I have been searching Long and hard for How to's on Linspire 5-0.. The main things are : How to CHKDSK and Defrag Linspire (because I am not running it in dual boot with XP) and.. how to properly Install programs to Linspire just to "Make it work".. aside from those two issues,i have pretty much whipped it all in condition.I am Tempted to Purchase Linux For dummies but there are so many Distros that it is difficult to keep up...lol If anyone can answer those two questions for me,i would be greatful.... Mike

You don't defrag Linux filesystems and as for chkdsk, perhaps fsck is the equivalent.

Linspire is a debian-derived distro and, apart from minor details, documentation for kde/debian or kubuntu ought to be helpful (but may not be completely corect in minor details).

Don't understand the "because I am not running it in dual boot with XP" part; the filesystems used by Linux are designed to be resistant to the bad effects of fragmentation, but do you mean you are running it on a FAT or NTFS partition, but you aren't using Windows?

You should have some helpful applications installed. You probably have synaptic (although maybe kpackage or adept...). Assuming that you are connected to the net, just select the app from the list and it will install automagically.

Some notes may be helpful

• Firstly, if the list of available apps seems inadequate, you may have to investigate adding other repositories. Repositories are collection of apps maintained for use and ready to install. Most distros have an 'absolutely mainstream, bog-standard' repo eneabled by default, but there may be other'slightly more bleeding edge' repos that you might decide to add if that kind of thing is to your taste. Note that there is a risk here. it may be a small one, but there is a reason that the bleeding edge packages are bleeding edge.
• In a vaguely connected note, be aware that there will probably also be a system update app, which is very similar to the "get new apps" app, but which primarily deals with getting updates, when they become available. At the very least, you should think about applicable security updates and you probably want to do more than just the bare minimum, if you have the net bandwidth.

I would personally recommend you switch distros. I know I tried Linspire 5.0 as my first Linux distro, luckily I refused to believe that Linux could suck so much and I switched to Fedora. Even Ubuntu is better than Linspire.

Also, as stated there is no chkdsk for Linux, there is no defrag for Linux, there is no crapcleaner for Linux, there is no registry optimization for Linux, why ? Because Linux is a real operating system, one vastly different from Window$. Remember that, Linux does not equal Window$. Much like Mac does not equal Window$, or Solaris does not equal Window$, or BSD does not equal Window$. There is a whole world of other operating systems that are very much unlike Window$. There are major differences between Window$ an these operating systems, so don't think that too much can translate between them. True, fsck checks filesystem sanity, kinda like chkdisk, but there does not exist any defrag for Linux as it is designed not to require one.

I wish to thank salasi for the good info (not negating everyone eles good advice)And yes,like it was also advised to do to eventually switch Distros.Yes, I agree that a distro switch is in order.However,Due to some litigating factors (like an Dell Inspiron 5000 laptop manufactured in 2000) and (limited ram,limited abilities) and (being a linux first timer),I am definately Glad i am cutting my teeth so-to-speak with linspire 5-0. I do plan on installing (Not the latest) version of Ubuntu later on.I also heard that Freespire is out too.I will attempt to check that one out..I would also be interested in finding out what Distro is best recommended for a newbie like me.I Have ran older distros Of the Linux kernel before (years ago).However,it is the first time I decided to have a machine totally dedicated to Linux distros.I have Window$ on Other machines..(chuckle) I think I Got Smart.I Am only Running the Linux Distros On My Dell laptop only.

Yes I agree with you totally.It's a wonder I have gotten this far with this particular Distro (linspire aka Lindows 5.0). i Have also heard that the head Ceo From Linspire was either caught (or decided to switch to) uBuntu.They left CNR in total disarray.However,I am surprised on how I managed to (should I dare say) "Hack" my way around on this distro (giggling).I am awaiting to get Parts for My dell laptop upgraded so i can download (and burn to cd) the latest Distros and get updated on information regarding linux and it's various distros ( I think it was some 300 different distros.. not certain).I Must add that in working in linux is a experiance that I am enjoying.. I do get to have fun on it.. (as opposed to window$) and oddly enough,this old laptop of mine is running smoother then it ever had.You also CAN E-mail me directly (as my name here depicts.. is also my actual e-mail adress) if you should have any more ideas,feel free to do so... Mike

Well, the only other thing is that, I hope you realize there exist e-mail harvesting bots that harvest e-mails from everywhere so they can spam them. I'm thinking putting your e-mail as your user name is not the best idea.

That is one of the few things I can imagine that would be worse than Linspire........

Look at http://distrowatch.com ...anything in the top ten on their "hit list" would be a good place to start.

TexMex, in response to your last reply,.. It was a clever ploy using My email Addy as my name.I was in full acknowledgment of those bots.juno email has filters up and i do not download my email.. (chuckle).. but thanks just the same.. and yes my filters are adjusted specifically for that eventuality..