[xubuntu-users] WiFi on "Try It"? [and finding Xubuntu help]

[Fred Roller]

On 06/01/2014 11:12 AM, Robert Miner wrote:
> Fred -- thank you so much for your replies and the welcome!  I'm such 
> a newbie to Linux-like stuff that I'm even having to learn how to 
> operate the computer as a "terminal" to get access to command-line 
> prompts.
Don't worry, most things can be done through a gui (graphic user 
interface) but terminal is where, you will find, the true power of Linux 
rests.  That and when you get comfortable with command line will simply 
just be a faster way to resolve things that pop up.
> I definitely have Broadcom cards in my two old Dells (one is a 2006 
> like yours) running XP.  We (mostly my wife!) and I recently sprung 
> for a new computer with W 8.1.  I went through the learning process 
> and then tutored my wife, and she loves it.  I just hate to throw away 
> old computers that are still working, but I also don't want to risk 
> using them on the Internet with XP.
For your Broadcom systems you can simply try from terminal:

sudo apt-get install linux-firmware-nonfree

which simply worked for me on mine.
>
> I think you're probably right about the Broadcoms, and I need to 
> install a different driver.  However, on reply says Ubuntu works fine 
> on wireless (for that user), even though Xbuntu does not (nor does 
> Lubuntu, which I tried fist).  Might give Ubuntu a try before I start 
> playing with command lines!  The only reason I went to the other 
> versions is that I really don't need an entire suite (Libre), just 
> Abiword.  My 2Gb of RAM probably would handle Ubuntu.
This is where Linux shines above all other OSs - choices.  Look and find 
what works best for you and your wife.  My personal experience was 
getting rid of Windows altogether when an office system was 
compromised.  I vowed to find what ever solutions necessary to make 
Linux work.  I have never looked back.
>
> On another note, does this forum work stictly on individual replies 
> via email, or is there a way to see topics and threads, and to search 
> to see if questions have already been answered? Thanks again for your 
> help and patience with this 73-year old! Bob
You can start here:

http://xubuntu.org/news/category/faq/ # Frequently asked questions about 
Xubuntu.
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/xubuntu-users/ # Archives for this 
mailing list.
http://www.ubuntu.com/community/conduct # Rules and etiquette for 
mailing list and forums.

You can set your email software, assuming you are using any, to filter 
and show these emails as "threads" to make monitoring them easier.  Each 
email, like a paragraph should be a singular thought or issue. 
Thunderbird is a light weight option which is default in Xubuntu and 
available for Windows and other distributions.

http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/

Remember to bottom post, preferred, or in-line post so these post remain 
readable.  Linux is fun and light so enjoy trying these things out.  You 
may find yourself swapping out the other OS's in favor of a safer better 
(IMHO) operating system that is Linux.

Once you have settled in then perhaps you can get involved. Everyone has 
something to offer and this is all a community driven effort.  Good luck 
and happy hunting.

-- 
- Fred

"Only those who can see the invisible
can accomplish the impossible." - Anonymous