[ubuntu-za] Ubuntu Linux.

[Craig A. Adams]

Hi Chris,

I do not foresee any specific problems with your system being compatible
with Ubuntu. Performance should also be fairly reasonable, a subjective
measure. 

I do notice that you specifically mention a modem. I presume that you do
not, therefore, have access to a broadband connection. The reason I
mention this is that you will need to download some additional features
for Ubuntu.

Specifically, Ubuntu does not ship with MP3 support as this is a
proprietary sound format and cannot be distributed without paying a
royalty. In order to add MP3 and other proprietary format support, it is
recommended that you either make use of the Automatix [1] or EasyUbuntu
[2], scripts that download and install all of this for you
automatically. Alternatively, you can add the necessary support manually
by following the Ubuntu Guide [3]. The Ubuntu Guide can also assist you
with installing newsreaders and other features.

[1] http://www.getautomatix.com/wiki/index.php?title=Installation
[2] http://easyubuntu.freecontrib.org/get.html
[3] http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Edgy

USB support is very good, I personally use a number of external USB
drives and memory sticks without any problems, Ubuntu automatically
finds them and makes them available on plugin.

Your camera will probably be automatically supported, plug it in and
watch it copy your pictures. :-)

Bittorrent support is built-in. To download you simply click on a
torrent link and it automatically starts the client to download the
file.

OpenOffice.org will take care of your word processing, spreadsheet,
presentation and database needs, and is included with all versions of
Ubuntu.

It is important to remember that Ubuntu Linux is not Windows and is not
an attempt to clone Windows. It works differently and will require some
getting used to.

In terms of getting a copy, you can request one from Shipit [4] or you
can visit the Ubuntu South African Local Community site [5] to find
someone near you who can help you out.

[4] http://shipit.ubuntu.com/
[5] http://www.ubuntu-za.org/Wiki/

I certainly hope that you will take the opportunity to give Ubuntu a go,
and look forward to hearing of your successful transition and seeing at
the Ubuntu Local Community.

Kindest Regards

Craig A. Adams

On Wed, 2006-12-13 at 19:05 +0200, ChrisC wrote:
> I have a very shit system and I'm thinking of ditching Windows and
> using Linux because I believe it's faster. Also my current edition of
> Windows is Windows 2000, and because I'm living in South Africa now, I
> can't afford to keep up with Mr Bill Gates prices for operating
> systems. The system I have access to is an: 
> 
> 
> AMD 733MHZ. 
> 512MB of ram. 
> 12GB Hard Drive. 
> US Robotics 56k modem. Ext.
> 
> 
> Thats about it. Ok here's what I'll be using it for. To browse forums
> on the web. Access my email on the web and using standard email.
> Watching DivX, playing mp3s. Using a Microsoft Word program or
> equivalent. Burn CD's, DVD's. Reading and posting to USENET. And the
> most important of all plugging in my removable USB 250g hard drive,
> which contains a NTFS (I think) data partition with 40g of information
> I do not want to lose. Well actually I don't remember formating it to
> NTFS. One of my main questions is how friendly is Ubuntu Linux with
> USB stuff now? I'll plan to use my digital camera with linux, which is
> USB. Also is there any easy to use torrent software for Linux? I have
> used Mandriva which was quite easy although I don't think it supported
> USB, but I'm very curious about Ubuntu.
> 
> I was advised by someone on Usenet that you send out free CD/DVD's is
> this correct?
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> -- 
> " If you can empty your mind of all thoughts your heart will embrace
> the tranquility of peace. Watch the workings of all of creation, but
> contemplate their return to the source. " 
> 
> Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
> 
> ChrisC