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-   -   Where to start (https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/mandriva-30/where-to-start-416585/)

dickybeau 02-17-2006 01:35 PM

Where to start
 
I am VERY new to Mandriva having downloaded the ISO from the site and installed it. I have a little list (sounds like the mikado) which I'm hoping to get some help on.

* Terminology. Is there a guide that gives me a glossary of terms that I can access easily. I need an explanation that compares windows terms with linux terms.

* Downloading. I have tried to download some programmes from different sites (Thunderbird for instance) half way, my computer appears to crash and I don't understand what is gouing wrong or what to do about it.

* Networking. I eventually got my network working but don't know how to share my printer with the rest of my network. Help

* Commands. I had a basic understanding of DOS years ago (very basic) and need to learn a bit more about what I should be doing. Can anyone recommend books or sites that will hold my hand through the 'blundering blindly' stage.

I did manage to get this far but don't really understand how. I don't know where to look for stuff (like 'my networks' equivalent). I wanted to be a bit more adventurous about my computing and want to be more competent than dangerous. Some of my difficulties appear more basic (or need a more basic explanation) than I have so far found. What is a console (as in open a console). Where do I find it? and more on that vein, I'm afraid.

Thanks very challenged Noobie

simcox1 02-17-2006 01:58 PM

First of all, have a look on Mandriva's website. There's some very good info there for newbies. This guide http://doc.mandrivalinux.com/Mandrak.../Starter.html/ might be a start.
For help with general linux/unix commands, try the link in my signature.

Padma 02-17-2006 02:15 PM

The very first step any Mandriva user should do, after installing from CD/DVD, is visit http://easyurpmi.zarb.org. Following the instructions on that page will get your urpmi repositories set up, so you can download software pre-compiled for your version of Mandriva. For instance, Thunderbird is located in the "main" repository. Rather than downloading rpms or tarballs from any old place on the net, with properly configured repositories, installing Thunderbird is as easy as typing

# urpmi thunderbird

(Or if you prefer a graphical interface, going to the Mandriva Control Center (Star --> System --> Configuration --> Configure your Computer, and selecting "Install New Software" from the options in the initial screen, putting "thunderbird" in the search box, selecting thunderbird from the list presented, and clicking "Install".)

Most newbie problems with installing new software could be avoided if they just followed this simple procedure.

For your other questions, simcox1's links look pretty good. :)

crAckZ 02-17-2006 02:41 PM

welcome to mandriva :)
CLI (command line interface) is a wonderful way to understand your system and .IMO, makes you feel good when you make the computer do what you want.

man (command)
this will open a "manual" that will explain the command. this is a fast easy way to get help.

su
this command will log you in as root (after your passy)

l
print files in directory

ll shows permissions for files in directory

mv
move

cp
copy

mkdir
make directory

help
shows a list of commands.

from here you should just start learning. there are so many I dont want to list them all but the few i have listed will help.

**edited because I cant spell

simcox1 02-17-2006 02:49 PM

Crap. The first thing he needs to do is find his way around the system, learn the basic commands, get to know about things. What good is sending him to easyurpmi going to do? Sources are the last thing he needs. He needs some basic help. If he starts from the bottom up, he'll learn how to do things, and then he can think about sources. What's a console? - is not addressed by linking him to easyurpmi - about the only reply you ever give by the way.

I know mandrake/mandriva likes it's wizards etc, but he will be far better served by learning the basics, and then taking it from there. Finding your way around the GUI teaches you nothing at all about the underlying system. That's where he should be starting, and that's where you should be advising him to start.

Sorry, but all you ever say is go to easyurpmi, and I don't think it's relevant or even necessary alot of the time. Why not add sources manually?

PS - to Padma

dickybeau 02-17-2006 05:32 PM

Thanks for the advice. I went to easyurpmi and found the stuff but it's just a bit beyond me yet. Like simcox says, I feel that I need to understand the basics first. No point in downloading stuff from repositories or elsewhere unless I can grasp the concept and use the basic commands first. The machine is working ok and I got my network working so I'm making progress but I want to be able to manage it all myself in the longer term. I'll go looking at the other stuff this week and come back if I have more questions.

XavierP 02-17-2006 07:03 PM

Go to the LQ Bookmarks site (link is on the right hand side). There are many many sites listed there which will help ease you into the whole Linux thing.

Also, look into going to the RUTE site - that is a pretty comprehensive resource.

