Linux Lite Forums

General => Introductions => Topic started by: Jim on April 02, 2014, 04:55:27 PM

Title: New to Linux Lite
Post by: Jim on April 02, 2014, 04:55:27 PM
Hello everyone. My name is Jim and I just downloaded and installed Linux Lite. I feel like a fish out of water. I can't even figure out how to install a program that isn't already in the system. I was wondering if there might be a good tutorial to watch to figure this all out. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! Have a great day!

Jim
Title: Re: New to Linux Lite
Post by: Wirezfree on April 02, 2014, 08:50:54 PM
Hi Jim,

Welcome, I'm also pretty new to Linux Lite, and to Linux in general.
I'm more and more really liking LL having tried about 8 other distros.

I think it's a "Hidden Gem",
not overloaded with a gazillion pre-installed applications & options.

At the top of the main menu is help & support guide, start by looking at that.
Just familiarise your self with the menus, and some of the basics.
If in doubt, and having looked in the manual, or searched  the forum...
Then post a question, there is great group of people who I'm sure will help.

Also, I forgot: https://www.linuxliteos.com/manual/index.html (https://www.linuxliteos.com/manual/index.html)

GL
Dave
Title: Re: New to Linux Lite
Post by: gold_finger on April 02, 2014, 09:31:59 PM
Welcome Jim,

If you're new to Linux, some things will seem very confusing at first.  The terminology is different, navigating the file system is different, etc.  Other things will be very similar to what you've done in other OS's.  Just take your time and eventually things start to make sense.  I can assure you that every one of us started out just as confused as you are right now, so don't feel bad.

A good place for you to start would be to read through the built-in Help Manual.  You can find that by clicking the Menu button and it will be listed 2nd down from the top.  There are various topics covered with good explanations.  You don't have to memorize any of it, just have a quick read to familiarize yourself with what's there.  As you continue on using Linux, you may run into situations that the help manual covers and you'll know to look there for pointers.

As for installing software -- that is something much more easily done in Linux than you may be used to in Windows (if that's what you were using before).  Instead of running around all over the Internet looking for things to download, the vast majority of software you'll want is centrally located in what are called "repositories".  The system uses these repositories to get the software you ask for and install it.  Once installed, it shows up in the menu under one of the categories.  You will almost never be required to reboot after software installation -- it's ready to use immediately after installation.  Also, you won't get a plethora of unwanted nonsense like "browser tool-bars", miscellaneous icons for other junk-ware on the desktop, etc.  You'll get what you asked for -- period!  If you decide you don't like something, you can just as easily un-install it and it won't leave little pieces of itself running in the background calling home every day and/or slowing the computer down.

Software can be installed using either of two GUI interfaces or through the use of a terminal.  In addition, Linux Lite has certain popular software bundles listed in:  Menu -> System -> Install Additional Software.  Open the Help Manual and go to the Software section.  Follow instructions to "Change your Software Updates Country Location".  Then, I would strongly recommend that you follow the instructions to install and use the "Lite Software Center".  Enter your password when asked (you will not see your password as you enter it) and install the Software Center.  After installation completes it will show up in Menu -> System -> Lite Software Center.

The Software Center has packages (programs) organized under various categories.  Since you are new, you most likely don't know the names of programs -- so it's nice to have a categorized list to look through.  If you already know the name of the program you need, you can go directly to it in the Software Center by typing the name in its search box.  Or you can use a different GUI program called Synaptic Package Manager to find and install it.  Synaptic is found in Menu -> System -> Install/Remove Software.  The Help Manual describes the basics of Synaptic also.

The GUI interfaces are really just front-ends to terminal commands; so after you're more familiar with Linux, you may decide to just use the terminal to install packages.  For now, don't worry about using the terminal -- you will rarely need to touch it.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Thank you Gold_Finger
Post by: Jim on April 03, 2014, 10:22:30 AM
Thank you so much for your reply. You told me everything I need to know to get started!!! Again, Thank you so much.

Jim