Posted on 05/03/2010 11:18:38 AM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
It is as straightforward, its just in a different direction. You pretty much nailed it. Pretty much anything you need is in the repositories, pre-packaged for you and ready to go. Like I said, find it, mark it, click apply. Synaptic, the package manager does all the downloading and installing for you.
Besides ease of use the advantages of a repository system are that packages are pre-built to work on your OS version and are certified free of malware, viruses, etc. The Ubuntu repositories have tens of thousands of packages in them, so you have a good chance of finding an app that does what you're looking for. Then if you wish you can add other repositories that might have something you want that the Ubuntu repositories don't, be it newer versions of programs, or stuff that can't be included in Ubuntu like the codec needed to decode aka watch dvd's which isn't included because watching a dvd breaks the content protection on the disc thereby breaking the DMCA. sigh.
Anyways, this particular process is a decided disadvantage for the repository system as the process of adding a third party repository isn't as straightforward as I think it could be. It involves the user pasting a command into a terminal that adds the repository and key to authenticate the packages from that repository. Copy, open Terminal, Paste, close Terminal. Quick and easy, but new users understandably are intimidated by command lines.
Anyways, it seems easier and less risky to me than downloading and installing an app on faith from a web site. I've caught toolbars from that once or twice.
Mint has a small selection of apps in its software Portal and install of those is quite easy...very different than Ubuntu in this area....see :
Cool - thanks!
Besides ease of use the advantages of a repository system are that packages are pre-built to work on your OS version and are certified free of malware, viruses, etc. The Ubuntu repositories have tens of thousands of packages in them, so you have a good chance of finding an app that does what you're looking for.
I didn't see thousands when I looked.....maybe other repositories are out there. I can now see the advantage of a repository system
Anything in an Ubuntu depository will work with Mint-Linux you think? Can you recommend a good website maker like FrontPage in Windows?
Arachnophilia is not in the mint linux repository as far as I can tell. I have not install mint yet but just looking at what it calls the software portal. http://linuxmint.com/software/?sec=category&id=168&release=6 It might be in ubuntus repository
Oh no problem. Linux isn't Windows and Windows isn't Linux. Which is better is a matter of user preference, but they each do certain things their own way that can not be immediately apparent to new users. I was just reading an article on Windows Tips today I realized I would be lost at a Windows 7 desktop if I was sat down today and tried to use it beyond basic stuff like starting programs. Whereas a decade ago I could make Windows 2000 sit up and do tricks.
I didn't see thousands when I looked.....maybe other repositories are out there.
You probably haven't enabled the extra Ubuntu repositories. Enabling them is simple, but here's a site that also breaks down how to do it and what each repository is:
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/sources
That sight actually has a lot of good info for the new user including how to add third party repsositories like Medibuntu and GetDeb.
An indespensible resource for someone coming to Ubuntu is Ubuntu Forums. If you have a question or a problem, someone else has probably alread had it and has gotten help there. The jerk ratio there is pretty low for an internet forum. I found one discussion about possible HTML editors. From 2006 its a bit dated but it names some good possibilities for web editors, including Arachnophilia, which, yep, isn't in any of the repositories. Note that nothing stops you from installing programs using the downoad and install method that you're used to, you just should be conscious of what you're installing when you do it that way, just like you would be conscious of whether a third party repository is reputable before you would add it. (Medibuntu and GetDeb are, btw)
Anything in an Ubuntu depository will work with Mint-Linux you think? Can you recommend a good website maker like FrontPage in Windows?
I really can't speak on Mint as I haven't tried it but I know it is reported to come a little more feature complete out of the box with for instance the mp3 and dvd codecs already installed. I believe Mint uses its own repositories... can't be sure and I'm a little short on time at the moment to bring myself up to speed on it. Regarding a replacement for Frontpage, if you do a Google search for Frontpage Linux Alternative or better Linux Alternatives you'll get a ton of sites that offer great counterparts to programs you're used to.
Heh—maybe I’m better with Windows 7 than you are. I have read your post a few times. Thanks for all the help. I will load 10.4 Ubuntu today and see what I get. The luscious lynx or whatever it’s called
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