Ubuntu 12.04 application launching problem

[Geoffrey Combes]

The launching problem experienced was induced, I am fairly sure, by a PC 
hardware defect and the software issue solved by installing 14.04LTS. 
But not before the hardware caused numerous shutdowns. Initially I 
installed 14.04 on-line. The download went effortlessly but the 
subsequent upgrade was terminated prematurely by a PC shutdown, the 
first  of many. This left the system installed without any launching 
panel icons or applets at the top. The OS worked but could only be used 
from the folders on the desktop, a strange situation. I replaced the RAM 
(carefully) and this action seems to have stopped the unscheduled 
hardware shutdowns. That fixed I bought a 14.04LTS 32 bit disk from 
Peter Baker who responded immediately (thanks Peter) and installation 
occurred without a hitch.
Incidentally I find 14.04 very good with a few noticeable and useful 
improvements. It is by far the best at connecting with my Internet 
provider (Telstra) via the little 4G mobile modem. I couple the modem to 
a home-made double-quad antenna tuned and adjusted for 3G's 850 MHz. It 
boosts the RF signal by about 5dB and ensures fast transfer of data.
I installed 14.04 by choosing the 'erase disk' option which meant that I 
had to re-install quite a few applications (such as Scribus and Bluefish 
which I use a lot). But this is good as I got updates. I also took the 
opportunity to switch Mailing from Evolution to Thunderbird.
Meanwhile I continue to urge others to try Ubuntu, not with much 
responding interest I have to say.
Geoffrey Combes