I am very impatient right now, so I am asking a question instead of introducing myself to the forum.

(Then I'll talk about myself, if there's anything I can put into words, that is.)

Here's a little background story:

I have this HP Mini that I acquired from somebody who acquired it from somebody. So needless to say, I was less than impressed with it's state, so I used a factory reset process that took me all night to figure out and then all day to download. Once reset, it had a completely different operating system, which is perfectly believable what with all it's history since 2005. I thought 'cool, it's a Linux. I can learn how to use this system now.' Little did I know, I'd soon be not so excited. In fact, I would be excitedly jamming keys in abyssal anger.

After it was done updating about 254mb of system updates, I decided I'd then download all the programs I had on my old Windows Xp system that was originally on the Mini when I acquired it. Programs like Audacity, Ccleaner (if I need it or not, used it mostly for temp internet files), etc. That's when I discovered that things were not as simply done as they are in Windows when it comes to downloads and who knows what else (likely for the purpose of security, cleanliness, etc.).

Presently, the computer is mostly in it's factory reset settings with the default desktop background, sample music, and the like. I have not begun to personalize it, so it exists primarily in a readily manipulable state. I have not set any security or file operation settings. I added a few apps to the advanced system options, but made no changes to the system itself. Haven't figured all that out yet anyhow, so I'm not going to clutter my head without figuring out how to install a few basic stinking programs.


There's the background story, now to the problem:
I'm having trouble installing anything saved as a '.bin' file; sure you've heard of this problem before. Having been familiar with years of Windows, I figured when I downloaded Piriform's 'Ccleaner', that it would automatically execute itself. Much to my dismay, my only option once the download initiated was 'save.' I thought: "What? No 'run'?" I also noticed the program would be saved in a completely alien format. An alien format from planet '.Bin' in the solar system 'Gnome' in the galaxy 'Linux'.

I have no freaking idea what type of 'Gnome' I have, but it is not what others from hours of Googling have, that's for sure. For one thing, everyone spoke in 'Linuxese' saying something about 'terminal commands' and such.

So I ended up doing googles about googles that I googled. So, once I understood how to set permissions, I set the file to 'allow execution as program' something or rather, and I tried every alt+ctrl+f1 to "f10,000" combo possible, but there is NO WAY TO RUN ANY COMMAND THROUGH ANY 'TERMINAL'. The option simply does not exist in my system for some reason. So anything that has to do with "chmod +x file.bin" will NOT WORK. Because, I have no way to open terminal commands. Every time I read that command, I always thought 'where the heck are you supposed to type that?'

When I set the permissions and double click on the program, tadda!! Nothing happens. It always wants me to open .bin files with some other application from the ethereal world of non-existing helpfulness.

I'm assuming that my version of Gnome is older, but, updated of course. Perhaps that's the problem, I have no clue. I wanted to put some pictures up of my OS as I feel that it is important, but I can't figure out how to. So if I could get help with that, thanks. Don't bother in the event that you can answer the question as it stands, however.

Welcome to the forums!

First a bit of background reading:

http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm
http://www.catb.org/esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

OK now that you've read those, let's look at your actual question. The answer is simple:

CCleaner is Windows software. You do not download/run it in Linux!

We do not run Windows software in Linux. Instead, we run the many fine Linux applications available. Ccleaner stands for "crap cleaner" and there is no crap in Linux. More specifically, CCleaner is for cleaning junk Windows registry entries, which is completely irrelevant as Linux does not have a Windows registry.

OK, now the next step is to figure out which Linux distribution or "distro" you are running.

Does this look familiar? http://downloadsquad.switched.com/20...ce-for-ubuntu/

If so, you are running Ubuntu 8.04, which is obsolete, end of life, and unsupported.

Try installing a currently-supported operating system, such as Ubuntu 12.04 or (my recommendation to you) Windows.

If you decide to install a current version of Ubuntu, there are some great links here: http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/

Remember that Linux is not Windows so run Windows if you want to run Windows, or if you are ready for the steep learning curve that is Linux, we are happy to support you and answer your specific questions.

Assuming that your system is in the state it is when it came from the factory you won't have much fun with it. The Linux flavors used on those machines where either Xandros or Linpus Lite, both distributions are not supported anymore (in the case of Xandros there is no newer version, Linpus has one, but IMHO it is not worth the time to try that).

