Any LINUX users?

[Beggar for the Spirit]

I just installed Linux for the first time.

I like it but I was wondering if some of you Linux experts can help me?

 

My problem is that although Ubuntu/Linux works, sadly no "Networks" appear in Ubuntu?

It is enabled but my wireless router does not show up nor

does any other network?

I first used a USB Live distribution, but now I even installed Ubuntu/Linux alongside Windows

but still no Networks are showing.

 

When I researched I saw several articles that were discussing

how wireless is a problem for some people with Ubuntu/Linux

but how to resolve it seemed very complicated.

1 Brother said he doesn't recommend Ubuntu "out of the box".

I am a Newbie to Linux and so I have no idea how to resolve this

or which other "Linux Distributions" are better?

 

Can anyone give me any advice or help?

I would appreciate anything,

thanks!

 

Your Brother

Neil

[Trey]

This is a laptop I'm guessing? Many laptops may have wireless chips that simply do not work with Linux. Last time I tried to make a Linux laptop I bought a Wireless USB adapter that was compatible with Linux for about $10.

[Old]

Just in general I would like to hear the advantages Linux, does it read and modify files created in Windows?

 

Is there reason to install it except for being unique? Can you have both Windows and Linux on the same computer?

 

Most of what I read is for hackers, not novices.

[Beggar for the Spirit]

HI Brother Tim,

 

Thanks for your response.

Actually it is my Desktop I am talking about, does this help rather than having a Laptop?

Should I also get a Wireless USB Adapter for Linux or is there

a better way since this is a Desktop?

 

Thanks for your help!

Neil

[Beggar for the Spirit]

Hi Brother Jerry,

 

Yes, I did just that, I installed Linux alongside Windows 7.

When I Boot my computer, then I choose which Operating System I want to use.

You can also Boot Linux from a small USB drive!

I did this, it is pretty cool.

 

Here are some of the reasons I am wanting to try Linux:

*  I have heard how much more secure it is then Windows.

*  I have also heard that using the internet on Linux is more secure than Windows.

*  I have read some reports of the Anti-virus Programs for Windows actually spying on their customers!

    With Linux I understand you may not need Antivirus protection like Windows

* Plus there is so much Malware out there focused on Windows.

   This is why many people prefer MACS, but these can be expensive

 

So these are the main reasons I am trying it.

But maybe some of our Linux experts and users can tell us more about these points and more?

Edited September 26, 2014 by Beggar for the Spirit

[Hartley]

I have used various linux versions at diferent times. I have found them to be quite reliable.

I am not currently running a live copy of Ubantu, though I do use it as a bootable thumbdrive. The bigest advantage for me is to place the distribution on a usb thumb drive. This way I can diagnose computers where the HDD has failed and often recover information.

In all cases where I have used Ubantu, it has picked up and installed  drivers for all devices. I does however require access to a normal ethernet connection to auto download drivers for some devices, for example wifi.

As to live distributions I currently use Centos on 2 servers. One is used as a Database and the other is linked to it and acts as a web server running IBM Connections. both give no trouble, outside standard maintanance.

Edited September 27, 2014 by Hartley

[Hartley]

Just in general I would like to hear the advantages Linux, does it read and modify files created in Windows?

 

Is there reason to install it except for being unique? Can you have both Windows and Linux on the same computer?

 

Most of what I read is for hackers, not novices.

The Mac OSX operating system is actualy built on Linux, so it is far more than a novety. It would be fare to say Mac OSX is one flavour of Linux, Ubantu is another.

I have resurected a number of failed computers by installing Ubantu for friends who do not have the money to purchase new equipment.  So Ubantu is a major help for poorer people. Ubanto comes complete with user software so it does not require purchace of Office etc to make it useful.

I do not recomend puting on your computer alongside Windows unless you are an advanced computer user. If I were putting it onto a pc alongside windows, I would use a USB thumb drive or a Portable hard drive, as it can interfere with windows boot up if installed as dual boot. I know  a number of techs who have had to completely reinstall windows after users experimented with Ubantu alongside Windows. It usually installs OK, it is when people try to remove it that they get into trouble.

As to filesystems Ubantu can usualy access all files on Windows, even those that it is unwise to modify,  So I would recomend The use of Windows OR Ubantu. but not both.

[Beggar for the Spirit]

Hi Brother Andrew,

 

Thank you for your good responses and helpful advice!

So what do u recommend I do now since I already

installed Ubuntu alongside Windows?

 

You said it has caused problems for some when trying to remove it.

I don't mind keeping it but I cannot use the Internet because the "Networks" are not showing.

Do you happen to know how to correct this issue by chance?

 

Thanks for your help! 

Neil

[Hartley]

It is difficult to give advice here. but as long as you don't try removing it you will have no problems. Ubantu loads creates a form of bootloader on dual install. Unfortunately it doesnt work too well on removal, leaving you with no way to boot into windows. So simply leave it be and you will have no problems.

 

As to the wifi problem does the machine have a place to plug in an ethernet cable. You might end up having to run the blue ethernet cable back to your router. Ubantu should see this. If you can do this, allow ubantu to run its own updates and you should find everything then works.

I assume also that you have tried configuring the wifi and it was not available. If not try the following

At the top right of the screen is a symbol like quarter of a pie. Click on it and choose  "edit connections" then "add". Open the dropbox and choose WIFI

Hopefully you know the connection info for your router

[Pallen]

   My Brother set me up with Lubutu on an older Netbook he had and was not using. I would assume it used to run XP which is no longer supported. I use it mostly for internet usage. Showing My parents new things from JW.org that they would not otherwise have access to. My Dad is very wary of the internet as he heard bad things about it and that is what stick in his mind. Any way at least what I bring it over he is able to see things on a larger screen than my 7" Android Nexus. He REALLY enjoyed the recent Warwick Update 2 I am finding Lubuntu easy to use, of course I did not have to set it up I will have to invite my Brother to join JWtalk one day. He is studying and doing well, but not a baptized publisher yet. Something the rest of the family is looking forward to