Setting up Ubuntu

[chrome0011]

I have a Thinkpad whose LCD got smashed (don't ask), and I am planning to set it up with a monitor for mom. I think Ubuntu is a good choice because all I see her doing is web surfing and maybe office type apps.

Anyway, this is the first time I've used a linux OS. I have it installed and everything seems to be fine. Anyone have any tips to make sure this goes smoothly?

THANKS in advance!

 

[cleverhandle]

Um... don't install an OS for someone else until you're familiar with it?

I think this is really good-intentioned, but really not a great idea. At the very least, convert your own machine to Ubuntu at the same time so that you can figure out how things work. If the OS isn't good enough for you, why would you foist it on your mom?

 

[Lord Evermore]

Besides which, didn't it have an OS already?

 

[GML3G0]

Why don't you try out the Live CD first and see if she likes it?

 

[sourceninja]

This is just a setup for failure. An OS setup for a person with no training by a person with no experiance.

 

[SleepWalkerX]

You will have problems and if you don't know how to solve them you may get very discouraged. That's how I was when I first started out in the linux world. Only advice is read the unofficial ubuntu guide to be able to setup simple tasks and if you have any questions look at ubuntu's forums. Its most likely answered there. Oh and best of luck.

 

[chrome0011]

Wow, thanks for all the help. Especially you, sourceninja.

Well, for those interested, the OS is up and running and everything is fine. Surfing the web smoothly.

Thanks sleepwalkerx. I have the OS on a partition on my pc and will be able to work things out on this end.

Oh, and Not-so-cleverhandle, I 'foist' it on my mom because she doesn't play BF2.

 

[Lord Evermore]

Don't be an ass. It's a valid point, that you're asking your mom to learn to use an OS that you've never used before, and won't be able to effectively support her on. I sure as hell wouldn't send a computer to my family members or friends like that.

 

[chrome0011]

Nevermind.

I think you all missed the point. This is a computer that isn't going to be used for much, and, AS SUCH, doesn't need xp. Linux seemed like a great choice given that it is simple and lightweight.

Apparently, though, it is much too complicated for the average person. Funny, though, how my girl seemed to pick it up in about 3 minutes. I guess it will take old mom ten.

But thanks for all the tips.

 

[Lord Evermore]

AT Forums: You have questions, we have snide remarks and can't fathom why you are even considering the thing you have questions about.

I don't think that'd actually make a good trademark slogan.

Anyway, don't blame us if we wanted to possibly get a better understanding of why you were doing something that sounded like a wildly stupid idea.

 

[sourceninja]

I just warned you, what did you want, a complete guide on how to solve every problem you might encounter?

 

[IEC]

Remember all you elitist pricks, you were once n00blets too. Sure the OP may not have the knowledge or skills YOU do, but for a linux distro that's purported to "Just Work", it'd be fine for most users. Refer to SleepWalkerX's post for actual help, ignore the other idiots.

 

[cleverhandle]

Originally posted by: ariafrost
Remember all you elitist pricks, you were once n00blets too. Sure the OP may not have the knowledge or skills YOU do, but for a linux distro that's purported to "Just Work", it'd be fine for most users. Refer to SleepWalkerX's post for actual help, ignore the other idiots.

Wow... somebody kick your dog this morning or what? People's comments have nothing to do with elitism or even with Linux. I've never used OSX, so I wouldn't go pushing my mom into using it. Yeah, it's supposed to be great and easy to use, but the second something doesn't work as expected and I can't walk her through it over the phone, then it's my fault for installing it in the first place. Yeesh...