Is Ubuntu complicated?

Question

For me, I was looking for a distribution of Linux, and found Ubuntu. Now I want to know if it is complicated to the average user. I have experience with graphic based UIs. Is it hard to get things running and does it take a long time to set up? If so, please provide some instructions on how to set it up. Thanks.

Answer 1

It is not at all complicated, I have ubuntu and XP on my PC. If you have ti download the setup file (ISO file) it is about 694MB so it depends on your internet speed as to how fast you can get those files, and after that it takes about another half an hour and thats it. If you don't know how to do it(like me) get WUBI (the automatic programe that allows you to use ubuntu as a linux like a windows program, yes you can uninstall it from your control panel--> add remove programs. And I forgot to mention, there is tons of help on the web for ubuntu. I have also customised mine to look just like XP.

Happy Linuxing

Answer 2

Well, I tried it a couple of times. I got it set up and running just fine. However, I had a lot of trouble figuring out how to get the built-in wireless on my laptop working. Support for drivers is kind of iffy.

The interface is fairly simple to use, and it should be relatively easy for a Windows user to migrate to.

Answer 3

Kubuntu (Unbuntu with the KDE interface) is really easy to use after using Windows and I would recommend the Kubuntu purely for the interface as it is really easy to use.

Ubuntu has a number of auto-config functions and sets up really easily provided you do not have wireless internet cards to setup as those are somewhat tricky, but those are the only problems I have found. Anything else is a quick search on Google to find out how to fix and doesn't take more than 5 mins.  

Answer 4

No actually ubuntu isn't that complicated at all if you know a bit about linux. Also its easy to set up and install but make sure if your looking to duel boot that you make a second partition on your hard drive before you try and install it because if you don't it will erase your old OS and you will be stuck with ubuntu. Another thing if your using a laptop make sure your wireless card is compatible because if not well you won't be able to connect to wifi. If your looking for info on how to install it just download the file and download a program called active iso its freeware and can be found in the download section at cnet.com then just open up active iso browse for the iso file select it and click burn (make sure you burn it at the lowest speed for maximum quality) and your done just insert the disc into the computer boot from the disc and install its as simple as that. Good luck and if you have any problems or questions feel free to message me.

Answer 5

When you install an OS you are taking responsibility for it in a way that you are not otherwise.  Figure four hours, most of which will probably be spent watching it.

Ubuntu is the simplest Linux there is, for a non-technically oriented person.  Nevertheless, while I don't LIKE their LiveCDs I recommend trying it until you start to get comfortable with it, that is, boot it, bring up the desktop and DO NOT INSTALL the first few times.  Instead just check out the programs which come on it.

There is always a transition period, so dual booting is a good thing, however, dual booting is also a good way to mess up your hard drive.  If you use wubi-installer, at http://www.wubi-installer.org (or if you feel brave the Debian installer at http://www.goodbye-microsoft.com), it will alleviate the need to dual-boot but you will be running it on Windows which means it will be slower and less stable than otherwise.  Nevertheless that is less risky than repartitioning.

Still, if you are serious about trying Linux, which I do want to encourage, I want to emphasize two things: 1.  Read up on it.  For Ubuntu, go to the Ubuntu website, click on Documentation and get used to maneuvering around in there.  There are other sites like the Linux Documentation Project, Linuxquestions.org and so forth which are good for more general questions.  Sometimes an answer for a different distribution will be true for yours as well (the two most closely related are Debian and Ubuntu, but don't mix packages for them or else).  2.  If you have friends who've done it, keep them around.  Look up Linux User Groups.  They are quite colorful but can save your neck, and while there is a certain amount of anti-ubuntu animus out there (Hello) there is stronger animus at other distros (while those of us who feel the animus and refuse to admit it's irrational -- which of course it is -- are almost always balanced by those of us who know the truth and those of us who don't feel the animus) and, here in Northern New England at least, you will meet retirees from DEC, employees of Cisco and Novell and Red Hat at these groups who KNOW your machine as a machine and will be very happy to help you treat it properly.  If there is a LUG in your area, drop in before you install.

Ubuntu is straightforward in many ways.  One of the ironies of it is that the marketing campaign almost but doesn't quite suggest it is what it isn't (and I could go on for hours about that) but many excellent users believe what the ad campaign almost suggests rather than what it actually says.  They spend some money on it.  They spend the money on making it safe, reliable and usable by the technically challenged.  if that's you that is a good Linux for you.  But Linux is complicated.  Worth it, but complicated.

Answer 6

It is easy for me .... if you are a new user you might find it troubling when installing any application since there is no .exe to simply double click on,  the GUI is clean and easy other than SuSe and other distros...run the CD before you install if you like to check it out.  

Answer 7

Its great that you have asked this question so directly. The first thing to do when starting out with any Linux distro. is to put Windows to the back of your mind, as Linux is quite different.In a word if you think it will be point and click like Windows then Linux will not work for you. Thats not to say it is hard, in fact far from it. You state you would like to use Ubuntu as your chosen Linux distro. and by doing so you cannot go far wrong, as much of what you are going to need to know is well documented. Lets assume you are going to install Ubuntu 8.04.1 http://releases.ubuntu.com/hardy/

Most of the information you need can be found in thorough online tutorials, so it is wise to have a good read before you begin. Here is a tutorial on installing Ubuntu https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Graphi... This particular tutorial refers to installing Ubuntu 6.06, but much of what you see is the same for Ubuntu 8.04.1

Once Ubuntu is installed and updated (there will be a notification of any updates that are available), you will most likely be looking to install additional software.This can be done using the Synaptic Package Manager, which is a straightforward no frills software installer. Here is a tutorial on how to use the Synaptic Package Manager https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Synapt...

At times you may need to use the Terminal to install software. Here is a tutorial on how to use the Terminal https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UsingT...

You may also want to configure Ubuntu for Wireless use. Most of the time Ubuntu is pretty good at detecting Wireless cards etc. but here is a Wireless Tutorial/TroubleShooter anyhow https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WifiDo... and https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WifiDo...

Ubuntu has a huge online community http://ubuntuforums.org/ and I recommend you register so you can enjoy all the community can offer.

There are things I have not covered here like the awesome 3D Compiz Fusion, you need to become familiar with the basics first, not that Compiz Fusion is difficult in any way, just give yourself a chance to get the feel of things.

An alternative is Linux Mint 5.0 (Main Edition) http://www.linuxmint.com/download.html which is a more refined release of Ubuntu, albeit from different developers it is Ubuntu under the cover. Linux Mint has a more polished interface than Ubuntu and much of the software you will need to get you going comes preinstalled.

If you would like any help you are welcome to contact me directly (see my profile)

LUg.