Need a Primer for Ubuntu

[Adam Lafayette]

Hi Scooter,

I've been using Linux for a few years.  I set up a
computer running redhat linux several years ago and
have used it as a file server but I am far from being
a guru only because once I had that server set up I
didn't have to fool with settings again.  It still
runs good.  Anyway I've played with several other
distros but so far ubuntu is my favorite.  The best
way to find which works best for you is to just try
some.  

One way to do this is download live cds.  Some distros
have them and some don't.  Ubuntu does.  The only
problem is that if you boot off the live cd and
install some software its only there till you shutdown
your computer.

Another way is if you have an extra computer hanging
around install a distribution on that computer and
start playing with it.

The way I am learning Ubuntu is I set up my computer
as a dual boot machine.  I can boot into windows XP or
I can boot into Ubuntu.  I have a win32 partition just
for my files so they can be accessed from both windows
and linux.  I have been running this way for about a
month.  My girlfriend has started liking ubuntu also. 
She has only used linux a little before now.
The nice thing about this if you don't know how to do
something in Linux do it in windows till you figure
out how in linux.

For software:
It sounds like Qcad may be your replacement for cad
according to other people.  I'm not a cad user.

When you said music I"m not sure what you were talking
about.  Did you just want software for listening to
cds and mp3s, or do you want audio recording software?
 There is both.  If you want audio recording software
there is audacity as well as others.  There is a linux
version I just haven't tried setting it up yet. 
Audacity also has windows and mac versions.  There are
plenty of music players as well.  I use XMMS, its a
lot like winamp for windows.

There is a lot of great ubuntu help on this list, on
help.ubuntu.com and at https://wiki.ubuntu.com/

--- Scooter <scooter at scootersdesk.com> wrote:

> Good Evening List,
>  
> I may be trying the wrong flavor of Linux, but I
> must start somewhere.
> I have been reading for two weeks and STILL don't
> know which direction to
> go!
> Ubuntu's website and the general atmosphere (people
> and emails) made me WANT
> to learn here.
>  
> The "talk" has alluded me. It reminded me of the
> 'ole Apple II days. Writing
> programs was a necessity. But I quit programming,
> when I could afford a
> really good system (Amiga). Then it was 20+ years
> with Microsoft, but things
> in the Microsoft World are getting much too
> expensive and complicated for my
> needs. Open-Source software has almost replaced
> everything, except for three
> critical areas; the OS, CAD and music (my hobby).
> I'm a Misc. Metals Detailer (CAD) and Project
> Manager by trade &  and a
> amateur Web Designer.
> These two worlds are my working life. I tell you
> this so you understand my
> point of view.
> I am unable at this point to let go of Microsoft
> (MS) because I need it to
> make a living.
>  
> I have run trouble shooting (MS) at many companies
> to earn my way and am
> having a lot of trouble with the Linux lingo and
> protocol. It is an alien
> world to me at this point, but it is constantly
> pulling at me with intrigue
> and possibilities.
> I understand from several articles (WIKI) that
> Ubuntu is probably not the
> best choice for me, but I need to be (at the very
> least) a "high schooler",
> not a "kindergartener" in the Linux world, before I
> CAN let go of MS. 
> THE main question is, WHERE do I start. There are SO
> MANY "flavors" and too
> many directions to go in!
>  I need to go in the direction of my livelihood, but
> there are no beginner
> books for the computer savvy. No general comparisons
>  between the two OSs. 
> I don't even know where to look for software that is
> exclusive to Linux AND
> in my fields of interest!
> I need HELP.
>  
> Take Care,
> Scooter
> College Park, MD 20740
>  
> > -- 
> ubuntu-users mailing list
> ubuntu-users at lists.ubuntu.com
>
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-users
> 


Adam Lafayette  N1ZGG   atomlbomb at yahoo.com    http://www.bloodkeg.com       http://www.geocities.com/atomlbomb