Bruce,<br>I think you're in for some pleasant surprises. Most everything you're asking for comes included. <br><br>Have you downloaded Edubuntu yet? Make sure you have the most recent version, 7.04 (short for 2007-Apr) Feisty Fawn. You'll want the desktop i386 version.
<br><br>The system requirements are quite low, any computer made in the last several years should work. Boot your machine from the CD and you'll see that Edubuntu runs in Live mode, allowing you to check it out before installing. You'll see what works and what doesn't, albeit slowly since it's all running in RAM off the CD. The Install icon will make it permanent on your hard drive.
<br><br>File compression is handled automatically with of Linux / Ubuntu. So are many other file types, like PDFs and DOC files. Software is available on-line by going to the Synaptics Package Manager for thousands of programs, but I'd suggest you'll have lots to explore just looking at what's already installed.
<br><br>You'll want to visit <a href="http://ubunutforums.org">ubunutforums.org</a> and go to the Absolute Beginner Talk section.<br><br>Wish you luck and hope to hear from you again.<br><br>Scott<br><br><br><div><span class="gmail_quote">
On 4/30/07, <b class="gmail_sendername">Bruce Anderson</b> <<a href="mailto:bruce.germund@gmail.com">bruce.germund@gmail.com</a>> wrote:</span><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">
<div>Hello, my name is Bruce Anderson, I just recently heard of Edubuntu. For many years I've wanted to try playing with Linux, and this looks like the perfect version as it is very family friendly. I think my kids will love it. However, before I install it, I have some questions.
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<div>What are the system requirements?</div>
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<div>What kind of zip/unzip utilities do I need in Linux, do they come bundled with Edubunto?</div>
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<div>Where is a reputable site I can learn about Linux from a newbies perspective? I poked around at a few sites and they went over my head pretty quick, or seemed pretty dated.</div>
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<div>Where is a good reputable place to find software?</div>
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<div>I think that's all for now. Thanks.</div><span class="sg">
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<div>Bruce</div>
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