i recently acquired a laptop with the linux operating system was able to find an easy fix to be able to create new user just having trouble with running or downloading any new software any help for an average guy would be just great.

At first we need to know which Linux distribution you are running, for example Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Slackware.
Then we need to know which software you want to run on that system and how you tried to achieve that, including all error-messages you get.

Hi - you don't mention which version of Linux you are using. Either way whatever version you are using it will generally have a "Package Manager" or similar sounding named application somewhere in its menu system (Usually under System) which will list software available for download and installation.

If for instance you are using Ubuntu - older version - it will have a program called Synaptic Package Manager which will do the job. Later versions have Synaptic but also have the Software Center to do the same thing. Yet other versions of Linux have simple Add/Remove Programs. Again most times these are found under Section labelled System in your menu structure.

If you still have problems then contact me with the name of the Linux you are using (eg Ubuntu, Opensuse, Fedora, PCLinuxOS) and if you know it, also the version. I will then get back to you with the exact instructions.

Regards.... Phil (Hilly)

You should have an entry in the menu for installing software. Run that program, using its Help function if necessary. As Tobi says, such things vary according to distro. You may find programs sorted into categories, like games or office, or you may just get an A-Z listing. In either case, there should be a Search box where you can enter the name of a program or topic.

Try to use software from your distributor if you can. That way, it will be updated with everything else, and it will never conflict with other items.

If you are not sure what distro & version you have, try to get to a cmd line and use the following cmds
and post the results. Usually there's an icon that say 'Terminal' or 'Xterm'.
Alternately, just watch the bootup sequence carefully; you should see the name there.
For a list of possible names, look at www.distrowatch.com



Welcome to LQ

About dot com has a good set of tutorials designed for persons new to using Linux.

Here's their intro to installing software.

It is not at all like Windows.