Hi. Sorry to be so stupid, but I just managed to load and install this Linux (which I really like a lot) on my previously windows <--(bad) system.
But now I need to upgrade some software (like Adobe flash), and I have no clue how to do this. I understand I should go to my original linux distrubutor, and select software thru them (my "Linux distro").
But actually, it's been awhile since I did the install, and I dont exactly remember where I even got this distribution. (I know, I'm dumb--sorry).
Is there a way I can look at my linux system files and see who my distribution is thru, and where is their website. Or would it be easier if I just went thru the whole download and install of linux again <--(not really looking forward to that).
Or even, am I wrong about going thru the distro to do installs/upgrades?
Anything you can tell me will be greatly appreciated.

Long Live Linux !! David K

You are going to have to be a bit more specific with your question.

Most distributions have some sort of package manager: apt/aptitude and synaptic for debian, yum for centos/fedora/redhat, slackpkg for slackware, and an assortment of others. You are going to need to specify which distribution that you are using. For this you will need to open a terminal. In your program list you should find something like Konsole, bash, rxvt, xterm- use this to open a terminal and run the following code and give us the output:

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What distro of Linux did you install?

The way software is managed in Linux is much different from how it is managed in Windows. This Wikipedia article might help: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Package_manager

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If you don't know which distribution of Linux you are using you can find it by typing in a terminal:

Or

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Hi David...

Welcome to Linux and the forum

I have to confess I don't entirely understand the phenomenon of folks who are new to Linux disparage and belittle themselves when they come to a forum seeking help. It's almost as if to find help and acceptance, they have to do this so that in order that those more experienced might grudgingly take pity on them and offer to help or that they really are what they call themselves. I understand the spiritual angle of this, or rather the source (Satan.)

Two things here that I want to stress: You are not dumb or stupid! Your value and purpose does not come from how much of Linux you may or may not know, your value and purpose comes from the fact that God created you (in His own image, see Genesis 1:27,) specifically and uniquely! That's it. As far as intelligence and ability are concerned, no one who uses Linux started out knowing everything they know about it. It took time using it and learning by trial and error. Everything I know about it (which, granted, isn't as much as others,) was achieved the same way, over a period of years. I commend you for the steps you have taken. You installed a copy of Linux on your computer, on your own. Not everyone would able to do that or would want to. It's not an easy thing to do for someone just starting out. If the perception among those outside (or inside) of the community is that we're "maneaters" or that we need to put others down so we ourselves can feel good and that we're important, then I suggest that we, as a community, do some "soul searching" and reflection.

Now as far as your question goes, the means to download and install software via package manager has been covered above. Installing Flash Player can be accomplished a few different ways so we'll wait to hear from you what distribution and version of Linux you're running. Bear in mind though, Adobe quite developing standalone, regular versions of Flash after 11.2, so if you want or need a newer version, you will need to install a copy of Chrome (not Chromium,) the browser from Google.

Hope this helps.

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all of the above
depending on just WHAT version ( distro ) you installed
you might have to reinstall with the CURRENT version
or upgrade to it

some operating systems are LONG TERM SUPPORT --- 5 years
others are VERY SHORT term support --- 13 MONTHS!!!!

we do need to know just what your operating system is

then we can help

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Some are even shorter then 13 months. The latest Ubuntu only has 9 months support.

@OP
You probably want to look for a Linux version with LTS being mentioned. Those generally have 5 years support. If I could give you a recommendation. Download and install the latest Mint (17.1) with a desktop of your choice. It's an LTS with support till 2019. Stuff like Adobe Flash and support for mp3 etc. are installed by default. And it's tailored for people who are completely new to the world of Linux. It's one of the easiest distributions to use.

When it comes to installing software. Mint has it's own software manager. Where everything is nicely sorted out into groups of programs. Popular programs are listed first and installing them is just a click on the install button.

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Given that you said it's been a while since you did this install, and that you don't recall where you got this distribution, it is a great idea to consider just upgrading the distribution. The others have offered suggestions as to how to figure this out. Another one might be a splash screen you see when you boot, if you happen to boot to a desktop distribution.

I'd actually consider saving backups of your data and then performing a complete install of the newest version of that distribution. Or starting first with a Live form of that distribution to ensure that it hasn't changed so dramatically that you now dislike it. This should get you updated copies of things like Adobe and other stuff.

Also there should be a GUI based installer available to let you install or update programs on your system. This is an alternative you could try if you want to just try updating one main program. An issue might be that the system libraries are sufficiently old that the upgrade may not work correctly. This would be the reasoning behind recommendations to upgrade the whole distribution.

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Don't put yourself down, we all started knowing next to nothing about computers/Linux.

As you have had the courage to move to Linux I suggest using a newer/up to date version of any distro that appeals to you, it will be your easiest path.

Take a look through the Screencasts and Screenshots - http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...reenshots-114/

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Hey everyone was VERY helpful... first let let me thank you all a LOT !! Both in your technical expertise, and your spiritual admonitions...
OK, I have some news for you in this thread. I entered the linux commands in terminal mode as you suggested:
1) code: uname -a Gives: "Linux debian 3.2.0 - 4 -amd64 #1 SMP Debian 3.2.57 - 3+deb741 x86_64 GNU/Linux"

2) Code: cat /etc/issue Gives: " Debian Gnu/Linux 7 \A \l "
Code cat /etc/release doesnt seem to be recognized.

So I guess I'm running Debian. Ragnarok Warrior said the "package manager: apt/aptitude and synaptic for debian,"
Still, I dont think this tells me the exact distro.. , and where I go for software upgrades/installs, etc.

I am inspired by all your support so far, and I think I can actually do a re-install of Linux if that seems like the best way to go. Also, I need help getting my printer to work on Linux. -- I never did get it working.

Where do I go from here in order to begin getting comfortable doing system maintenance on Linux?
Thankx again.. David K

this should help:
https://wiki.debian.org/FlashPlayer/

Hi David...

Your welcome, glad to help.

The instructions schneidz listed above should help you get Flash Player installed. What is the brand and model number of your printer?

Regards...

Nice post!!!!!

I got:
erwin@Atlantis:~$ uname -a
Linux Atlantis 3.16.0-4-amd64 #1 SMP Debian 3.16.7-ckt9-3~deb8u1 (2015-04-24) x86_64 GNU/Linux
erwin@Atlantis:~$

when typing uname -a. I'm running the new Debian 8.0 Jessie. Looks like you're running an older version of Debian. Debian uses Synaptic Package Manager for installing/removing software. Mint has it as well, but Mint also has a software manager which is far more friendly for new users. You can also use apt-get to install software from the terminal.

sudo apt-get install rhythmbox will for example install the rhythmbox music player. That is if sudo is installed as well. Discovered that with Debian it is not.

sudo apt-get update will update your computers software list to the latest version of the repository, and sudo apt-get upgrade will upgrade your system with available updates for your system and programs. In Linux Mint you have an Update Manager which works very similar to Windows if you don't wish to use the terminal.

Hi...

Welcome to the forum

Thank you but all glory and praise to God for it. It's only because of Him that I know the truth of those words. Over 10 years ago, I wouldn't have.

Regards...