On Wed, 2005-06-22 at 17:48 +1200, Ivan wrote:
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). Since the InstallFest I have made the switch from XP to Ubuntu as my desktop. I was previously using TBird in XP but now I use Evolution with multiple mailboxes in Ubuntu . Evolution is much better in that you can set up signatures rather than vcards for e-mail messages and many other features. It the Linux version of Outlook. Easy to set up and I have had no problems with it.
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
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-- Cheers Gun