Ubuntu/Linix help please

[Broadback]

Could someone point me to where I can get absolute basic help on this please?  I've just come back from a shopping spree (my wife's, not mine, just dragged kicking and screaming.  ), visited a large Waterstones and W H Smith no books at all on the subject.  I bought a Linux Format magazine, but it is too advanced for me.

[Rik]

If no-one responds, keep an eye out for Danni - she's a long-time user.

[Broadback]

Thanks Rik, it is not direct help I expect here, just a pointer to some absolute beginners books or web sites. All I seem to be able to do is run Firefox and Evolution mail . I tried to get Java for Firefox, it downloaded ok, but no way can I get it to run! 

[somanyholes]

to get you started

https://help.ubuntu.com/
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/
http://www.linuxquestions.org/
http://www.tuxfiles.org/linuxhelp/

my main advice is read and read a lot.

[somanyholes]

this might help

https://jdk-distros.dev.java.net/ubuntu.html

[cavillas]

I beleive that there is a Ubuntu for Dummies book available online at Amazon.  In fact there are anumber of books for Ubuntu Linux on their site at very reasonable prices and for all levels.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_w_h_/026-7568875-2930868?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ubuntu+for+dummies&Go.x=9&Go.y=15

[somanyholes]

yet more linkage, its a linux/ubuntu cheat sheet, very handy.

http://people.debian.org/~debacle/refcard/refcard-en-a4.pdf

[MoHux]

 ........ and when you've memorised that lot, we'll make you the forum Linux expert!! 

[Ted]

Thanks Rik, it is not direct help I expect here, just a pointer to some absolute beginners books or web sites. All I seem to be able to do is run Firefox and Evolution mail . I tried to get Java for Firefox, it downloaded ok, but no way can I get it to run! 

Did you download the .bin file or the .rpm file? Makes a big difference in how to install them

[Broadback]

Sad to say this morning I thought I would try to install Java as per Somanyholes tip, unfortunately  I now find that since putting the later version on it is not working correctly, amongst other problems there is not internet connection.  Hey ho, back to the drawing board I guess.  where best to install it anew from please?

[Broadback]

Supplementary question.  As I think I will have to do a complete reload how do I cleanly get rid of the current one please?

[Ted]

With a normal install of Linux, 3 partitions are created, /"root", swap, and /home. When you reinstall, it should ask where to  install itself. Choose the partitions that have already been created and it will format and install there, thus you have a clean install. /root will be something like HDA1
/home contains all your user files so as long as you don't format that one (back up just in case) you retain all your pics, music etc.
I've never installed/reinstalled Ubuntu but i can't see why it would be different to any other regular distribution.
If you download and install Kbuntu you will have KDE (K Desktop Environment ) A lot of people prefer it to Gnome, me included

[madasahatter]

Sad to say this morning I thought I would try to install Java as per Somanyholes tip, unfortunately  I now find that since putting the later version on it is not working correctly, amongst other problems there is not internet connection.  Hey ho, back to the drawing board I guess.  where best to install it anew from please?

somanyholes may not be with us for a few days - he's moved and it depends how quick he gets the broadband in his new place sorted.

[Broadback]

Pleased to say that  am now back up and running, after installing the original version, then its many updates. Thank you all for your help and tips, it will take me a loooong time to assimilate it all. 

[Rik]

Congratulations, that has to be worth a karma.

[Broadback]

Why thanks you kind sir.