I'm brand new to Linux, and I have some questions.

[Lady Boss]

I've literally using Linux for the first time ever, and I decided to try out the Ubuntu 6.06 build. It's quite nice, and I find that it's comparable to what I use Windows for, that is, general e-mail and Internet access, as well as typing documents for school. Needless to say, though, there are a few issues I'm having with Ubuntu Linux.
I'm using a Dell Inspiron E1405, which has a widescreen resolution. However, with Ubuntu, I'm limited to 1024x768, and naturally, it doesn't look very good on a widescreen LCD. (See the attached pic.) Does Dell offer some kind of Linux drivers that will allow me to revert to 1400x900, the widescreen resolution I had with Windows?
On a similar note, the text seems a bit grainy. Does Ubuntu Linux offer a screen rendering technology similar to ClearType?
I know that Linux is completely different from Windows, but what would be the rough equivalent for Program Files? For example, I've installed and am using Opera 9.1 for Linux, but don't know where the installation and program files are located.
That's all I can think of for now. If anyone could help me with these questions, I'd appreciate it very much, as I'd like to try to ditch Windows for good if I can.
_______________________________________________________________
Buy.com Coupons[/ul] [url=http://www.movingoncourses.com]Intensive English Course (http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/)

[nox-Hand]

Well, for starters, I would like to point out that Ubuntu 6.06 is an old release :(


If you have the bandwidth to upgrade (it's about a 500mb download) I suggest you use the upgrader to upgrade. It's a simple process, so no worries there.


You upgrade like this:



Open up a Terminal (under Accesories in the menu, I think) and type:

gksu "update-manager -c"


If you have a working network connection, it should then inform you about a new release and offer to upgrade your system.



Once you have the upgraded version, you can begin to edit stuff for your liking.

Here is a short review for you:

Programs:
I know not how you installed Ubuntu on your Linux, but I should think it is like regular:

You open up the menu at top right on your desktop, go to Internet -> Opera

Everything is in that menu, and it's all automaticly categorized.



Screen.

Well, I suggest you first of all open up a terminal and make a safe copy of your graphical settings:


Write this in terminal:

sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf_backup1

You now have the file xorg.conf_backup in the folder /etc/X11.


Then in a Terminal write this:


gksu gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf

That will ask you for password and then open up a basic graphical editor with administrator rights.
NOTE: If you do not follow my instructions, you will crash your desktop, and will have to copy your xorg.conf_backup1 back to xorg.conf




Find the section in which it says something like this:



DefaultDepth 24

# "1024x768" is also a conservative usable default resolution. If you
# have a better monitor, feel free to try resolutions such as
# "1152x864", "1280x1024", "1600x1200", and "1800x1400" (or whatever your
# card/monitor can produce)

Subsection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"

EndSubsection

EndSection



Yours *will* most likely look different, but I suggest you make sure the line "DefaultDepth" is at 24:


DefaultDepth 24

If it already at that, just leave it like that.

Now, the resolution settings. I have looked on the net, and it looks as if your screen supports the resolution you state. Be sure it can, or your graphical interface will.. crash :) I am sure you are right, 1400x900 :)


You edit this part:

from:
Subsection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
to:
Subsection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1400x900" "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"


As you can see, we just add "1400x900" to it so it will use that automaticly. It is important you add it to the "Depth 24" block, as if you do it to anything else than what you are using you will get no effect.


When you are sure you have done it, save the file, close it and press these buttons:

Ctrl+Alt+Backspace

NOTE: these keys will kill your graphical interface, and force it to reload. It *should* now be at the correct resolution!



Fonts:

Under System -> Preferences (or Administrator, cannot remember) -> Fonts you can change font options. Doing so should help you out!








I hope all this helps you, and if it does not, just give me a poke. Sorry about the slow reply, had a long weekend :D




Happy fixing!

/nox

[mdkaneda55]

there's a semi-graphical tool to help reconfigure that x.org file. if you open up a terminal and type "sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg" you will be walked thru. u can then select all the resolutions u want available and your screen refresh vert/horiz valules w/ a helper. =) when its complete, u can press Ctrl+Alt and Backspace to restart Gnome and see if all works. if u get an error, u'll be sent to commandline where u can try that command again and alter any mistakes.