Wow, just wow!

I'm using Ubuntu 10.10 from the dvd and I can't wait to install on the hd. It is so much more user friendly than the older versions of Linux (which I never did get the hang of). E-mail is easy to configure, downloads are nearly as quick (which is amazing since I'm running off the dvd). And, I love the built in office.org programs.

Even running it from the dvd, it is clearly more stable and I don't appear to be having any problems with my modem/router either. I even have google search features for 2008-2009 news again! Man, someone really managed to screw up my Win 7 OS.

Thanks for your help and I hope I can rely on you all again. If I had some money to donate, I'd give you all hearts! :)

I do have one question... do you all know of a reliable virus scanning program?

Antivirus
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Antivirus

If you read the webpage above, however, it may make you feel better about the security of Linux: virus infections are not impossible, but they're much less likely than in Windows

Here's the ClamAV website: http://www.clamav.net/lang/en/download/packages/packages-linux/

Try this to install it:
Applications >> Accessories, click Terminal'
When the terminal comes up type sudo apt-get install clamav clamtk
Press return
(Generally you'll be asked for your root password; I don't know what happens with the liveCD)
You'll be asked if you want to install certain packages: type y and press return
when it's done installing, close the terminal window

What is sudo apt-get install clamav clamtk?
sudo means you want to run as root
apt-get handles packages
install is what you want apt-get to do
clamav is the antivirus program
clamtk is a graphical user interface (GUI) for clamav so you don't have to work in terminal

You can find the antivirus now in Applications >> Accessories (I think)
You may have to update clam to get the virus definition files

IIRC you have to be proactive using clam: it doesn't update itself; you have to update it, and make sure regularly that you have current anti-virus files. Also it does do much except tell you that a file is infected: you're responsible for deciding what to do with the infected file, and I don't think clam will try to repair it or quarantine it

Given the problems you've had, you might also want to look into firewalls. See ufw here: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UFW

and I agree with you about the firewall; that was going to be another post. I think I'll start with the firewall first.

The only thing I had problems with is my printer, but it does appear that the manufacturer has the drivers I need. Right now, I'm just trying to decide if I want to do a dual boot, or just get rid of Win altogether. I'm leaning toward dumping Win.

Thanks again!

of Windows first -- and make sure not to install Norton 360. Windows splatters files all over the drive, so Ubuntu may not find much continguous space for an install. I had lots of trouble doing this a few years back, and the fact that I had Norton 360 on the machine provided extra pain and suffering. I did it with an existing install of Windows and put a lot of energy into defragging the disk. Aaargh!

How da F! does I git my Windows files more together earlier on my disk?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=242&topic_id=26522

Ubuntu wouldn't load properly, I'm assuming because of some strange coding on my computer. My disk wipe wouldn't install properly, either. So, I had to clean install Win 7, then reinstall my disk erase program. It took five hours to wipe the disk. I then booted to Ubuntu dvd with no problem and it installed without a hitch. The program went out and grabbed the updates which also installed without a problem. I also got the firewall running.

I completely got rid of Win 7.

In addition, I checked my son's computer and, even though I don't remember setting it, his computer was set to discover mine. I changed that setting. I am no longer having problems with my modem/router. As soon as I become more comfortable with this OS, I'm going to install it on my son's computer.

And, I'm glad to know that the problems I was experiencing weren't in my head. I went to a site last night that I had been to a couple of days earlier when I was still using the Win 7 OS. The site was completely different and, I'm not just talking about it how the site looked format-wise; I mean really different in terms of content. It appears that my computer was being redirected to all sorts of fake web pages. I'm feeling somewhat vindicated today.

I had the same thoughts when I began with 8.10. Kicking myself that I didn't jump on Ubuntu earlier but I had tried Red Hat many years earlier and had determined it was strictly for enthusiasts and not for regular folk who just want to get things done.

I was updating every six months but I'm happing with 10.04 (an LTS release) so unless Cannonical comes out with a reason to update, I will be on the every 24 months schedule.

That was my last experience with Linux. My husband (now deceased) had a dual boot system with Red Hat on it. I fiddled around with it for quite a while and I, too, came to the conclusion that it was for enthusiasts and waaaaaay over my head! He liked that kind of stuff... I know just enough to be dangerous. B-)