Lakota 02-17-2006 10:47 PM

Sometimes I should probably keep my mouth shut......but can't never seem to keep the fingers from typing. Just thought I would point out that since our security updates are distributed via the repositories, configuring urpmi is not a bad starting point. God help a microsoft user that decides he will learn the system prior to installing any security updates. We are not immune either, maybe much safer I agree, but still very important. I would also mention we are all here giving our time and advice for nothing more than goodwill. We are all anonymous so no glory in it. LQ is a very unique and giving community and we should recognize the contributions of this community as a whole. Time for a group hug and pat on the back to all that contribute here.

dickybeau 02-18-2006 01:08 AM

Thanks everyone.

To recap, my computer is up and running. The little green tick at the bottom of my screen lets me know that I am up to date with my updates and I assume that the security updates are in there. I went to easyuprmi and it said open a console:study: . What's a console, where do I find it? Now I wouldn't want to abuse the hospitality of this board and am looking for direction from the guys (and gals) who know. I find the range of choices in each menu item a bit daunting but a guy needs something to do to keep busy :jawa: :p .

So far, there is plenty to get on with.

floppywhopper 02-18-2006 01:23 AM

If you want your questions answered in depth, you will need to post each one individually so that the discussion for each topic doesn't get confused with other topics.

cheers
floppy

wibblytim 02-18-2006 08:07 AM

One book I would recommend is 'Linux in a Nutshell' from O'Reilly. It gives you an explanation of many of the CLI commands that come in very handy and, you can use them whatever distro you use.

A Console is a Terminal, similar to the dos box in Windows.

Lakota 02-18-2006 11:48 AM

Since you seem baffled by easyurpmi, here is a tutorial on how to use it. http://www.zebulon.org.uk/ICML2B.HTML
Half way down this page you will find: 2.2.2 Using Easy URPMI. I am not sure why it has been downplayed in this thread, if you ask any of the guys how many days it takes them to bother setting up urpmi sources from the time they install the operating system, most will tell you probably within the same day. It is the first thing I do, then after installing updates and additional software that I regularily use that is not installed by default (some is not even accessible such as dvdcss till plf repository is set up) I go on to customize. Here is another good urpmi/rpm tutorial: http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/walte...rpm-howto.html

Last, here is an online free magazine. All issues are downloadable in pdf format. It is written for the linux newbie/regular user. You will love this, great tutorials etc. http://www.tuxmagazine.com/

By the way, I don't have a green tick to tell me that my security is up to date, is that with the paid for Mandriva update (Mdk online) feature?

Padma 02-18-2006 02:58 PM

Thanks, Lakota. You took the words right out of my mouth.:D

I *do* push easyurpmi, for one simple reason: Mandriva doesn't. They are a commercial enterprise and quite naturally would prefer that you buy support from them. They need to make a profit, or there won't be a Mandriva.

I also get frustrated when people post that "I'm a total noob, but I downloaded this application, and I can't figure out how to install it", when all they would have to do is use rpmdrake and get what they want with no muss, no fuss. The way to do that is to set up easyurpmi repositories. IMHO, that is one of the *first* things a Mandriva user should do after installation.

Okay, if the poster has trouble understanding how to use easyurpmi, then I have absolutely no problem helping explain how to open a Konsole windows, and type "su", etc. Then, when he can keep his system up to date with security packages, and install new software as he desires, he can play with things and learn how to really use the system.

Heck, I never said the other links posted weren't any good. The Mandrake Starter Guide is outstanding! I just wanted to add what I thought was a crucial link in any Mandriva user's repertoire.

(And yes, I think the "green tick" must be the Mdk Online feature. Since I don't use it, it was always an angry red-orange until I clicked it and told it to go away. ;))

dickybeau: we may argue amongst ourselves, a bit, but we all really just want you to have the best possible Mandriva/Linux experience you can. So if you have questions, feel free to ask! :D

dickybeau 02-19-2006 03:49 AM

Thanks to everyone. I'm going to spend the next week (at least) exploring all these links. Wibblytim, thanks to you, I opened a 'console' (terminal) and copied the stuff from easyuprmi successfully (well almost). I have a KDE error message which I'll need to explore. I have found the additional updates possible and now I'm cooking with gas. A point about the Mandriva support - it doesn't - at least so far. I asked some questions there about networking and have not had a response so far. Might have made a mistake with that one. Would probably put the money to better use supporting this site.

Lakota 02-19-2006 09:29 AM

Support is optional, but in our collective best interest. Many ways of giving support. For Mandriva, I purchased the powerpack rather than buying club membership. On LQ, they actually sell merchandise, the LQ.org shirts and hoodies, are actually competitively priced against your regular clothing store, and what better way to advertise your interest in linux. With a linuxquestions insignia on your shirt, you are sure to find other linux enthusiasts introduce themselves and chat when they notice your attire at school, at work, etc. Interesting idea, I think I may have just sold myself on a couple shirts, LOL.


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