[meangene]

Hello, I just bought a netbook with Linux on it, and have no idea whatsoever how to install any software. I actually want to install windowx xp on here along with linux, but since there is no optical drive, I bought an external one, but cant even install the software for it! I am sure linux is great for computer gurus, but I just want to look up things on the web and use it for email, and I dont have the time to spend half the day to install something that could be done in about 2 minutes on windows. Could someone PLEASE give me step by step instructions how to install the external dvd/cd drive, and maybe I can figure out the windows thing later,or come back here and ask. I do not know how to get to the command prompt, or whatever it is called on linux, so I am completely at a loss here.Any help would be appreciated.

[leroys1000]

Which linux distrbution is it?
Most defaul linux installations have a web browser and
email icon down in the left side of the taskbar.
If you are running something like ubuntu,you
can use the applications/internet menu.

[meangene]

I am not sure,,I dont have the email or app icons on the left of the taskbar. This netbook came with linux already installed, and when I look up system info, it doesn't say anything about the OS. Like I said, I am totally new to Linux, I found the shell console, which is,

[edge]

Try clicking on the menu button at the bottom left corner of the screen, click on system. I'm running linux mint when it start it gives you boot options that you can click on to boot in different modes

[meangene]

There is nothing on the bottom left on my taskbar, other than the show desktop icon.

[meangene]

sorry, apparently I sent this message before I finished typing it. Anyway, I assume the shell console is somewhat the equivalent of the "run" application on windows. I tried the add new software app, and it opens up the files, but doesnt actually run them. I put the installation disk in the external drive, but it just shows whats on the disk, it doesnt autorun.

[arochester]

Netbook. Make? Model?

[meangene]

Asus Eee pc 900

[arochester]

Google: linux Asus Eee pc 900 dual boot windows xp

It produces e.g. "Dual Boot 900 Linux with XP" at http://forum.eeeuser.com/viewtopic.php?id=30459

Your main problem with dual booting is probably shortage of storage.

[TerryNet]

Even before a possible shortage of storage I understand the problems to be ...
a. don't know what Linux distribution;
b. no optical drive;
c. can't get an external optical drive to work.

For Asus Eee pc 900 with only Linux installed I found this. If that is what you have then I'm pretty sure you have Linpus Lite.

I took a quick look at Linpus Lite when I read that Asus was using it on their netbooks. I don't care for it, but it seems fairly simple to use for "standard" things like web browsing and word processing.

If I recall correctly I had difficulty finding a Terminal ("Command Prompt") window. Maybe in the Administration module--at least there is supposed to be a manual in that section.

Does the external drive have drivers or software for Linux? If so, for all distributions or just some?

[arochester]

Could be "Custom Linux OS (Xandros)" see
http://wiki.eeeuser.com/eee_pc_701#models

...Also have a look at "Installing software on the EEE - quick beginner's guide" at
http://wiki.eeeuser.com/howto:installsoftwarequickguide

...and "Dualboot with Xandros and Windows XP" on http://wiki.eeeuser.com/dualboot_wit..._and_windowsxp

[TerryNet]

Those appear to be excellent links, arochester. I agree that it seems to be Xandros.

[meangene]

Hey thanks, I appreciate the links, they look like they will help.