[num]

I have several questions about linux, this is my first time I ever used linux so i really am still getting to know it. the first thing i really having trouble is installing applications. one of the applications i want to install is ip tables 1.3.7 (latest) and the other is firefox 2.0.0.1. now when i open up the .tar.gz archive i find the installation instructions, but it tells me to install by inputting commands, this happens in iptables. the instructions state this:

Next, make the package.
% make KERNEL_DIR=<<where-you-built-your-kernel>>

2) Finally, you need to to install the shared libraries, and the binary:
# make install KERNEL_DIR=<<where-you-built-your-kernel>>

If you are a developer, you can install the headers, development libraries
and associated development man pages, with:
# make install-devel


my question is, where do i input these commands? what do i need to do to start it up, or what programs do i need? when i open up firefox tar.gz archive i do not find installation instructions or anything like that, so how do i install firefox on linux? also what do they mean by installing where you installed the kernel? does this mean the main hard disk that linux was installed on?

my other question is if there a way to install several fonts that are avaliable in windows? i write many papers, including projects, essays, and term papers, i used to use windows before but after 2 crashes and 1 hard disk failure i decided to switch to linux since most of my friends and other students use to it also type up their work. the main font i am intrested in is installing is "Times New Roman" and having it to be able to write in a 12 size. Is this possible to do? and if so, how can i do that?

my other question is concerning about my printer. I have ubuntu which i installed about a week ago and it was the latest version at that time, i looked into the system > administration > printing. I did find the name of the company that made the printer but not the driver, and the driver that came with the printer (on a cd) only works on Windows and MAC but no where does it say it works on linux. My printer is: OKI (Okidata) C3200 [Digital LED Color Printer]. So how can i install this printer, because its quite crucial for me to be able to print the papers i type.

I was also wondering whether its possible, in Ubuntu to be able to change the size of the desktop icons themselves. I have set the screen resolution to 1024x768 at a refresh rate of 75 Hz. The screens and other things are fine, but the icons to me seem a bit too big, is it possible to change them? I looked around, but I couldn't find a solution.

This is also just my curiousity, but I remember once hearing that there is a windows environment simulator for linux which allows you to install some windows applications on linux. I am not exactly sure were I heard this, or if it possible. But doesnt anyone know if it is or heard about it? What I really wanted to be able to install is Microsoft's Streets and Trips 2006 program and Skype.

Also a question about Gaim (it came with Ubuntu), I know I can use it to sign on different messenger services, but when i sign on the MSN network, will gaim be able to support webcams and voice?

On Ubuntu, when i manage the user accounts, is it always needed to have a user account and a password on it? Is it possible to create a administrator power account without a password so whenever I boot up the computer it doesn't stop at the login and that I have to input a password every time?

I know this is a lot of questions, and I am quite a newbie when it comes to Linux, but can someone please take the time to help me out? That would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[vtel57]

Originally Posted by num

I have several questions about linux, this is my first time I ever used linux so i really am still getting to know it. the first thing i really having trouble is installing applications. one of the applications i want to install is ip tables 1.3.7 (latest) and the other is firefox 2.0.0.1. now when i open up the .tar.gz archive i find the installation instructions, but it tells me to install by inputting commands, this happens in iptables. the instructions state this:
Next, make the package.
% make KERNEL_DIR=<<where-you-built-your-kernel>>

2) Finally, you need to to install the shared libraries, and the binary:
# make install KERNEL_DIR=<<where-you-built-your-kernel>>

If you are a developer, you can install the headers, development libraries
and associated development man pages, with:
# make install-devel


my question is, where do i input these commands? what do i need to do to start it up, or what programs do i need? when i open up firefox tar.gz archive i do not find installation instructions or anything like that, so how do i install firefox on linux? also what do they mean by installing where you installed the kernel? does this mean the main hard disk that linux was installed on?

Well, for starters, num, I'd have to tell you that compiling your own kernel and modifying iptables is not for a novice Linux user. These things should only be attempted when you've reached a very advanced understanding of the Linux kernel and the GNU operating system.

When something asks you to "input a command" in Linux, its most likely referring to the command line (or terminal) prompt. Using the terminal is a way of communicating/manipulating Linux nearly directly. It is not a graphic interface. It's a terminal prompt similar to the old DOS command line in Windows.

If you're looking for security for your system (the only reason to be manipulating iptables), try Firestarter, a Gnome front end (graphic interface) to manipulate iptables.

my other question is if there a way to install several fonts that are avaliable in windows? i write many papers, including projects, essays, and term papers, i used to use windows before but after 2 crashes and 1 hard disk failure i decided to switch to linux since most of my friends and other students use to it also type up their work. the main font i am intrested in is installing is "Times New Roman" and having it to be able to write in a 12 size. Is this possible to do? and if so, how can i do that?

