New to linux, Need for some tips

[Ubman]

Hi! I installed Ubuntu 7 in virtualbox to try it and it runs fine. Just it's not all features translated in my native language, as I think I should have it connected on the net. The main reason I want linux is to try some programs without affecting my pc.
Anyway, just I need to know some things that are different from Windows (if you don't bother to describe) like this code system; never heard of it.
Thanks in advance guys!

[raghaven.kumar]

OK, Now what are you asking for in particular??

[Manchunian]

Hi Ubman!

Welcome to Linux! I'm sure you'll appreciate its speed, safety and reliabilty. The first thing to do I think is read this: it's essential reading for anyone starting out. I suggest you dual boot your machine rather than running it in virtualbox: you'll get a much better appreciation of Linux that way. Here is a method of installing that requires no partitioning. You download the .exe onto your Windows desktop, double click the icon and follow the instructions. When you've finished, reboot the machine and you should have the option to boot into Linux. If you decide you don't want to keep Linux, you uninstall it via the Windows Control Panel. Simple! If however you decide you like Linux, it's best to download an .iso, burn a cd and install Linux the classic way. This is because the Wubi install puts Ubuntu on the Windows file system, which means that it doesn't work as well as if it were on a proper, Linux partition.

like this code system

Sorry, I don't understand this. Can you try to re-explain? What is your native language? I'd be surprised if you couldn't find a Linux that you can use in your language.

[Ubman]

Thanks friend! Well I really think to make a dual boot just I don't know... Well I mean this code thing like this reply I got about how to install wine, look at this:

If you have the cdrom selected in the resopitories and having your ubuntu disk in then

sudo apt-get install wine

should work

I know how to type those codes but no idea why to do that and what "have the cdrom selected in the resopitories" means. And as you know we have to choose a language in the begining, right? Well, allthought I choose Greek it is not all things Greek, some are still English. If you want a screenshot I'll upload it.
So about this code thing?

[Manchunian]

OK, the code thing is the command line. This is often an obstacle for newbies entering into the world of Linux, but it needn't be. The command line enables you to interact with your computer in a way that is much more flexible, faster and safter than using GUI (that is, graphical applications). You can function perfectly well in Linux only knowing a handful of commands. Note that the Windows "dumbing down" philosophy of administration (ie making admin tasks as easy enough for a child to do) is one of the reasons for its inferiority to Linux as regards to security. You may not understand why right now, but you'll see what I mean once you really get going.
To type a command, you need to open a program called Terminal (in Ubuntu). Now, I don't use Ubuntu, but to get the terminal I think you need to go to the menu at the top of your screen, the one called applications, then click on accessories. In the list that comes up, you should see Terminal. When you click on this, a window will come up with a flashing cursor. Copy the command Geeth gave you and paste it into the terminal. When you press enter, Ubuntu will look for and install Wine.
However, you need to have your repositories enabled first, otherwise you'll probably get an error message. The repositories are servers throughout the world that hold software. Some only have "official" software; others will have software that isn't official, but is neverthless safe to use; some will have experimental software (you mustn't use these at this stage); some will have software that Ubuntu can't be shipped with for copywrite reasons (codecs to enable mp3 playback, for instance). When you install Ubuntu for the first time, the only repositories that are enabled are the official ones and the cdrom repository (which isn't really a repository, but some people want to install their software from CDs). Most people will want to disable the cdrom repositories (because they don't have the cds and because they want to get all their programs from the Internet only) and enable the others, apart from the testing ones.
As I said, I don't use Ubuntu so I'm not sure how you do this in this distro. Most Distros will require you to open and edit a file in the system, but Ubuntu has a handy GUI tool so you can do this easily. To do this, click on the system button at the top of your screen, then choose software properties and finally tick the repositories you want to enable. Doing this will change a file located in /etc/apt which is called sources.list. All this is explained in this Wiki. They say it's for older Ubuntu distros, but I don't think the process has changed.
Finally, if you install Linux, there'll almost certainly be the option to have it in Greek - and of course you'll want a Greek keyboard. One of the nice things about Linux is that all languages, even the small ones like Welsh, are supported, so Greek should definetly be there.

[Taltos]

Right now, you're doing well just kind of trying different things and getting a feel for what your options are. Linux is all about options, so you may feel a little overwhelmed if you start asking general questions.

You said you wanted to try different programs and things. That's great. Before you worry about using your windows programs, or about using the command line, I would suggest getting a feel for what already is installed in the basic Ubuntu installation. Once you do that, look at the Add/Remove Programs application in the bottom of the Applications menu for some more fun programs to install. Just search for keywords and see what comes up. It's one of the easiest way for beginners to install useful programs, but don't believe for a second that the rather large database is all you've got to choose from - but it's a great starting place.

I would suggest looking for linux programs similiar to the windows programs you are familiar with before using wine.

And give us your impressions of some of these programs. Maybe some of here can help you find something to your taste. Although, keep in mind, there are a lot of options available and a lot of options may rely on your personal preferences. It would help if you shared what you liked or disliked about particular programs.

And have fun.

[Manchunian]

This last post reminds me of what I forgot to say: with Ubuntu, you don't need to type in a command to install software. Do System > Administration > Synaptic Package Manager, and Synaptic will appear. This will enable you to look for and install programs without the need to write a single command. Here is a tutorial.

[Ubman]

Hey guys!
Finally I managed to install wine. I figured out that I was trying to install a package compatible to v.8.04 since I have the v.7.04 one. NOW I can't use it I don't know how but I think I have to refer it in Wine topic unless you can gimme some info. He, he!
Taltos, yeah I think it's great that Ubuntu starts with so many programs already installed (the Open office, the games!..) Great. And and Manchunian, thanks for your help! Oh, if you wanna figure out what's happening with the language of my os, here's a pic:



It's not all Greek... Anyway.

¡trying to find Wine in Ubuntu now!

[Manchunian]

Great! I'm glad you've got it working! And it's nice to see Ubuntu in Greek. The Greek scipt has always fascinated me: I'd love to learn this ancient language one day. How to use Wine? Well, that depends what you want to do. If you download a Windows .exe and click on it, Wine should work straignt off, no need for your intervention.

[Ubman]

Well are you sure? I tried some exe files and it's like I never had wine should I change one more setting? Like check something? Heh, I just think that wine is an easy way to start with ubuntu...

The Greek scipt has always fascinated me: I'd love to learn this ancient language one day.

Whenever you want!