Ubuntu for dummies:

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Waaib

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I have a laptop at home that is used for email, excel and word only. Windows keeps crashing on it.

I have a copy of Ubuntu 7.04 and am wondering:

1) Is it really easy to use? I'm a total ignoramus when it comes to operating systems etc.

2) Is there a 'nice' (like Outlook) email client available.

3) Does OpenOffice run on Ubuntu?

Are all the above easy to install and operate without any knowledge of programming etc.
 
Waaib said:
I have a laptop at home that is used for email, excel and word only. Windows keeps crashing on it.

I have a copy of Ubuntu 7.04 and am wondering:

1) Is it really easy to use? I'm a total ignoramus when it comes to operating systems etc.

2) Is there a 'nice' (like Outlook) email client available.

3) Does OpenOffice run on Ubuntu?

Are all the above easy to install and operate without any knowledge of programming etc.
Click to expand...

1) It is; you need to spend some time setting it up, but that applies to all operating systems. For some things you will need to use the terminal, the daunting thing with that is if you're coming from a DOS or MS system, it's a whole new set of commands. Most things can be done via the GUI.

2) I don't use it, but the Ubuntu version is highly rated.

3) Yep.

Why not the newer Ubuntu?
Also, if you're going to do it, my advice is to set a separate home partition when you install; this way you can try out the different distros without a headache.
 
For me, that sounds like the perfect setup for Linux. However there is one caveat. You will need to be willing to learn a whole new way of doing things.

Depending on your laptop, I would imagine everything should be picked up easily and be ready to run on first boot. But for certainty make sure you have the latest Ubuntu if that's the distro you will choose.

Do one of two things: Do a lot of research before going that route. Or be prepared to spend a lot of time on the Linux section getting help until you are comfortable with Linux.
 
1) What's easy for some is maybe not for others, I think the install is pretty simple, also I cant remember ever having to go near the terminal.

2) You can try Thunderbird http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/thunderbird/
there is a windows version also.

3) I think Openoffice comes pre-install on ubuntu.
 
Waaib said:
I have a laptop at home that is used for email, excel and word only. Windows keeps crashing on it.

I have a copy of Ubuntu 7.04 and am wondering:

1) Is it really easy to use? I'm a total ignoramus when it comes to operating systems etc.

2) Is there a 'nice' (like Outlook) email client available.

3) Does OpenOffice run on Ubuntu?

Are all the above easy to install and operate without any knowledge of programming etc.
Click to expand...

In Ubuntu Evolution is the email client, it is pre-installed, as well as Open-Office. You can always install Thunderbird afterward.
 
the thing with changing OS is that you have to realise that you are making a fundamental shift and all you have learnt previously counts for nothing. once you get over this and accept you have to learn new things you will be in a good space.

for what the op states, typically the only thing that will have been paid for is the OS. Getting MS Office will require another significant layout. Linux can do all the things he wants to do for the cost of the hardware.
 
Thanks for the answers. The Windows repair just blue-screened so I'm going to try setup Ubuntu after dinner.

I'm using 7.04 because I have it on DVD. If I install that can I do updates to get to the latest version or would I need a complete 700mb download?

I've used Thunderbird for Windows. Don't like it. I need to use POP3 email. NOt saying Tbird doesn't do that. Just don't like the interface etc.
 
You would be better off downloading a complete new download. Upgrading from 7.04 all the way to Hardy would use at least 1.5-2GB. depending on the programs installed. Go to http://ubuntu.mirror.ac.za/ubuntu-release/8.04.1/ and download the correct version for your laptop (x86 for anything or amd64 for any Core2Duo or Amd64-bit).
It really is easier than the initial stereotype. I did my first install without even Windows install knowledge and found Ubuntu easy and basic to work with.
Just follow the defaults and you will be fine.
 
Again I'm going to recommend a separate home partition; do it from the beginning and it cuts a lot of headache later; I learnt this the hard way.
 
PaddyTM said:
Again I'm going to recommend a separate home partition; do it from the beginning and it cuts a lot of headache later; I learnt this the hard way.
Click to expand...

True. I have three partitions: 2GB swap, 15GB root and the rest of my drive as /home. The nice part is that it holds all your documents and program settings, even across multiple installs.
 
froot said:
True. I have three partitions: 2GB swap, 15GB root and the rest of my drive as /home. The nice part is that it holds all your documents and program settings, even across multiple installs.
Click to expand...

Exactly; at the beginning I kept all my stuff on an external and dvds, would install a distro for a while, then try out the next one (there's only so much you can do with a live cd, and I'm only starting to mess with virtual machines now). With the partition, I laugh through installations. Watch me : ha ha ha.
 
I second downloading the latest ubuntu CD, don't bother grabbing the DVD because you'll be dealing with on-line repositories anyway.
 
Software sources. Updates, programs etc. Click and it gets the dependancies, program, installs it for you everything. :D heaven.
 
Waaib said:
Online repositories?
Click to expand...

Yes, you use a package manager to install apps, games, drivers etc without the need to open terminal and compile packages it's all done automatically, and you can use the local server only if you are capped... this is how you get your updates delivered as well.
 
If I install 7.04 will it update itself to 8.x or is it a new install?
 
Waaib said:
If I install 7.04 will it update itself to 8.x or is it a new install?
Click to expand...

Trust me that's a bad idea, get the latest 8.04.1 CD, the updates will only be around a few megabytes after that.

You will have legacy kernels taking up space if you tried updating from 7.04 which you have to remove manually.
 
ok. downloading 8.04.1 now. 4 hours remaining.
 
Waaib said:
ok. downloading 8.04.1 now. 4 hours remaining.
Click to expand...

Great, it will be worth the wait.

Cross your fingers your laptop hardware works "out the box" and no configuration will be needed ;)
 
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