Linux was loaded nearly 12 months ago but the person doing so gave no instructions and has since become too ill to return. I have several problems. I do not know how to delete files, load Serif programmes, print grid lines on spreadsheets. answeres to these questions would help this 83 y.o.
Thank you.

Can you answer a few questions for us?

1) Do you know what version of linux you're using? Is it SUSE, Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora? Answers to questions may be dependent on what you're using.
2) If you have a question on a specific thing (like your lines on a spreadsheet), we need to know what program you're using. Is it Gnumeric, OpenOffice Calc, or something else?
3) What do you mean by "Serif programmes"? Is that a company or product?

A good start would be to learn some things about your linux distribution. If you have Ubuntu Linux for example, go to google.com and search for "Ubuntu linux newbie" and you should get a lot of good information to help you find your way around. You can also get more generic help by searching for "linux newbie guide".

!. I am using Mandriva Linux 2007 Spring
2. Open Office Calc
3. SERIF is a company designing programmes. eg. Page Plus, Photo Plus
Thanks for the information re Linux Newbie Guide.

1) This link shows how to setup a desktop system (which has probably been done for you, but maybe it'll help with and additional setup you need) - http://www.howtoforge.com/the_perfec...07_spring_free
2) How to print grid lines - http://openoffice.blogs.com/openoffi...playing-t.html
3) Unfortunately, it appears that SERIF programs are for Windows only. If you want to install them, you need to try using a program on linux called Wine. It is an implementation of the API layers on windows (fancy talk for you might be able to make it work). You may be able to find equivalent programs. For example, it looks like Page Plus is similar to Scribus in Linux. PhotoPlus appears to be photo editing (the linux equivalent is the GIMP).

Most linux distros will allow you to install programs from one central repository. I don't use Mandriva, so I'm not sure where to look for packages for these programs, but the link in #1 shows how to install them and several other programs. I'd read through it and see what things you think you might want to install. Of course, you'll have to learn how to use the new programs just because they are different than what you may be used to. But there's some really quality software as you have probably seen.

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to post a new thread. Be as specific as you can and that will make it easier for people to help you. Enjoy, and welcome to linux!

Hi,

There are a lot of useful links in my sig! The 'Slackware-Links' is more than just Slackware® links! Have a look it's free.

You can look at the links below;

This is a good tutorial. It goes into some depth eventually, but it is designed for new users: http://rute.2038bug.com/index.html.gz

PS Welcome to LQ