An introduction to the learning tools available to the Ubuntu newbie

If you are new to Ubuntu, welcome to the warm fuzzy blanket of freely available knowledge. If you are still a Windows refugee who is trying to persuade yourself that it is time to step out of the cold, welcome also. I was one of you.

Since that auspicious day in 1974 when I ran my first computer card program, I have used about a dozen different operating systems and owned 10 computers . Almost all of my computer experience was tied to Windows.

Last summer after a disasterous virus infection, I installed Dapper Drake 6.06 on a dual boot. Two weeks later did a clean install of Ubuntu 6.06 over the entire hard drive, wiping out the virus infected Windows 2000 Pro. This brings me to the reason for writing this article.

Suddenly everything that I knew about computers had changed when I lifted that still warm CD out of the computer. I had a new vocabulary to learn, new rules to follow, and even a new desktop colour scheme. I had to start learning about computers all over again. The resources were out there but I didn't even know the right words to use when asking questions. I was a Kindergarten Ubuntu user asking questions of the Ubuntu Hacking High School Seniors. I will always be grateful for their polite and helpful replies. As a fellow newbie I want to share some of the things that I learned so your transition will be a happy and hopefully painless one.

Join a LUG.
If you are reading this article then you already know about the existance of Ubuntu Toronto . It is a Linux User Group (LUG) that specilizes in Ubuntu. They offer seminars for the newbie and they will display remarkable patience in answering questions from the new faces around the table. It's also fun to sit and talk with smart people who want to share their knowledge. Ubuntu Toronto meets at the Linux Caffe on Harbord St in Toronto. It is a welcoming atmosphere with some very fine coffee.

Sign up for Ubuntu-ca Digest
While prowling the web I found Ubuntu.ca. They have a web site that is a offers a mailing list called Ubuntu-ca Digest. it is pure gold for the newbie. That's a great spot to observe conversations about common problems people are having, listen to the solutions and learn the language of Ubuntu and Linux. They discuss the day to day operation of Ubuntu and most times the answers are geared to the newbie They also get involved in promoting Ubuntu in Canada.

Visit the Ubuntu.org community
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/ Places like the Fridge and Planet Ubuntu can provide you with a better understanding of where the Ubuntu Linux Pros hang out and what they talk about. They also have a great resource cleverly called Common Questions. The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) also have some truly useful answers.

Look at the Ubuntu Forums for Absolute Beginners
http://www.ubuntuforums.org/ This is where you go to see the Absolute Beginners Forum. Before you ask a question , look at the “tags' tab. They store previous questions and more importantly previous answers. If you are having a problem there is a possibility that someone else has experienced the same problem and if you are lucky , they have already got the answer to your question .

Download and print the documentation
If you go to your computer and look at "System->Help-> Online System Documentation" there is documentation for most things that are installed on Dapper Drake. If you are a 8 ½ by 11 sort of newbie like me, you can even print the PDF file from the Ubuntu Desktop Guide. It is 80 pages of easy to read step by step instructions on how to make Ubuntu 6.06 run properly. Use a three hole punch and a ring binder and you have your own manual.

The F1 Key
Right now, when no one else is looking , press the F1 key. It is kind of embarassing to realize that there were answers on your computer all along Many questions can be answered by the help page that you have generated by pressing F1. It really doesn't matter that you had the answer all along, now that you know about F1 don't be shy about using it. No one else needs to know how you got so smart, so quickly, it will be our little secret.

Read a book
There are some great books on the market that can be purchased or borrowed from the library. The books directed at new users are for the most part written in newbie friendly language. Some of them even include a glossary and a convenient table of Linux programs that serve the same function as those all too familiar Windows based programs. If you see a book that you think that you like, order it through your local book seller.

Let Google work for you.
As tool in it's bid for world dominance, Google has a product called Google Alert. You can specify a search subject and everyday Google will send you an e-mail, updating you on what has happened today in that particular subject area. It is a handy way to build your day to day knowledge about Linux and Ubuntu.

These aren't the only resources available. When you find something new, share it with some other newbies, maybe post an article here. The more we share, the better off we will all be. Someday soon you will be asked to share a warm fuzzy blanket of knowledge with a Windows refugee. Please be as kind and generous as you can. Not so long ago, you were standing where they are.

Just remember , we are all in this together.

Kim King is a member of Ubuntu Toronto and the Scugog Linux User Group.