So the first thing that I would recommend is to install a new and supported distribution. To recommend one is hard without knowing the hardware specifications of that machine, but if it is that old I would recommend to go for Lubuntu, a lightweight flavor of Ubuntu, the most used Linux distribution. Installing that is quite simple if you have a pendrive and access to a second computer.

The second thing you have to do is to forget about your Windows habits. Linux is not Windows and it is not software-compatible to Windows, so your Windows software will not run, except in cases where native Linux versions exist (like Audacity). Usually you also don't download and install software, you use the package manager of the distribution, which will automatically do anything needed. On Ubuntu flavors the user interface to the package manager is the Software Center, which is aimed at ease-of-use. You will find that it is easier to install software and keep the system up-to-date that way.
Also, software like Ccleaner is usually not necessary on Linux systems, the same is true for Antivirus software, which on Linux mostly is used to scan for Windows viruses.

If you tell us which software you also want to install we may be able to help you with Linux equivalents for that.

1 members found this post helpful.

Oh dear, I googled the hardware specs for HP Mini, and I'm afraid I must revise my advice above. This is very low-end hardware, and it will likely struggle with a modern, full-featured operating system such as Ubuntu 12.04 or Windows 8. Rather, you should choose an operating system for old/crappy hardware, such as Lubuntu or Xubuntu. Doing so may or may not be a beginner task.

A better choice in my opinion would be to spend a few dollars on a machine such as this $299 Dell Inspiron laptop: http://www.dell.com/us/p/popular-lap...&ref=hp1&s=dhs

It comes with Windows 8 preinstalled, and will do everything you need it to do with no learning curve, hassle, or aggravation.

Salut! Snowpine!

Well well, we've got ourselves a smartypants! How to ask questions? That gave me a laugh. So I drivel a little, so what? Makes things more interesting. Besides I'm a writer. We're an endangered species these days. It seems to be easier to edit than write original material.


Thank you. That was all I needed to know.


Sure does. Thanks again, though I assure you I was aware mostly that my system was outdated.


Hahahaha! What a very risqué sense of humour you have! Why? Because I'm a simpleton? 'One and one is two dot org' and how to ask a question? Is that how Linux aficionados encourage new users? How amusing. I'm sure you meant no harm, but I do believe that you've misread my writing; misquoting it in your brain as ominously begging to write LiKe Th1S OmG l0l. But it's against the rules! More poor little grammatically incorrect self. FYI, I stated that I was just now trying out Linux by accident. I am partial to proficiency in most forms of education, esp. computer know-how, so I was excited and willing to learn Linux OS since I have no prior knowledge. In fact, I was taken by Linux's first impression. I believe most of my confusion will pass with ease, and I will grow to like the system more than Windows.

I will see to this, thank you.

"STEEP LEARNING CURVE?" XD That's all folks! I'm surprised I understand plain english! My poor darling brain is so "Windrones" that it has lost it's ability to comprehend any other computer science, nor any science or language for that matter! Gaaaahh! Wiiiiinddoooooows! What have you done!? losin abilty 2 typ, aaaaagh, blappp bflakhkdhgoaoieshg!! LIkE OmG L0l LmAF!

Tee hee! Love to pick fun at standoffish replies. I should've known I would incite the insult (or playful response) of my intelligence as a long time Windows user, and other such competitive rhetoric. It was not my choice as I have been financially challenged most of my life. However entertaining, I doubt I will any longer consult assistance, as I must restore my self-confidence in technical know-how. Maybe I'll get inspired and launch my own OS some time soon. In fact, thank you. I shall. Look out computer programming! A N0ob has cometh to reclaim his lost dignity. Hahahaha! I will call it, 'Doorways'! XP

Good day, and thanks for your help, snowpine. Seriously. I do not mean to condescend or sound arrogant, but I am far more knowledgeable than you take me by.

Au revoir!


At least it isn't an Android question on an Apple forum, :P!

Is it my ignorance, or yours? You'd be surprised.

I have been a Linux user since 2008, yet I also use Windows 40+ hours per week and support many Windows users. If you join a carpentry forum and ask "what kind of screwdriver is best for driving a nail into wood?" they will likely suggest "buy a hammer." You can act insulted, or thankful, or amused, as you choose--it does not change the fact that hammers are useful for driving nails into wood. Try not to be so sensitive.