I'm absolutely new to Linux which weirdly is very attractive for the speed of work and speed of internet browsing.I've got numerous of software that use to work on windows but not any more on Linux as well as equipment such as web cam, laser printer, bluetooth usb, external hard drive...every thing seem to be useless now.

So i tried to figure out how to connect to the printer remotely through the wireless network (via the second PC I've got as well)...can't do it...

Linux is such a new language to set up things. Is there anything who can teach new Linux user to come through their difficulties like Linux for Dummies or using a basic language to explain what is what which is which?

I've got the impression that I lost a lot of money by just installing a new free operating system on my laptop. I'm sure there might be a way to go around these difficulties. I'm expecting help from any body who is more confident in linux .

Thank you very much for your precious help.

The standard answer is: One thing at a time.

For starters, did you try installing your printer using the Ubuntu tools? (Under settings or system administration, I think.)

For Windows software, you will find that Linux has equivalents for most things. Others will work on WINE (Or CrossOver).

This forum (and the Ubuntu forums) are good resources---there are also many books specifically on Ubuntu. Check your local bookstore or Amazon.

You should read this article.

You need to tackle each issue one by one with a description of the issue.

Posting links to people finding they are unable to use their current peripheral devices when upgrading from XP to Vista (which they paid for) isn't really necessary here is it?

Also: don't throw away your Windows box.

No, I'm serious.

You might have the desire and the potential to swim right across that river, but if you "just jump in," you might find yourself both very-cold and air-deprived. It is quite unrealistic to expect that you will be successful ... let alone enjoy the trip!

I've been programming computers and running operating-systems for about twenty-five years now, and the first time I encountered Linux ... ohmygosh ohshit. That feeling did not go away for several months. It was more of a "baptism by fire" than I ever expected.

Now, I did try the "swim the river" approach and I did bring my life-jacket with me. But this is not going to be a walk in the park.

Definitely learn Linux. But plan to do it the right way. Slowly.

Well, actually this is other way around. In Linux you get the software free, but you need a little bit more knowledge about hardware, networking, everything. This is up to you whether you want to pay this "price" or not.

I don't have "Tool" in Ubuntu...just tool in firefox2.0...I tried to go to "system"-->"preference"...and "administration"...but no choice offered to set up a printer.
However i visit a website http://openprinting.org/show_printer...um=Dell-3010CN
which tell me that my laser printer is paper weight for linux and found out that the upgraded model is working. My concern is more about how to set it up through the network. Thank you for your precious help.

First of all, please state the distro that your using. Your profile states Ubuntu, but might one day change (por might not even be correct). Also, the version can be important (dapper drake aka 6.06, hardy heron aka 8.04 or ...).
In general, please provide as much info as possible like make and model of printer (is in your last post), of HD etc.


to setup the printer connected to your Linux box (under Ubuntu Dapper Drake):
system -> administration -> printing

for the external HD:
How does it connect (USB, ethernet, scsi, ...) to your computer? Make and model might help as well.

Yes, supply information. Printer make and model, version of Ubuntu, computer hardware. Details matter.

For printer configuration, you can also try entering localhost:631 in a browser. (This is actually the best printer tool, IMHO)