Hi

I'm too am I a tux newbie like most others in this forum.

One thing that I find most often is that people post without bothering to read the documentation / manuals. There must be a million websites dedicated to linux software / documentation with answer to about 90% of questions. Just a little bit of patience and luck on google/linux :)

If you need to know something, read up lots of stuff about it. If you still don't understand it, by all means seek help by posting at forums :)

As far as Linux GUIs go, I moved to GNOME from Win'98 with *no hassles*. I admit it took me one month on TLDP and lurking at forums before I installed. Had to unlearn some Windows jargon and learn some CLI stuff. Not that I can write shell scripts that could lauch satellites, but I get by comfortably. When I don't, there's always google and TLDP.

I had no "GUI" hassles as the thread starter had :)...maybe I'm lucky. Afterall I got the whole OS for free and it works as expected...thats enough for me!!

BTW, I'm not a poweruser, just an ordinary desktop user with a little bit of dabbling in AMP.

Just my 2cents

regards
theN

synaptical,

What I meant is that the way the way directories are displayed is confusing. Expecially the find file app. For one thing it doesn't search for folders (directories). Only apps.

I'm not a coder. Oh, I've done it but coding is not my thing. I understand visual media. And I understand usability.

Hey I appreciate Linux. It's some kind of miracle. Really. There is room for discussion of usability.

And those who dig command lines can do it even if there is an interface. I'm not suggesting the terminal is eliminated. Heck why bother with C+? Just go right to the nitty gritty and write Assembly for those who need a challenge.

I really see Linux as just about ready for the desktop for everyone. If I was a bit more facil with it I'd dump WindowME on my Mom's computer and put Linux on there.

I see Linux gaining market share until it threatens Windows. It is going to really pick up steam in 2nd and 3rd world countries until there are more Linux boxes than Windows boxes. It's going to take over hand helds. Apps are going to be ported. It's got me pretty excited.

I'll pick up the filing system eventually, but for now Mom's gonna stay on WindowsME.

Oops I meant only files instead of only apps.

Stop wasting your time, try Gentoo, it makes life easier. It just requires massive amounts of time and bandwidth!

Yeah, read up. When you do, and you solve your problem, it's an incredibly rewarding experience. For example, it's taken me a while to *get* compiling, but the learning process suggests myriad customization opportunities. This OS can be tweaked exactly the way you like it.

Moreover, I've learned a lot more about Windows, its guts and security since I got involved with Linux.

I still have plenty of problems and plenty to learn, but it's ALL good.

Anyway, for those who mentioned the user-friendlessness of certain Linux apps... please voice your opinions to the creators of the apps... and yeah, KDE and Gnome are apps too, and both have their respective dev teams.

Another thing, this thread has gone way offtopic from its original intentions :)

I represent that!
 

Well said, future guru. IMHO the whole forum is one giant digression. But your post has reminded me of the neccessity of being constructive, so here is my attempt.

If you want to use the latest version of Mozilla, forget the RPM's. It is easier both to install and delete versions of Mozilla using their excellent gzipped files. I really think the performance is better too.

- First, export all your bookmarks
- Next, remove the Mozilla RPM using your gnorpm program.
- Next, download the latest version of Mozilla. Mozilla Firebird is pretty good too, if you are looking for a leaner, meaner and faster browser.
- Next unpack and untar the gzipped file. I know you can do it in one step, but this works too:

gunzip Mozilla-whatever.gz
tar xvf Mozilla-whatever.tar

Maybe now would be a good idea to switch to root user in console mode.

switch to the Mozilla-whatever directory and follow the instructions in the readme file.

The program automatically installs to /usr/local/mozilla. The bonus is that if you want to upgrade in future, then just delete the directory. You may have to delete the hidden /home/user/.mozilla file before running the new program. If you can't find it, then you will have to change the settings in Konqueror to show all the hidden files.

If you want a desktop shortcut, just right-click on the KDE screen and select 'create new link to application.' Browse to /usr/local/mozilla and select the mozilla with the gear icon. You can select an icon for the desktop by clicking on the icon under 'General'.

This is the way I use Mozilla and have been quite happy with it.