based. But you should try a few distros and see which one you like more.
There is wine that can run many windows applications. To install it type:

Code:

sudo apt-get install wine

In fedora you must type:

Code:

sudo yum install wine

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