Well, after using OSS for a few years (OpenOffice.org & Mozilla's Programs) I decided to make the leap to Linux.
I am currently running on a Compaq Presario Laptop V6120US with Suse 10.1 (Bought a Beginners Guide w/the DVD in it from Apress at Borders.)
So far I like it, however I need to work on:

1. Wireless doesn't work (Have BCM 14e4:4311)
2. Need to install a Bible Program-so far have failed at attempts.
3. Sound does not work-nor keyboard controls. (Volume Mute etc.)
(Have sound but no control at all sliders only PCM and don't work-headphones don't work etc.)
4. Would like 3d eventually.
5. Would like DVD playback eventually (With Menus)
6. Something else I wanted to do but forgot.

Things I like:
1. It looks nice. (And "Feels"? smooth )
2. No more Defragging
3. Suspend to Hardrive seems to be working
4. Laptop runs mucho cooler.
5. (Edit) Wired Internet works great also.

Now for my first question: If I download all my updates for Suse 10.1 does that make it Suse 10.2 or do I start from scratch if I want to go to 10.2?

Alrightyroo, here goes.
Congratulations on switching to Linux, and welcome to the dark side...we have cookies.

I'm going to answer your questions here, in order:
1. WIFI and Linux is kinda dodgy. There are lists on the internet of Linux-supported wireless cards on the internet, they can be found by a quick Google search. They usually come complete with setup instructions.

2. Will any bible program do, or do you need a specific one? I'm pretty sure there's a Linux bible program called Bible Time.

3. Sound - get your card model, and go to the ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) website - they have drivers, and walkthroughs for each card they support; Keyboard - I've never been able to get a keyboard with extended keys (volume controls, etc.) to work...then again, I never tried very hard.

4. 3D is nice, I never use it though. I couldn't even begin to be able to tell you how to set it up. Look in the Linux - Software -> Games section of this forum. (My 3D support got installed automatically with my distro).

5. DVD playback, again, got installed with my distro.

6. It happens to the best of us.

As for updating packages, NO, just because you run package updates does not make your distro SuSE 10.2. Your system will still officially be SuSE 10.1. Keep in mind, if you're installing an RPM package marked for SuSE 10.2 in SuSE 10.1, it may not work (due to ever-changing directory structures), but the chances of it not working are very slim. Just make sure you've installed/updated the dependencies.

I came across this thread and it struck me funny how phil459 and I are almost telling the same story! I have been a long time prisoner of MS windows, and have made the leap on my laptop. I also am really anticipating a happy trail, but I too have run into the wifi road block! I would consider myself a power user of windows, but I am as lost as lost can be. I was able to install Java, I think, and successfully download and install Firefox 2. All by myself! This has to get easier...? Right...? Oh, by the way... I am running Fedora6 on an Acer Aspire 3620.
I NEED to get my wireless going!!! (I tried ndiwrapper and madwifi and failed, somehow at both!)
I tried to install mrpostman to use with Thunderbird and I can't seem to get that up either. (I have this running on my pc with no problems, and it was real simple to do!)
What am I missing? I just wan't it to work dam'it!

Wocowski, you might want to start a separate thread for your questions. For your wireless, if you want help please post details on your card and chipset. Several chipsets (including Atheros and most of the Intel ones) work natively on Linux without having to resort to NDisWrapper. You just need to download the appropriate drivers and/or firmware. You should Google on your card/chipset and then ask for help here if you don't understand what you get back. Likewise, I've never heard of mtpostman but I'm sure someone here has and if you post telling how you are going about trying to do the installation someone can help you.

Finally, I'd say remember that Linux is not Windows. Anyone installing Linux and expecting a freebie Windows is going to be disappointed. The two OSes have completely different histories and originate from disparate design paradigms. Though there are some similarities, they are different internally. Being a Windows power user won't help much with Linux; in fact it may hurt as you'll have more bad habits to unlearn ,

Welcome aboard guys

I don't have specific answers for you on the wireless questions - but certainly the dvd and 3d issues can be addressed. note there is a wireless subforum here, as well as one for laptops. some searching there, and on google.com/linux may help -- and given that there are 2.5 million posts just on this site alone, there's a good chance you'll run into someone that can help solve your problem.

Good luck!

I would recommend you to get the openSUSE 10.2 on DVD, it includes FOSS and proprietary software, so you'll be able to playback DVD's and maybe 3d...your sound should work properly with ALSA..try alsaconf

You can install Ocean, a baha'i progra that includes an easy search and writings of the major religions, including the bible. It must be run through wine(wine is not an emulator).

You can try Ubuntu Christian Edition, it should have a bible progra preinstalled and it may be more successful at finding the correct drive for your wireless device.

Welcome to LINUX

i might have a little trick for the sound control from the keyboard

right click on the taskbar and add applet to panel
choose the sound mixer

right click on it and uncheck everything but the PCM (you said it is the only thing that is working)

right click again and click on the configure global shortcuts

well om my computer i have

increase volume ==> win+up
decrease volume ==> win+down
mute ==> win+left

of course you can choose anything else and kde will tell you if there is a conflict

one last thing EVERY channel can have it's own shortcuts so make sure that you configure the shortcuts for something that works

I hope you have as much fun with linux as i am having

Thanks for all the help. Suse 10.2 sounds very interesting. I am trying out different distros right now and will have to get ahold of that one. To bad the dvd doesn't seem to want to download.