Ubuntu help?

gorilla

Hi all, I've just installed ubuntu onto my laptop and as I'd backed up all my stuff from XP I didn't bother going for the dual boot option. It installed fine, but I had some trouble configuring my broadcom wifi card. It works now after following the guides on the ubuntu forum. I have to say that I'm quite impressed with ubuntu. I've never used linux before but I use other open source software e.g open office, nvu, firefox, gimp etc and just fancied giving linux a go.

Now to my problem, because I've never used linux before, I am a bit overwhelmed with all the support that is available on the ubuntu site and all over the web. However, I'm looking for a complete beginners guide, something that states the obvious. I can find my way around ubuntu quite easily, but I'm not sure how I go about customising the layout or look.

I should also point out that until two nights ago I'd never used a 'terminal' before and I'm not comfortable with code. That being said, as far as I can tell my ubuntu setup is similar to my xp setup i.e. I have the same programs already installed.

Sorry for the long winded post, but I thought I would need to fully explain my situation.

Thanks

wolfman

I always use:
http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Dapper

It's got virtually everything you need to know.

Terminal isn't the easiest thing to use, GUI's would be much more preferable in my opinion. Once you get used to it though, you'll have full control of your pc.

Apart from that, the best thing is usually to have a click around. Just become familiar with all the menu's and options.

wiraone

That is really a good link there wolfman, been using Ubuntu for a month now but yet to add anything new to it.. Well, basically whatever comes from the initial CD seems to be enough for me right now.

gorilla

Yeah thanks for the replies, I have just printed out the ubuntu desktop guide seen here in html.

wiraone, how are you finding it?

wiraone

Well, I'm not that new to Linux, have been using it on and off for the past ten years and previously, I've been a Redhat/Fedora fan. Currently Ubuntu is my main operating system but I do have dual-boot configuration, Win XP in the other partition, mainly for my children to play with their online games. Since I use my PC just for Internet browsing, Usenet news reading, emailing and sometime writing short letters to children's school .. Ubuntu suited me well actually. Installation was straight forward and much easier than Fedora Core for sure.