[ubuntu-in] Advice to those new to Ubuntu (and its derivatives)

[Ramnarayan.K]

Hi

Am posting this with some trepidation since its not about Ubuntu per
se and seeks to provide an alternative to new / first time users who
are having trouble with Plain vanilla Ubuntu but here goes

One of the problems with The Vanilla (meaning default / orginal / un
enhanced / un tweaked) version of Ubuntu is that is does not come with
the bells and whistles and sometimes has even an arm missing. So it
makes it difficult to enjoy and be productive from day 1. After this
vanilla install one has to spend a few hours / days / weeks (depending
on band width access) to get the system up and running to optimal .
[and if it is months - like me then its already time for the next
Ubuntu to be released ;-)  ]

Having a big fat internet connection does change the situation, its
then possible to make Ubuntu do what ever you want. However for those
who don't , esp. those who live in poor internet areas or who are not
familiar with using the repos and manipulating them i have a few
suggestions.

1. Install the mediubuntu repos
(https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Medibuntu#Adding%20the%20Repository)
and try and add whatever you need.

2. Look for and install a derivative of Ubuntu - like Linux Mint
(http://www.linuxmint.com/) and  Ultimate edition
(http://ultimateedition.info/)

Linux Mint is probably the easiest and the best and the cleanest. It
has a software manager that will do to your bidding in a manner more
efficient than Ubuntu. It won't ask you too many questions - by
default almost all the popular media formats works , for heaven's sake
even flash works easily. Subsequently adding closed source software
like skype, googleearth etc is simply one touch from the Software
Manager (which allow you to search while installation is going on in
the background). The Best is that its Ubuntu all the way, whatever you
could /  can do in Ubuntu you can do here, it  can use the default
Ubuntu repos and encourages you to do so.

Ultimate Edition is another derivative - its a totally rehashed
version of Ubuntu and packs in everything one wants and then more -
some what like an Ubuntu Knoppix (if you have used knoppix you know
what i mean) the Ultimate DVD is just that Ultimate - one you install
this you will not need the net for very much for a long long while
(huh thats like a dream or what)

Last for those of you who want to build your system and know what goes
in then there is nothing like normal Ubuntu. which of course is itself
 a far cry from Debian or Gentoo

regards
ram