I have been a Microsoft Windows user for many years.

I have just installed Ubuntu 9.10 on with a clean install. I have been able to do basic functions such as browsing the Internet. I don't have a clue as how to set up my menu programs. This is causing me many problems. I can't mount hard drives and other media and I have no sound. I need some serious help. I have some instructions but I am not able to even get to the point where I am able to set up to utilize them.

I will appreciate any help you may give me. If you get me pass the set-up and menu problems I may be able to proceed from there.

Thanks,

Merriweather Jones

Please elaborate the question. What u want to do exactly, give an example !

To add on to anishakaul's post, As far as your sound, and mounting issues.

1) What kind of computer is this (make, model, etc..)?
2) Have you attempted to run an update on the system, since the install?
3) What kind of drives are you trying to mount, External or internal?
4) The instructions that you have found, do you have any specific questions in regard to those?

Also don't be discouraged. Welcome to Linux, you're going to really like it.

~david

The menues I have are very confusing in that some are made of blue icons, some empty and some have files. I have no idea how to use them.

I also have Mozilla Foxfire menue but cannot figue out how to use it's functions, every thing I try fails.

You asks what computer I have, It is a CTL 3.2 GHz. It uses an Intel D915 GAG/D915 Motherboard.

My drives are Internal Floppy, An Internal DVD R/W Drive and an 80 GB IDE Internal Hard Drive.

I am totally ignorant as to how any of the Linux Systems work. I have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Windows.

To be honest I have some problems using the current program for I do not yet understand the commands.

Hi Merriweather,

The menu system in Ubuntu 9.10 is similar to that in Windows except that it starts from the upper right corner of the screen (by default) rather than the lower left. The single Start button of Windows is replaced by "Applications" "Places" "System". Each of these has a cascading series of menus below. Is that what you are trying to figure out? If you want to change what is displayed on the menus try System; Preferences; Main Menu - that will take you to an application which allows the menus to be changed.

If on the other hand you are asking about navigating the file system...

Navigate to Places; Computer. This will bring up the Nautilus file manager tool. By default it will be in Icon view. I hate that so I go to Edit; Preferences (think Edit; Preferences instead of Tools; Options from Windows - true of most programs in Linux) and change to List View. Click on "File System" under Places on the left. This is the layout if the subdirectories (folders) and files on your hard drive. Poke around but don't delete anything

As energyAlchemist asked - is your system up to date? Windows has "automatic updates". Ubuntu, prior to 9.10, had something very similar in that a little icon would appear on the top "panel" (that is what the bar across the top of the screen with the menu items Applications, Places, System and icons for Firefox etc. are displayed) indicating that updates were available. In 9.10 for some reason the process is more stealthy and unless an important/critical update is available nothing happens. When an important/critical update is available the update application launches. An "improvement" I guess.

That said - here is how to manually check for and install updates:

Navigate the menu System; Administration; Update Manager

You will probably see a number of updates listed. To make sure the list is current, click "Check". Ubuntu will ask for your password. This is a similar idea to User Access Control in Vista/Win 7 although it is done better. When the complete list is shown click "Install Updates". I generally install both important/critical and recommended updates.

As to sound... do you have a dedicated sound card or is it built into the motherboard?

And mounting... Ubuntu automounts most everything you should need. If you place a CD or DVD in the drive it should automatically open. Same for a USB flash drive. If not... let us know.

Hope this gets you started and feel free to ask more questions - and try things - that is how to learn.

Regards,

Ken