New to Linux, Already Pulling My Hair Out?

Question

I've been a PC user for years, from Win95 all the way up to Windows 7. A lot of my friends have been saying things like, "Oh you should use Linux, it's free and really easy to use," and things along those lines, praising how easy Linux is, so I instaled it- which wiped my Windows 7. Not a horrible issue, just a little annoying. Moving on.

Upon starting up Linux, I decided I wanted to download and install a web browser. I go to the web site, and look to download it. Instead, I'm given a bunch of technical command prompt jargon that makes absolutely no sense. I look online, "How to install (said browser) on Linux" and come up with even more technical brickabrack.

Okay, so maybe I'll just sit down and watch a video. Wrong. I have to install Adobe Flash for that. So I go to their page and- lo and behold, same command this-and-that which I really was getting tired of seeing at that point.

So I'm hunting around for a "package manager", and to use it- well, you get the idea. Type command, know what they're talking about, and I assume the pogram should work.

Here's the trouble: I have absolutely no idea what the hell any of this means. I type what they say to, and nothing happens at all, and I get error messages with questions I don't understand ("Are you in root?" What!?)

Basically, I installed Linux no problem, but no I have no way to do really anything without having to install an installer to install something I need installed with command prompts.

Where do I start!?

Answer 1

If you have already installed Linux - go to the software manager (Just click the icon) Then you need to type in your password ( your are then the superuser - administrator [very important] - From there you can select tons of programs (safely) Adobe is just one of the thousands available - In windows you went searching on the web - not really knowing if the program you were preparing to download was virus free- With this method - it has been tested beforehand for you -



It is just a slightly different operating method after being spoiled by the only operating system to advertise and make money the more you must depend on it -



Linux, once you start to catch on, will kick windows butt.



If nothing else go to the library and use their computer to watch Youtubes of Linux videos - tho one of you friends should at least show you how to download Adobe, etc. It's really very simple once you have done it once or twice.



Yeah, you should have installed it as a dual boot system.

Answer 2

Yahoo Answers is not a particularly interactive format, so it's not well suited to this question. I suggest that you go to the user forums for the particular Linux distribution you have chosen and ask questions about specific issues there. Or if you need more immediate help, log on to Freenode IRC and go to your Linux distro's channel. I've been using Linux for over a decade now, and I've been quite happy with it. I've been using Funtoo Linux for about 4 years now.



By the way, I don't know what distro you installed, but maybe you would prefer a Linux distro that includes Adobe Flash and various multimedia codecs out of the box. You'd probably like to try Linux Mint or maybe Sabayon Linux. Both have multimedia software already set up. Linux Mint is probably the most noob friendly. And it isn't necessary to wipe Windows. If you want them both, you can have both installed side-by-side.



But really, if you're happy with Windows, then use Windows. I just know I was happy to give up Windows and switch to Linux.

Answer 3

"I go to the web site, and look to download it."



This is generally not the best way to install software under Linux, the same way it's not the best way to install software under iOS or Android. Rather, use a graphical package manager. Most distributions have one by default - it might be called "Software Centre" or even "App Store" (which it pretty much is). If your distribution does not it probably isn't a distribution ideal for novices.



As for command-line stuff, the reason you'll often find command-line instructions is that they're short and precise, compared to instructions such as "Open the Control Panel, go into Programs..." etc. But they aren't really the best thing when you're getting started.



Oh, and root is what Linux calls Administrator. You need to do things like installing software as root. It's more secure to not do your routine computing, such as browsing the web, as root. The same goes on Windows, by the way.

Answer 4

1. Ubuntu will not "wipe" your Windows, unless you installed it over your Windows (read about "partitions"). Windows will wipe your Ubuntu (or at least will not have it shown up). Ubuntu will show your Windows files. Windows will not show you the Ubuntu files.

2. A web browser is installed on Ubuntu by default. It's called "Web Browser" in the menu. Anything clearer?

3. Installing programs is no issue. Just go to Youtube and Ubuntu will tell you a pluggin is missing and will ask you if you want to install. Just say "yes".

4. If asked if "you're root" just start the line with "sudo". Of course from the Terminal, which is the basic installer. Or go to Synaptic or the Ubuntu Software Center.

Many choices. Or shell out $$$$$ for Windows (W10 is coming up at US$ 800.00). Dummies pay. Gates is a billionaire after all as there are many, many dummies.

Answer 5

since you do not tell us wiuch version of Linux you installed we can not really help. Any good distribution has built in application managers like package managers built in. some distributions are stripped dow to get more performance, but those are mostly not good for someone with no previous experience. Ubuntu, Open Suse and Fedors all have VERY easy software managers. Open Suae has a software search facility which will find you any available compatible software and check for all possible other siftware it mat require before it can work, like additional libraries, and then download them all and install them. It asks you for a suoer user (root) password as it runs. You seem to be trying to run before you can walk. If you bothered to read the documentation for your version you would know that root it the Linux eqiivalent af a Microsoft administrator. But no user needs to be an admin, they just become one for the time it requires to start the installer. This is one of the things that makes it so secure. NOTHING and NOBODY can install anything on it, including all malware, nor can they delete or change system critical files without becoming the root user. And if you are using a sensible ditribution just a search on their site will gove you most of this information, on that and how you can get prepared installer verssions of any normal software.

Answer 6

You might consider a 'dual boot' arrangement, with Win7 and Ubuntu (or other user-friendly distro).

