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New user blues
MMcQuown
Posts: 12
Been using Debian KDE 3.5 for about two years, and have had a pretty good time of it until lately. I have Comcast as an ISP and Firefox as a browser. Over the last two months, I have had frequent Internet crashes; Firefox 'can't find server' and for the last three days it has been out more than it's in. Comcast swears it's not their fault. Inquiries to Firefox have not yet received answers. So: is there a more Linux-compatible ISP than Comcast, or a better browser than Firefox? I know the head of our local LUG doesn't like Ff at all.
Also, I feel like a real fraud, because I really don't know a lot about computers, and when I tell people I use Linux, they assume I'm very computer literate.
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Comments
Maybe you can tell us more about your setup. What distro your using, hardware etc. Are you using a router with a comcast cable modem? Is it the only computer using the connection? Are you using wireless or wired? And/or anything else that might be unique to your setup.
And, heh, if your using Linux, even as a newbie, your probably more computer literate than most windows users . :-P
There's a lot of basic computer stuff I don't know, especially for Linux. I downloaded Firefox 3.5.2, but it didn't install; just sitting on my desktop. Where do I find the install/uninstall control panel? If that's what I need to do the job
Next time you get the issues go to the terminal and try to ping the website to see if the address as resolved or if you have connectivity.
You can help us help you by telling us which Debian you are using (Lenny, Squeeze, Sid, etc). The Debian version of Firefox is called Iceweasel, not Firefox (same software, different branding). Using Synaptic to install software is always safer and easier than downloading from a web site!
Some people have better luck with one network manager over another, too. Debian's Knetwork manager (the KDE one) didn't work as well on my 'puter as a different one called "Wicd." Installable from Synaptic, it offered a little better connectivity for me than before (your mileage may vary).
Robin
I highly recommend installing ubuntu 9.04 or 9.10 to you are using a currently supported version. So you know the ubuntu version numbers relate to the year and month of the release, so 9.04 means it was released in 2009 in the 4th month, your version was released in October 2007.
I tried to upgrade online, which didn't work, When I started, it said about 22 hours to complete, but 36 hours later, it was still running the upgrade, with no indication that it would ever complete. I did order an upgraded disk, but it hasn't come yet. The new computer is a rebuild with a Pentium 4 processor, but it's a flatbox model with no space for a second hard drive for a master/slave config. I am very broke, so I don't have a lot of choices about what I can get, which is why I appreciate the help I get here so much.
One of the reasons I got into Linux was because it seems to be safe from all the crap that attacks Windows. Is this true, or am I deluding myself? Trouble is, I really feel out of my depth, because there is a lot I don't know about basic computer.
You can still attmpt a usb based installation if that system is able to boot from a usb flash drive.
To answer your question, Linux based systems do a lot more self cleaning than windows and they are less open to viri and spyware, the reason for the near lack or viri and spyware is that it uses a better security model in relation to user rights.
Basically by running a Linux system and doing your homework you will not have to worry about or look for:
Viruses
Spyware
Disk Cleanup
Defragmentation
Firewall
Most Hardware drivers
most print drivers
and which websites you visit
Welcome to Linux.com and to your new Linux Adventure. As a new Linux Explorer (I don't like to use the word "newbie"), you'll be learning LOTS of goodies in the next few months. Don't get frustrated and give up. It's well worth the effort. I was a 100% MS Windows user up until the summer of '06. I converted to the GNU/Linux operating system at that time and never looked back.
One thing I always tell all new Linux Explorers whom I run across, "Linux is NOT MS Windows." Don't expect it to be. Linux is an entirely different operating system. You'll have a bit of a learning curve, just as you did when you first started using MS Windows. Expect frustrations and the occasional set back. They happen. Learn from the experience and move on.
The second thing I always tell new Linux Explorers is to KEEP a notebook. It will save your rear echelon one of these days. You can't remember everything. Believe me when I tell you this. You can read about my note-taking habits here --> The Importance of Keeping Notes.
And the last bit of info I pass along to new Linux Explorers is usually a series of links. Bookmark these. They're some of the best. Linux has one of the largest communities on the Internet. 99% of the folks in those communities will do all the can to assist you. It's all out there for the asking. Keep something in mind, though... you'll be more respected as a seeker of assistance if you show some previous effort on your part to research answers on your own. Google is your friend. No one likes the type of poster who shows up at a support site and asks to have all things spoon fed to them.
Helpful links:
Linux.com
Linux Compatibility
Distrowatch
The Linux Documentation Project
Linux Wikipedia article
Tips for Linux Explorers
YoLinux! Tutorials
Scot's Newsletter Forums - Bruno's All Things Linux
Linux Questions.org
And remember... have FUN with it!
Regards,
~Eric
I have two systems, one of which locked up on an update, and is absolutely stuck. The cursor won't move, and is resting in its I form in the middle of an error window. Nothing responds. On my box system (rebuilt Compaq Evo) I have had occasional boot-up problems with an error message about an add-in card. Whazzat all about?