how-to block ads
|
|
Uniqs:
1705 |
Share Topic
 |
 |
|
|
|
| reply to caribconsult
Re: Installing an external modem in Ubuntu 9.1 GNUCash
Money Manager Ex
etc.
A word of caution, most if not all of GNU/Linux users really don't care if you run GNU/Linux. If it doesn't work for you we've no real personal vested interest in getting it running. Not being harsh, just reality.
I have no desire to have GNU/Linux emulate Win32 in both functionality or user interaction.
So, if GNU/Linux and the respective suite of applications don't work for you there's always Windows 7  | |
Reviews:
 ·AT&T Wireless Br..
2 edits | reply to caribconsult
TO KAKALAKY: I'm more than willing to learn new things...I've learned quite a lot in my life and I have the paperwork to prove it, but I don't like things that are complicated for no apparent reason, when they could be easy if a little thought and engineering were applied. I know sloppy work when I see it...I used to earn my living undoing just that, so there's nothing lacking in my curiosity, troubleshooting or BS meter. Another think I've learned is that the word "should" is a dangerous word when talking about computers. When someone says "it should do..." there's always the chance it won't. Remember Murphy? To wit: the EFax printer driver, or should I say the lack thereof.
TO NINGRUNZE (sorry if I misspelled your name): Where did you get the idea I have no internet? How do you think I got the Ubuntu to begin with? I think I did mention in my original post that I wanted the modem for faxing, not internet, since I have a LAN.
TO SIRMEOWMIX: The computer, as I see it, is a tool, not a thing of its own intrinsic value. If you can't find apps that give you what you need in a certain OS, then what's the point? I've tried the apps you suggested and they seem like they were written by sophomores. Really limited in scope. I would hesitate to put my name on anything of that ilk, and if you find those apps suitable, I guess we have very different needs. That's what comes first in my mind; is there an app that meets my needs? If an OS doesn't have one, then that diminishes its value to me. And BTW, I'm not here to impress anyone or find sympathy...just answers.
TO VISITING: Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and provide some help. I will try your suggestions and post the results.
What I think is escaping some of the posters here is that I really do want to switch to Ubuntu, but I am not willing to go through an inquisition to do it, nor am I willing to bag years of valuable data. How many of you folks would do that with your finances, contacts, notes, etc? I'm going to violate my own rule about 'should' but I think import/export 'should' be a slam dunk. Folks, we're talking about data files, not nuclear physics or organic chemistry here.
I don't mean to sound ungrateful to anyone here...that's not my way, so please, please don't anyone take it that way. I'm very appreciative of all who've responded. There may yet be a happy ending here, meaning I can leave Windows behind just like I left DOS and Quarterdeck and earlier versions of Windows behind, but not at the cost of losing data. That's really the bottom line. I made all those transitions without one spec of lost data, and that will continue to be my standard.
--
Sierra 598U/Cradlepoint CTR500, grid antenna, Millenicom unlimited, 2 LinkSys WiFi a/p, 4 XPPro and 1 Ubuntu units, FireFox everywhere. | |
grunze510
join:2009-02-14
Cote Saint-Luc, QC
kudos:1 | said by caribconsult:I think I did mention in my original post that I wanted the modem for faxing, not internet, since I have a LAN. Upon reading the OP, I now feel really silly.  | |
| reply to caribconsult
said by caribconsult:What I think is escaping some of the posters here is that I really do want to switch to Ubuntu, but I am not willing to go through an inquisition to do it... It will go better for you if you stop complaining about the whole system in every post.
Also, take the time to read this: »linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm
said by caribconsult:...nor am I willing to bag years of valuable data. How many of you folks would do that with your finances, contacts, notes, etc? I'm going to violate my own rule about 'should' but I think import/export 'should' be a slam dunk. And generally it is with free software, which is one reason why free software is better than proprietary software. Companies that want to keep you as a paying customer have no incentive to try to help you leave with your data intact. | | |
|
 KakalakyPremium
join:2003-04-04
Broken Arrow, OK
kudos:1 | reply to caribconsult
said by caribconsult:TO KAKALAKY: I'm more than willing to learn new things. In that case I have some suggestions. Don't try to make linux work like windows. Take the time to learn the linux way of doing things. It may seem complicated at first but most of that is because you have yet to learn the basics. Those of us who already know the basics think efax is simple instead of "complicated for no apparent reason."
You also shouldn't expect everything to handle your file formats from software that doesn't run on linux. Just as you have problems with your quicken data in linux apps I have problems in windows apps with my files. | |
 JohnInSJPremium
join:2003-09-22
San Jose, CA
 ·PHONE POWER
 ·Comcast
| reply to caribconsult
If you are trying to do a bunch of "Windows" things, why for heavens sake don't you just use Windows? There is nothing wrong with using a tool you know to do a job you know how to do.
Linux is a very mature OS, and distros like ubuntu make it fairly easy for non-sysadmins (ie, most folks) to get up and running, install apps, and stay current. It has a huge library of applications, and usually installing one is as simple as selecting it in Synaptic and clicking the apply button.
Ok, back to the question. You don't "install" an external modem into the OS, the OS doesn't care. Plug it into a com port with a working serial cable, and then just remember which port you plugged it into. Any application that can actually use the modem should have a preference screen where you tell it which com port to use, ports are usually numbered from 0 in linux.
efax-gtk is one fax package that is in synaptic that is often suggested for use in linux, try installing that.
Best of luck, and do try to keep an open mind. It's not Windows, but in the end that's a Good Thing 
--
My place : »www.schettino.us | |
1 edit | reply to caribconsult
I'll try to be succinct in my response, please see inline responses.
said by caribconsult:I've learned quite a lot in my life and I have the paperwork to prove it...they could be easy if a little thought and engineering were applied. I know sloppy work when I see it...I used to earn my living undoing just that, so there's nothing lacking in my curiosity, troubleshooting or BS meter. I'm tired of seeing this same mantra over and over. I applaud you're past accomplishments, that's great, but to see this persist over and over in your posts is tiring. It may surprise you but a good amount of people in this forum are professionals too, we just don't tout it so often. We're not all furry-faced teenagers without industry experience.
said by caribconsult:If you can't find apps that give you what you need in a certain OS, then what's the point? I've tried the apps you suggested and they seem like they were written by sophomores. Really limited in scope. I would hesitate to put my name on anything of that ilk, and if you find those apps suitable, I guess we have very different needs. That's what comes first in my mind; is there an app that meets my needs? If an OS doesn't have one, then that diminishes its value to me. Not only is this insult to the developers who invested their time to create these applications but it's really quite a pathetic argument. I'm sorry you're not aware on how to use Synaptic or apt-cache to find the applications you're looking for. I'm also sorry there isn't a clear cut transition path laid out, tested, and well documented tailored specifically for you.
Guess what? These applications are GNU/GPL, Open Source, and freely modifiable. How about you invest some of that expertise and skill that you posses and modify the applications so that they suit your needs. I'm sure you'll be all grins and giggles dealing with these closed-source proprietary formats but I'm sure you already knew that. Perhaps you're adept at reverse engineering.
said by caribconsult:What I think is escaping some of the posters here is that I really do want to switch to Ubuntu, but I am not willing to go through an inquisition to do it, nor am I willing to bag years of valuable data. I think what you're reallying complaining about here is your unwillingness to learn a completely different OS. Since you're unhappy please contact Canonical and promptly request a refund for the full dollar amount of the Ubuntu release which you purchased.
said by caribconsult:Folks, we're talking about data files, not nuclear physics or organic chemistry here. All the more reason for you to spring into action. Hold those papers, certifications, etc and pronounce loudly "Program, accept my data!". If that doesn't work invest some time into community development to make the application better instead of insulting the developers.
