So you've finally given in to that pesky nerdster inside of you (or the weird kid next door always telling you to give it a shot) and decided to try out the latest Ubuntu distro (short for distribution, i.e. - the current release). Congrats, and welcome to a whole new world of software freedom!!
If you haven't already installed it, its fairly simple to do so. You can insert the disc while still in your old OS and try it live, or reboot your computer with the disc in the drive and give it a shot that way as well. Once satisfied, go ahead and setup the appropriate partitioning and follow the on-screen instructions for installation.
For some nifty guides on installing Linux while keeping Vista or XP on your machine, check out these how-tos from APCmag. Also, I highly reccomend their suggestion of installing Linux AFTER Windows, otherwise things do tend to get a little tricky.
Okay, assuming thats all taken care of, now what? Well, you're at least able to browse the web with pre-installed Firefox 3.0 (as of release 8.10 codename: Intrepid Ibex, the network manager should be extremely easy and straightforward to configure) . Before we get too deep in setting up your new OS, let's start off by explaining a few basic elements which will be referred to quite frequently from here on out.
Terminal: Ahh, the terminal. The command line interface. Gracing computers and intimidating users since the hayday of MS-DOS. THIS, ladies and gentlemen, is where it all goes down. The command line interface, or CLI, is exactly what it says. You type commands, line by line, to interface with your machine and can do everything from download software packages, move and delete files, and burn/copy a plethora of video formats. Throughout this guide, I will provide tips on avoiding this scaaary interface for the n00bs, but also provide tips on how it is used. An excellent guide for getting your feet wet in the Terminal, can be found HERE.
Root: The term 'root' in '*nixland' is most often used to define Administrator privelage. Note that within your filesystem there is a folder called 'root' with which you need admin privelages to access. Additionally, when you open the package manager GUI you are asked to input your root/admin password. However, if you attempt to download packages through the CLI, you must first let the computer know you wish to do something as root by typing 'sudo' (super-user do) and then the command, then it will prompt for the password.
Synaptic Package Manager: This program, found under System -> Administration, is equivelant to the Add/Remove program in Windows.
This is where a variety of free, open source software (FOSS) can easily be found and located. Alternatively, if you already know the specific package for which you are looking, you can simply type the appropriate command into the Terminal. The package manager accesses the archives of software which are held in Repositories. In order to get the most from your Ubuntu distribution, I suggest enabling all repositories, instructions are provided below.ENABLING EXTRA REPOSITORIES (The First Real Lesson)
You can either open the Synaptic Package Manager and select Settings > Repositories, OR go to System > Administration > Software Sources and enter the admin password. I recommend ensuring that all boxes under the Ubuntu Software tab are checked off (multiverse, etc.).
You can also localize the Ubuntu server from which the software is downloaded. When you attempt to close the window, you will be prompted to reload your sources and some updates may already be available. Also, keep in mind that some software requires you to return to the Software Sources manager and add in their specific repository, but we'll get to that when the time comes.
These are just some of the many key words and programs to which I will be referring, and as new ones appear so shall their explanations. But, as always with any computer program, I highly recommend reading as much of the provided documentation as you can stomach, or sifting through the Ubuntu community forums.
Check back soon for the next few updates: How-to's on installing all the necessary files and programs to play your complete video/mp3 collection, desktop customization, suggested 'substitute' application reviews, and more!
