uhhhg i am not transitioning well

[vintage00gypsy]

So, my Dad got me a thinkpad with Suse on it because he wants me to learn it. fine. no problem. But there is so much I can't seem to do.

Is there any way I can also use windows and linux on the same computer? I have a hard drive that can go into where my cdrom drive is. My dad seems to think I should just magically know how everything is done.

so frustrated. I want to learn all this- but also want my comfort zone back... and my son would like his games back as well. lol.

[smolloy]

If you want to use windows and linux on the same computer you should look into "dual booting". It's pretty easy to do (although it's easier if you install windows first, and then linux).

Let us know what problems you're having. The more descriptive and precise you can be about them, the better!

Welcome to the forums!

[vintage00gypsy]

I would first like everyone to understand that I am not computer illiterate so you don't have to talk to me too slowwwwly. lol. (not implying anyone has) BUT I do not understand anything linux related. I have a general idea of navigating around the system, just not how it all works.

so here goes

I am really not agreeing with firefox. That's an issue for me. The webpages are all centered and tiny and I can't seem to change anything other than the text size. Now, not all of them... like google searches are perfectly fine. I have tried to change my resolution, however I have no other choices and am so unfamiliar with linux that I am nervous trying to install anything like updates.

I despise that I have to keep logging in for practically everything. I have tried changing settings, etc... can't figure that one out.

My dad sent me a caddy for a hard drive, right... so I got one that was specifically for lenovo thinkpads... yea... so I HAVE that. it sits here. Now, why did he want me to have one? What can I use this for? He loves playing these games with me so I'll be darned if I have to ask him. I am sure that's what he is waiting for. lol

[gogalthorp]

Ok lets find out some stuff first of all which version of Suse are you running?

There should be an icon on the desk top that says My computer. This will tell you the OS version.

Next which desktop are you running? normally either kde or Gnome

Next do you know what video chip is in the notebook?

From the command line or Konsole type
su
then the root password
this will make you root (ie superuser) temporally.
then type
lspci
This will list the PCI devices and tell you the video device

[smolloy]

I am really not agreeing with firefox. That's an issue for me. The webpages are all centered and tiny and I can't seem to change anything other than the text size. Now, not all of them... like google searches are perfectly fine. I have tried to change my resolution, however I have no other choices and am so unfamiliar with linux that I am nervous trying to install anything like updates.

Try holding ctrl and rolling the scroll wheel of your mouse. That should change the font size. If not, there should be something in preferences.

I despise that I have to keep logging in for practically everything. I have tried changing settings, etc... can't figure that one out.

This is a good thing!! Seriously. Linux is a lot more secure than Windows precisely due to access control features like this. It might seem like a pain in the ass now, but you'll learn to appreciate it.


Now, make sure to answer all of gogalthorp's questions!