Week Two—The Remote Desktop and the Tutorials

This week has been a mixture of exhilaration and frustration. At this early point in trying to manipulate the computer, nothing lives in middle ground. I feel such a sense of accomplishment if something goes right—even something as simple (to more experienced users) as downloading and installing a large file.

Accessing the remote desktop actually went smoothly. I was stumped at first because I wasn’t sure how to find the VPN again on my computer, and then access it. That part was a breeze thanks to Andrew, who gave wonderfully simple directions in a discussion post. I then followed the directions from Bruce’s video and before long I was staring at the terminal. I didn’t do much with it then, just very carefully reread how to shut it down. I am still anxious about incorrectly using these software applications and fear that I will do something wrong, and be unable to recover.

I also was successful in installing the Ubuntu server in the VMWare. I reviewed the videos several times and then hesitatingly brought up VMWare in another window and followed the directions step by step. I was concerned when I downloaded Ubuntu earlier, because my file size was only 667 Mbs. In a discussion post Bruce said that seemed small, so when the option came during installation to check the file, I did. I was very pleased when the report came back saying the file had integrity.

Working my way through the tutorials was another matter. I feel I have mastered the cd and ls commands, but my experiences with the less and file commands were not good. This is where my lack of experience really shows-- I’m not sure what is a good file or directory to practice with. I was able to copy the files from /usr/share/example-content/* and put them in my home directory, but unable to open or view any of them. I tried the “less” command with several file names, but without any success. At this point, after several hours of trying, I am still unable to open any of those files—even ones that seem like good text candidates (like Aesop’s Fables and Maxwell’s Quotations). At a few command line attempts I got the greater than sign, >, which I learned in a later lessen is a signal for redirection. But being unsure what to do with it at that point, I just closed the window and started a new session. I haven’t completely given up—just paused, hoping some miracle will happen on the programming end that will allow those commands to work for me. Manipulating files is very frustrating.

I have a basic understanding of file permissions, since I worked with those many years ago. I need to review the section on I/O redirection and performing tasks with pipes. Hopefully practice will make perfect.

Reflections on the Ubuntu Forum

I think there should be another section for the forum—Absolutely Absolute Beginners Talk. When I first registered yesterday, the top Sticky Thread was about how to effectively report bugs. I read it, (it included code examples) and it was so far over my head that I felt intimidated. And it was directed to absolute beginners!

I looked around, and came across a link to a list of reading material for us newbies. At the top of the list was Free Ubuntu Pocket Guide by Keir Thomas. I gratefully downloaded a copy and saved it in my IRLS672 folder.

I wanted to spend some more time today getting acclimated to the forum, and learn how to effectively navigate it. It was a good thing I saved the Pocket Guide because I couldn’t find it on the site today. It took me several minutes and false starts to get to where I left off yesterday. (I guess it wasn’t obvious enough by the title of the thread: “New to Ubuntu? Start here...”) One of our classmates mentioned that he had determined how valuable a thread was by looking at the number of views it had. That certainly helped me find the thread again today. What a good tip—I hope to remember that one.

Since we haven’t run Ubuntu yet, most of the other threads, dealing with specific problems, were of no interest to me. I have started reading the Pocket Guide, and find it understandable. I will continue reading it to give myself a headstart with our work on Ubuntu.

I noticed that the forum has a large and active community. At one point there were over 12,000 people online; the majority guests. A lot of Ubuntu users must be searching for answers to their problems. One of the threads I got caught up in advised users how to effectively search for answers in the forum. ZabiGG explained that because the forum is so heavily used, a question that was asked only 30 minutes before may already have moved to the third or fourth page. (ZabiGG advises putting a term in quotes when desiring a phrase or adjacent proximity search.)

I was saddened to see a prominent thread warning users about offerings of malicious codes. It made me feel vulnerable, in my current state of not knowing anything, to think that some malevolent might enjoy destroying another’s computer, files, and possibly source of revenue.

The New Blog

This is my first attempt to create a blog. Not very difficult, but also not a very pleasing end product--It's very plain. Maybe a picture of my library will help.

Oh well, as I learn more, and have some free time, things may improve.