Linux, Ubuntu 6.06
Updated 2/11/07
NOTE: Screenshots are from Linux Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a WORK IN PROGRESS!!
A very good cyber friend of mine got me interested in Linux awhile back. After a few stops and starts i now have a fully functional version of Linux, called Ubuntu.
I found Ubuntu to be moderatly easy, and im not computer geek, to get a grip on and there are ALOT of programs that do all the things you can do with windows and more, and they are all free! So im going to try to help all who want to try Ubuntu.
Ubuntu uses a 'live' cd that you can use to familiarize yourself with Linux and see how it works with your system. This 'live' cd will run in your memory, therefore nothing will be wrote to your hard or registry! To get the 'live' cd you can order it or you can download and burn it.
To download the 'live' cd (698.4 MB), which is free, go here, use the 'PC intelx86 desktop CD' link, and save it to your desktop. Then burn it using the ISO/Live Image feature of your burner software.
http://ftp.ussg.iu.edu/linux/ubuntu-releases/6.06/
To order the 'live' cd go here: (you will need to create an account but its no big deal).
https://shipit.ubuntu.com/login
Fig.1
How to with the live cd:
Note: If you cant bootup Ubuntu, check your bios and change it to boot from the cd-rom first.
Once burned correctly or your cd's have arrived you simply put the cd into your cd-rom tray and shutdown. Then start up your pc and let it load up. You will see a column of things that are loading and thats ok just let it load! When its fully loaded you will have a desktop that looks like the screenshot below:
Fig.1
Fig.2
To make things seem 'normal', right click in a vacant area on the taskbar at the top, click on 'Properties' and change it to 'Bottom', then click 'Close'.
Now your desktop should have 2 taskbars at the bottom as shown below:
Fig.2
Now lets go through 'Applications', 'Places', and 'System' at the bottom left.
NOTE: When using the live cd, any program you install or settings you may change will not be 'saved' when you reboot to windows because Ubuntu runs in your memory only.
Applications:
1. Add/Remove:
Click on 'Add/Remove' and it will load a list of programs that are available. A screen will popup and say 'Checking installed and available applications'. As soon as the list is compiled a second screen will popup and it will say 'The list of available applications is out of date'. Click 'Close'. Now you have the main 'applications screen' as shown below:
Put a check in the box next to 'Show unsupported applications' and 'Show commercial applications'.
On the left you will see a list with icons and text. Click on each icon and a list of programs wiil appear in the upper right window. Click on any program in that window and an explaination as to what it is will be displayed there. (Note: unless your online you cant load/update any programs). This will give you an overall view of whats available with Linux Ubuntu. When your done looking at 'Add/Remove', click 'Ok'.
NOTE: The firewall for linux is Firestarter and you can find it here in add/remove programs under 'internet'. (When you go online, go to grc.com and run the test for firewalls. You will see that without a firewall you will be stealth/closed on all ports. Install Firestarter and run the test again, this time you will be all stealth).
2. Sound and Video:
Movie Player, Music Player, Audio CD Creator, Sound CD Extractor, and Sound Recorder.
3. Office:
Openoffice.org Database, Presentation, Spreadsheet, Word Processor, and Evolution are included.
4. Internet:
Ekiga Softphone, Evolution Mail, Firefox Web Browser, Gaim Internet Messenger, and Terminal Server Client.
5. Graphics:
Gimp Image Editor, gThumb Image Viewer, and XSane Image Scanner.
6. Games:
There are 16.
7. Accessories:
Alacarte Menu Editor, Calculator, Character Map, Dictionary, Take Screenshot, Terminal and Text Editor.
NOTE: I use the K3B burner for cd/dvd's and it works great. I also use Thunderbird for my email client. These are listed in Add/Remove programs.
Places:
1. Recent Documents:
(grayed out because you have no 'recent documents')
2. Search for Files:
Like windows 'Search'.
3. Connect to Server:
Connect to a remote Server.
4. Network Servers:
View your Network Servers.
5. CD/DVD Creator:
Create new cd's and dvd's.( i use the K3B burner).
6. Computer:
You can browse your computer drives.
7. Desktop:
Open your desktop as a folder.
8. Home Folder:
I havent checked this out as of today, sorry.
System:
1. Quit:
Just what it says.
2. About Ubuntu:
Documentation about Ubuntu and links for help topics.
3. About Gnome:
Documentation about the Gnome desktop and more links for help topics.
4. Help:
System documention, Online documentation, Community Support, Commercial Support, Ubuntu Book Excerpt.
5. Administration:
A long list of services that you can customize the way you want, plus in 'Networking' you can setup DSL or Dialup for the internet. Also in 'admin' you can install your printer.
