Hello all,
I attended the last WLUG meeting (my first time at a LUG) and I
picked up the latest Ubuntu CDs, which I have been trying it out.
Although I am not new to Linux (in the far distant past I found great
enjoyment setting up Linux servers: Samba, DHCPD, Apache, DNS, etc
from the CLI - using Redhat 5.2 ). I have not had time to continue
and much of that knowledge has faded. :-((
I do remember that there are no short-cuts: RTFM, RTFM, RTFM, RTFM,
and RTFM again - Unfortunately due to demands on my time I cannot
spend any great amount of quality time mulling over documentation and
deciding the best application and/or strategy to take. (Ubuntu does
make most tasks easy!)
Recently, I have been spending a little time with Gentoo, but after
trying Ubuntu's live CD I was hooked, especially since it has the
Install disc as well. IMHO Ubuntu has really stepped up the standard
with regards to getting the typical home user to experience Linux
painlessly AND leaving them impressed and possibly even excited by the
possibilities. (well, I was) <grin>
Cutting to the chase: I have decided to replace the family's main PC
with an Ubuntu Box. Currently it is mainly used for browsing, email,
the family finance & the odd WinMine game. I have setup an old PC as
a Ubuntu 'proof of concept' with great success so far, but there are a
few issues:
1) I need a replacement for MS Money. GNUCash seems to be the appl
for the job. Has anyone used it or any other that can be recommend?
2) Currently we access multiple (pop3) mailboxes. Since, Linux
maintains strong user security, I am unsure which strategy to follow:
a) Configure one user specifically for the mail.
b) Share the mail between multiple users (shared single db)
c) Other ???
I am also not sure which email appl to use. Evolution seems fully
loaded with features, but would thunderbird be better? We also have
about 3 years worth of archived mail which must be imported (from MS
Outlook).
3) I would like to setup internet sharing from the Ubuntu box and I
cannot find an easy (GUI) sharing option. I could probably do this
'manually', but would like to know if there is any way this can be
achieved for non-techies.
4) How do I reconfigure X, to use a different video card?
5) Winmodems <sigh> is there any hope? Many people with whom I have
come into contact would love to try/switch to Linux. The problem is
that many have winmodems (myself included, fortunately I also have an
USRobotics external that came to my rescue). Is there anything that
can be done? (easily, that is)
There are more questions, but I think these are enough for the moment.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Is there any way I can get my grubby mitts on 3 more Ubuntu disks? (As
I mentioned before. I have been showing it around and would like to
hand out the disks)
Many thanks,
Ivan
