How do I get started in using Linux?

Question

My brother choose my netbook for me, and the OS is Linux. This was well intended, but I have had this netbook for a couple of years and can only do the most basic things with it. And I mean the most basic: I am not very computer literate.

What I need is step-by-step instructions on how to open a command prompt terminal (yes, I can't even open the terminal) and then what to do with it. There are three things I want to be able to do.

1) Find out what Linux distribution I am working on (which I may be able to do using this: http://www.howtoforge.com/how_to_find_out_about_your_linux_distribution but I don't know how to get the terminal open...)
2) Download the latest Firefox and get it running (I did this successfully once before, but I did break the browser for a few months before googling the solution, and now I can't remember how I did it)
3) Download Skype and get it running

Methods I have tried for opening a terminal that haven't worked:
Ctrl+Alt+F2
Ctrl+Alt+T
Looking for an icon on my desktop that looks like a computer screen (the only ones I can find are for display settings, and for system information)
Looking in the tray for a red hat, a penguin, an F in a bubble, or a foot (there is nothing in my tray except a home button [minimises everything and returns you to desktop], a quick switch to a Chinese keyboard, internet, power status, sound, time, and quit)

I also tried searching the system for 'terminal' (and 'console'), which was a long shot and unsurprisingly failed.

I have no business being on Linux and I know it. Can someone please help me get to a point where I can carry on bumbling along as I was previously? I would really appreciate any advice. Particularly on how to open the command prompt terminal. And please keep in mind the horrifically low level of proficiency I have if you choose to answer.

Thanks!

Answer 1

When you start your system what does it Linux type does it show? Ubuntu, Linux mint, fedora, red hat???



Ubuntu Linux / Red Hat Linux / Fedora Linux with the GNOME desktop:



select the Applications Menu ; select Accessories ; select Terminal.



Debian Linux with the GNOME desktop: right-click on the desktop and select Terminal.



SUSE Linux with the KDE desktop: click on the "Konsole" icon on the desktop (that looks like a computer screen).



or try looking for xterm



FOR INSTALLING SOFTWARE:

Try to do it using the Software manager application or the Synaptic package manager application.

Answer 2

When a netbook ships with Linux, the distribution is almost always Ubuntu. So unless your brother installed something else, I would assume you have that.



To open the terminal: Thumb your Windows key and a little search box will show up on the screen. Begin typing the word "terminal" and the icon for the terminal should show up in the results.



To download firefox: It's highly likely firefox is already installed. Again, thumb your windows key to get that search box, and type in "firefox". The icon for it will very likely pop up. If it doesn't, then search "software center again", which will open the Ubuntu Software Center where you can search and download for any software that you want (If you've ever used the App store on a smartphone then the Software Center will look very familiar to you.)



Skype: Same deal. Pull up your software center and you can search and download skype from there.

Answer 3

Ubuntu is arguably the finest Linux distro for novices, altho some human beings declare Fedora is larger. i am going to placed my vote in with Ubuntu. in case you want to position in a Linux on a device, what i'd recommend is vacationing an area bookshop, together with Borders or Barnes & Noble. visit the laptop area of their mag rack, and %. up a Linux mag that incorporates a Linux distribution DVD. you'll frequently have a very a style of techniques, from Fedora to CentOS to distinctive flavors of Ubuntu to distinctive consumer-friendly-ball forte distros -- frequently quite a few techniques in a unmarried mag. it will fee you about $20, besides the indisputable fact that it will provide you with some documentation on the distro plus different tips in Linux, you'll have it NOW as a change hours later at the same time as the receive completes, and also you may meet a constructive Linux geek contained in the bookshop for suggestion and tips.

Answer 4

You should learn Linux from Scratch. The best option is to start with Ubuntu Linux Desktop Edition.

Download the Ubuntu reference book from here

http://www.ubuntupocketguide.com/download_main.html

Answer 5

Ti is correct in that Ubuntu 11.10 is the most user-friendly of the Linux distros. It's what I use on a virtual machine on my laptop. Ubuntu comes with the latest Firefox, as well as LibreOffice and some other useful programs. They also have an "app store" (if you want to call it that) to add addtional open-source software that may be of use to you on your Ubuntu machine.



A really good reference for someone who is new to Linux is the book "Linux for Dummies" (published by Wiley Press, creators of the "Dummies" series) which I actually have as a PDF version. Good desk reference to have, even if you're not a totally newbie to Linux.

Answer 6

you should get Ubuntu linux its the most user friendly that even my grandmother has learned to use it!



www.ubuntu.com

Answer 7

sorry to tell you that i believe no one will give you an answer. you should check this yourself on google. just go through linux tutorials and that should do it.



good luck