Note: If you are using a 'winmodem' or 'soft modem' chances are that linux will not recognize the modem. I use and recommend a serial port, hardware, external modem. Mine was recognized by linux immediatly and no problems since.
6. Preferences:
Another long list of settings you can customize the way you want. Such as sound, desktop background, theme, windows, etc.
Take your time and go through what ive talked about above. When your done playing with 'U' simply click on the icon (red icon w/white circle in the center) at the bottom right corner and select shutdown/restart. About half way through unloading, your cd-rom tray will pop out and then you remove the cd and hit 'enter'. your system will boot back into windows.
If you find that you like Ubuntu and want to install it then read further in the future.
I recommend a "Fresh" hard drive to install on. A 40 gig is plenty of room because Ububtu only takes up about 2 gig with initial install.
Load the "Live" cd and when your desktop is up then double click the "Install" icon and install using default settings. You will be asked a few questions but its quick. One thing, you MUST use a username and password while installing. Later you can tweak Ubuntu to bypass logging in with your username and password.
NOTE: When you use linux you are actually using a "Limited" account like Windows. If you want to change something like time/date or update your Linux and some other apps, you will have to use your password to log in as "Root" or like Admin in Windows. This is a good thing because working as a limited account you dont get the crap from the net while online.
As you know by now, the install went quick. Now what is next?
Having read the above text on playing with the "Live" cd you know that you will need a serial port, hardware, external modem.
I use a Best Data, 56K v.94/v.44, external data fax modem, model #56SX-92 and i have no problems. Also Ubuntu recognized it right off. (NOTE: Windows recognized it also without installing any software).
One note: Be sure and read the package carefully before you buy. Look to see if it says "win/linux/apple capable" because thats what you need.
Modem Setup
Fig.3
Lets get the external modem recognized by Ubuntu first.
Go to System/Admin/Networking and you will see the screen below. (Fig.3).
#1. Click on the 'Connections' tab.
#2. Click on 'Ethernet' to hilite it.
#3. Click on 'Properties' and you will see the screen in Fig.4
Fig.3
Fig.4
After clicking on 'Properties' the screen below will come up. (Fig.4)
#1. Uncheck 'Enable This Connection' if you will be using dialup, then click 'Ok' and you will see the screen in Fig.5.
Fig.4
Fig.5
#1. Click on the 'Connections' tab.
#2. Click to hilite 'Modem Connection'.
#3. Click 'Properties' and you will see the screen in Fig.6.
Fig.5
Fig.6
#1. Click the 'General' tab.
#2. Check 'Enable This Connection'.
Click the 'Modem' tab and you will see the screen in Fig.7.
Fig.6
Fig.7
#1. Click the modem tab.
#2. Click the 'Auto Detect' button and you will see the screen in Fig.8.
Fig.7
Fig.8
When you click the 'Auto Detect' button you will see what 'Modem Port' you will be using and your modem is detected now.
Click the 'Options' tab and you will see the screen in Fig.9.
Fig.8
Fig.9
#1. Make sure the 'Options' tab is selected and the first 2 boxes are checked only.
#2. Click 'Ok'.
Close out all screens now.
Fig.9
Now 'Reboot/Restart' your computer.
When the 'Reboot/Restart' is done go back to System/Admin/Network, click to hilite 'Modem Connection', click on 'Properties' button and uncheck 'Enable This Connection'. (#2 in Fig.6). Thats right, uncheck that box.
Now, we are going to use a simple, easy to setup dialer, called Gnome PPP.
Gnome Dialer Setup
Fig.10
In your Taskbar, click Applications/Add/Remove and you will see the screen below (Fig.10)
First, put a check in the boxes numbered 3 and 4 and click 'Ok' on the next screen.
#1. Click on 'Internet'.
#2. Scroll down to Gnome PPP and check the box.
#5. Description of Gnome Dialer.
Click 'Apply' then 'Ok'. It will load the Gnome dialer so waiy a few seconds.
Close out this screen.
Dialer setup is the next screen (Fig.11)
Fig.10
Fig.11
Click Applications and then Internet and look for Gnome dialer. it will be there. When you find it click it and this screen comes up.
Click the Setup button and Fig 12 comes up.
Fig. 11
Fig.12
Click on the Modem tab and then click Detect. it wiil auto detect your dialup modem but give it time to do so.
Below "Phone Options and Init Strings, click on Phone Numbers and you will see the screen in Fig. 13 .
Fig.12
Fig.13
Type in your phone numbers and then click Close. Then click the Networking tab (Fig.14)
Fig.13
Fig.14
Fig.14
