hello, im new to the linux scene and i just installed a fresh copy of ubuntu onto my desktop. i like the way it looks and functions but there are a few things i cannot figure out. a) i have a hp psc 1400 printer and i dont know how to print, the printer came with support for windows and mac. How do i print in linux? b) i have a video card in my PC, how can i watch my TV? c) i have three other computers running windows, shareing music and video via my home network, i have connected to my music on the network through ubuntu but i need a codec or something to play them? where do i find this? d) where can i download 'wine' and how do i use it?? e) everything i do askes for my administrative password, can i remove this somehow? i know that you are all proabably laughing at my newbie questions but, i thank you for any help you can give me.

I don't think anyone is laughing at a newbie asking questions....that is how you learn! First off may I suggest you have a look at the unofficial ubuntu guide (http://ubuntuguide.org) which will help you get on your way, especially adding new repositories for extra software (such as wine). Going to try and answer your questions as quick as I can as it's time to go home from work! a) http://www.linuxprinting.org/show_printer.cgi?recnum=HP-PSC_1400 b) What video card is it? c) http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Dapper#How_to_install_Multimedia_Codecs d) http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Dapper#How_to_install_Windows_Applications_in_Linux_.28Wine.29 e) Add a line to /etc/sudoers that reads: yourusername ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL

thank you for all the help. i greatly appreachiate it. i am sitll haveing some problems. i have managed to install my printer but the multimedia codecs are another problem, i get this... Package gstreamer0.10-ffmpeg is not available, but is referred to by another package. This may mean that the package is missing, has been obsoleted, or is only available from another source im not the expert, so i dont know where to go from here. i also cant seem to install wine... I cant figure out how to use the link i was givin. i managed to find my way to "Wind HQ" website. to install wine i am suposede to go <<System-> Administration-> Synaptic Package Manager>> then this prompted for my administrative password and when i typed in my password i got the following error Failed to run /usr/sbin/synaptic as user root: Wrong password. note that i havent changed or removed my password yet (yes i typed the correct password). I have a Pinnacle AV DV video card in my PC. i was trying to find out how to use it but im completely clueless.....in linux

you should try AUTOMATIX, makes things a lot easier for beginners. it's an automatic installer for codecs, multimedia plugins and tons of more stuff. http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu#Installing_additional_software_.28Automatix.29 warning: depending on the country you live in, there might be legal issues to the use of automatix. Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.' icq 10183575

Make sure that you have added the extra repositories as explained here: http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Dapper#How_to_add_extra_repositories One you have added them, installing software (such as wine) is as simple as: $ sudo apt-get install wine When prompted for a password you need to enter your own password and not root's.

I would strongly advise against the following as this comromises your security e) Add a line to /etc/sudoers that reads: yourusername ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL