New To Ubuntu

If you are new to Ubuntu, what do you need to know to get started using this operating system and make the shift to Linux and open source? Ubuntu is a very mature operating system and should work fine as is for most users. You should not need to compile from source, add drivers or install any Windows software. Rather than going out on the Internet searching for programs, your best best is to start within Ubuntu itself. To install programs go to Applications > Ubuntu Software Center within Ubuntu. Be aware you will not find Windows programs like Word, Internet Explore or Outlook Express as those are proprietary programs rather than open source programs. Advanced users many choose to load drivers and install from source but you should not need to, there are simpler ways provided for you.

"How can all these programs be free? That won't make any money..."

Like A Car If you have a computer, it's more fun if you learn how to use it...

Open Source programs are not just free, they are designed to help free you. They help free you from the world of proprietary software, systems and file formats. In Ubuntu you will find all the free software you need to perform most any computing task. There are programs for browsing the web, email, office tasks and doing art. You can record sound, edit photos, chat or use instant messaging. There are games, programing, system tools and more.

Ubuntu It is a whole new world to explore...

If you are new to Ubuntu try to learn to do things the Ubuntu open source way. This is the biggest challenge of new users, they try to force Ubuntu to be Windows and that of course will fail. They try to load windows only programs or make the desktop look as much like windows as they can. They try to install WINE or dual boot or many other advanced techniques and then run into time consuming issues and give up. All of that is not needed though. We suggest you try using what is freely offered within Ubuntu for a month or so until you get familiar with Ubuntu and the software provided. Once you are familiar and see how it all works together, you may find you never want to go back to the old way. Much of what seems odd or annoying at first is from being new and unfamiliar, but that will pass.

Ubuntu offers many kinds of support like paid support, free documentation (both online and installed) forums and more.

Advice To New Users

1Use the programs that are in Ubuntu: Applications > Ubuntu Software Center.

2Use the help files that are in Ubuntu to learn the basics: System > Help and Support.

3Use the online help systems: http://www.ubuntu.com/support

4Use the community support systems: http://www.ubuntu.com/support/community

5Join the community: http://www.ubuntu.com/community

6Take the Tour: http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop

7We wrote a whole bunch of articles to help: What New Users Need To Know About Ubuntu