MS TrueType fonts can be installed on your Linux system. Details below...

my other question is concerning about my printer. I have ubuntu which i installed about a week ago and it was the latest version at that time, i looked into the system > administration > printing. I did find the name of the company that made the printer but not the driver, and the driver that came with the printer (on a cd) only works on Windows and MAC but no where does it say it works on linux. My printer is: OKI (Okidata) C3200 [Digital LED Color Printer]. So how can i install this printer, because its quite crucial for me to be able to print the papers i type.

Use the default printer drivers that Ubuntu provides for your brand of printer. The chances are they will work fine.

I was also wondering whether its possible, in Ubuntu to be able to change the size of the desktop icons themselves. I have set the screen resolution to 1024x768 at a refresh rate of 75 Hz. The screens and other things are fine, but the icons to me seem a bit too big, is it possible to change them? I looked around, but I couldn't find a solution.

You can make them slightly smaller by Right clicking on the icon and choosing "Stretch Icon", then click on the corner boxes and drag the icon inwards to make it smaller.

This is also just my curiousity, but I remember once hearing that there is a windows environment simulator for linux which allows you to install some windows applications on linux. I am not exactly sure were I heard this, or if it possible. But doesnt anyone know if it is or heard about it? What I really wanted to be able to install is Microsoft's Streets and Trips 2006 program and Skype.

There's an application called WINE that allows you to run Windows apps within a Linux shell. However, it requires advanced Linux knowledge to properly utilize it.

Also a question about Gaim (it came with Ubuntu), I know I can use it to sign on different messenger services, but when i sign on the MSN network, will gaim be able to support webcams and voice?

I have Gaim on my system. However, since I don't ever use video or voice, I'm not sure if it's capable of that or not.

On Ubuntu, when i manage the user accounts, is it always needed to have a user account and a password on it? Is it possible to create a administrator power account without a password so whenever I boot up the computer it doesn't stop at the login and that I have to input a password every time?

WARNING! You never want to boot your Linux system as ROOT (equivalent of Windows admin). You can login to your Linux using your normal username, which has limited user rights. Then whenever you need to make changes or manipulations to higher level issues, you can become ROOT temporarily using the sudo command in the terminal.

You can set up your Ubuntu system to login automatically to the desktop using your regular user account, though. If you're the only one with access to this computer, that's fine. If there are others in your household, though, you may not want this. The user account is very powerful also. Someone can login on your user account in Linux and wipe out your entire /home directory.

You can navigate to the Gnome Main Menu --> System --> Administration --> Login Menu --> Security tab --> choose Automatic Login with your username in the dropdown window. That will allow Ubuntu to login all the way to your desktop automatically on bootup.

I know this is a lot of questions, and I am quite a newbie when it comes to Linux, but can someone please take the time to help me out? That would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

While Tech Support Guy Forums is an OUTSTANDING forum, it is not Linux specific. I highly recommend that you investigate three other Linux specific forums for detailed assistance and information:

Ubuntu Support Forums

All Things Linux (a sub-forum of Scot's Newsletter Forums)

and

Linux Questions Forums

It's not that GNU/Linux is more complicated that Windows, it's just that it's something totally new to you, as Windows was once upon a time. You should expect a steep learning curve with Linux. It's going to be an adventure. Just remember... have FUN with it!

Luck!

Oh, and about installing Firestarter, anti-virus protection, MS TrueType fonts, and many other useful applications, go the Automatix II website and install their app using their step by step instructions. Automatix is an application that automatically installs the apps of your choice in a painless graphical interface method. It's a great kickstarter for new users of Ubuntu.

Toodles...

[num]

thanks for the help and the links. ill check them out.

im still having trouble with communicating with the printer. I cannot find the driver that goes along with the printer. whenever i click "install driver" it tells me to find "PPD" file. I have no idea where to search for it. I also cannot find the model that i have in that database. What can i do to install the printer?

The icon stretching worked, but i was more hoping if there is a way to make a standardized size, because the method that was suggested only is able to change each icon individually one at a time and new icons appear as being those of the original size.

[vtel57]

Hi again, num...

There may be other ways to change the icon size. Maybe someone else can help you with that.

About the printer situation... I would strongly suggest that you posted this at the Ubuntu Support Forums. Someone there has probably had this problem with your model printer and can help you more easily than I can. I use HP.

Luck!

[num]

thanks will post on there.

for firestarter, it seems that the only version that it is able to support is an old outdated version. is there a way to get step by step instructions on how to install iptables?

[anothermacuser]

Originally Posted by num

my other question is concerning about my printer. I have ubuntu which i installed about a week ago and it was the latest version at that time, i looked into the system > administration > printing. I did find the name of the company that made the printer but not the driver, and the driver that came with the printer (on a cd) only works on Windows and MAC but no where does it say it works on linux. My printer is: OKI (Okidata) C3200 [Digital LED Color Printer]. So how can i install this printer, because its quite crucial for me to be able to print the papers i type.

Hi num, slightly off topic, but ... Searching the web, I found your post and was wondering whether you could help me. I read you've got an Oki 3200 and you also mention having a driver for Mac. Well, I've also got this printer and it works great on Windows, but I can't find a driver for my Mac anywhere. Could you share it with me?

Thanks in advance.

Anothermacuser