You'd have your familiar Windows to fall back on, but using the Ubuntu for your Internet work (it comes with a wide array of programs like Firefox, T'bird, and so on) frees up time you'd normally spend babysitting Windows to scan, update, clean, re-scan, patch, and so on.

Use that time to explore the rich environment of Linux, and hone different skills.

Have a look at this resource and see what's involved (has installation screenshots, and many other resources); http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installing

Once you feel comfortable, you can add other distros if you feel the need.

Linux purists laff at Ubuntu (et al) but it comes so complete and easy to manage, it is often the best way to wean yourself from the Sisyphean labors of keeping Windows alive.

Answer 7

I'm reading this as someone who started Linux in '94 and dumped Windows in '03. All I can say is which Linux? Debian versions like Ubuntu use apt and the Software Manager to update, though you can use wajig and gjig. Red hat variants like Fedora use yum and rpm files. I retreated to slackware in 2007, and just started playing with Debian and Ubuntu again. I couldn't configure the wireless in Ubuntu but Debian is like a dream.



If you don't want to read the manual then get an IT person or go back to Windows. If you don't want to tell us what you are using our answers won't be very good.

Answer 8

Linux is really easy to use. It is NOT, however, always easy to install and configure. It requires a bit of technical knowledge that goes beyond the Windows download-click-install mentality.



What is your level of expertise with Windows? There is a HUGE difference between having *used* Windows since win95 and actually working with it, installing, configuring, fixing, etc. If your skill level is low, you might want to stick with one or the dumbed down linux Distros like Ubuntu. It's not that great, but it is good for the non-technical user.



You have been with Windows since Win95? Then you should be familiar with the Norton Commander. In Linux we have a clone called the Midnight Commander. Works the same way and makes it 10000 times easier to do many mundane tasks. If you have never heard of the Norton Commander, let alone don't know how to use it, then your Windows skills were probably not that great and you might consider sticking with the dumbed-down distros like Ubuntu.



When I switched to Linux many years ago, I had no clue what I was doing, and I had to learn a few things before I was actually able to use it. But it wasn't that hard to do, and there are may excellent online resources to help you on your way.



I don't remember which distros I initially looked at, but I quickly choose Slackware because it is a linux distro that does *not* try to be like Windows, but rather stays pure to its Unix roots. Many distros, like the Debian variants (Ubuntu, Puppy, Mine, etc) try to be Windows-like so Windows users can make the transition. It works, but you end up with a consumer grade distro that is not really suited for the pro. I did some kernel coding using Debian, and that worked well. I looked at Ubuntu because it was becoming popular, laughed at it, and quickly moved on. I used Red Hat for a while, but didn't really like having to do things the Red Hat way. I looked at Suse, but it caused too many problems. I always went back to Slackware, and today I use Slackware for my development machines, my gaming machines, and all of my servers.



So decide if you just want to use Linux, or actually learn it, and choose the distro that will help you down that path.

Answer 9

I would use a more user friendly Linux like Zorin-OS (best distro for beginners). I will stay away from versions like Arch Linux, Gentoo, and Fedora if your not familiar with Linux. Linux Mint is also good because it looks similar to windows. If you're trying to install packages, right click on the package if it will give you the option to install using package manager



https://linuxmint.com

https://zorin-os.com

Answer 10

That's what becomed of not reading what's in front of you, At the install start It asked you " Do You want to run wondows side by side" you should have answered "Yes" and when asking a question you SHOULD give al the DETAILS then people can give you the right answer

Answer 11

Lol we have all been there. what distro are you using? if your not used to package managers and such I'd stick to windows. if your trying to get into IT world though its great to learn this stuff now. All you can do is read read read and then one day you'll get it. Thats what happened to me, know I freaking love Linux! I use crunchbang, but ubuntu is good for the very beginner

Answer 12

If you are usng one of the Ubuntu based distros (Ubuntu r Mint, some others), just look in the main menu under Administration, find the Software Manager, use that to find and install software. STOP DOING THINGS THE WINDOWS WAY - that thing where you search the internet for some random installer program, download and run it, opening your system to random strangers, just stop doing that.

Answer 13

I'm sorry to say it sounds to me like you go little over your head there. I used Microsoft Security Essentials then added in (and I like this one alot) Bit Defender. Now I had to do some reconfigurations and get rid of some files that were being awfully naughty to my computer, but once that was done... My computer is running much better, though a little slow for an older computer. Now I hope that my notes here were helpful and I wish you much luck.

Answer 14

First and foremost, which Distribution are you using? I recommend that you started with Linux Mint http://www.linuxmint.com/ or (preferably) Korora Linux https://kororaproject.org/ (these distros pretty much come with all non-free codecs preinstalled, including Flash; you may also want to install Chrome as that has the most current version of Flash).



In Linux, you will generally install everything from the `Software Manager`; in simple terms, it is close to the equivalent to MS Window's `Add/Remove Programs` except, all possible software within that distro's repository can be installed from there.

Answer 15

Hi

Anonymous

Puppy is not a vairent but built using T2 and can use binaries from ubuntu, arch, slackeare or deb depending on version.

A new person is best using ubuntu unless they want to learn and not just click and go.

Answer 16

My suggestion would be: Go back to Windows. It works the way it does to make things easy for you. Life is too short to learn everything, so pick what you want to learn - and get the rest as easy as you can.

Answer 17

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