said by caribconsult:I don't mean to sound ungrateful to anyone here...that's not my way, so please, please don't anyone take it that way. You're failing epically at not sounding that way.
said by caribconsult:Windows behind, but not at the cost of losing data. That's really the bottom line. I made all those transitions without one spec of lost data, and that will continue to be my standard. So tell me more about the migration plan you've developed. Surely you've not just installed it, spent 15 minutes on it, and proclaimed this "This doesn't work!". I imagine in the Windows environment you've identified every piece of software which is critical to your needs and you are currently investing time to determine which software products in the GNU/Linux world are similar. I imagine you have a large list, inclusive of testing and regression testing procedures, which will allow you to accurately identify those areas which are critical to you. | |
 MaxoYour tax dollars at work.Premium,VIP
join:2002-11-04
Tallahassee, FL | reply to caribconsult
In Ubuntu I've noticed a general rule that seems to be true. The things that work in Ubuntu work really well and are insanely easy to get working. Anything outside of that takes a lot of work to get going.
I do quite a bit with my computer, and I hardly ever run into a problem accomplishing a task. However, when you get into certain things that aren't really "popular" tasks for an end user, such as faxing with your PC, things can get hairy.
Canonical has the daunting task of finding the most popular tasks that are hard to accomplish in Ubuntu, and then making them easier. Lots of people use computers, and each person expect something different from their PC. Going through each of these possibilities and making them a reality takes lots of time.
Many tasks are already dead simple in Ubuntu. Adding, removing and updating software is really delightful in Ubuntu. Installing and sharing printers over a network is really easy as well. Connecting to remote file storage (over Samba, FTP, SFTP, etc.) is very pleasant as well.
Getting the right codecs for your media, getting Adobe Flash, setting up e-mail, using multiple IM services, remote desktop, having multiple users, managing a large music collection, burning optical media, connecting to a network, and keeping software up to date are all tasks that are much easier to do in Ubuntu than in Windows.
However, none of that means that Ubuntu, or indeed Linux, is right for everyone. It gets better with each release, and some times regressions are introduced. Many tasks remain difficult or impossible to perform.
--
"Padre, nobody said war was fun now bowl!" - Sherman T Potter
»www.cafepress.com/maxolasersquad
»maxolasersquad.com/
»maxolasersquad.com/network/ My DSL Network Guide
»myspace.com/mlsquad | |
MaxoYour tax dollars at work.Premium,VIP
join:2002-11-04
Tallahassee, FL | reply to caribconsult
said by caribconsult:Quicken (personal finance, investments, etc) Give GNUCash a try. It is available in Synaptic, and can import your QIF data.
»www.gnucash.org/docs/v1.6/C/t3948.html | |
Reviews:
·AT&T Wireless Br..
| reply to caribconsult
TO VISITING: thanks very much for the specific instructions. They worked well. Why this is not done automatically upon installation of EFax escapes me.
--
Sierra 598U/Cradlepoint CTR500, grid antenna, Millenicom unlimited, 2 LinkSys WiFi a/p, 4 XPPro and 1 Ubuntu units, FireFox everywhere. | |
 SeleniaI love DebianPremium
join:2006-09-22
Lanesboro, MA
kudos:2
 ·Verizon Online DSL
·AT&T Wireless Br..
·Verizon Wireless..
1 edit | reply to caribconsult
Re: Installing an external modem in Ubuntu 9.1 I am not trying to be a jerk, but I really think you should read this, as you appear to have the wrong perspective about Ubuntu and other Linux distros »linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm Keep an open mind and read the whole thing. I was a pro when I first bothered to read this and it even gave me some perspective on new Linux users that I never had. I now setup Linux systems professionally, among other things. Honestly, I think this article would have helped me, had it existed when I started Linux. Then again, many of the developments mentioned in it hadn't even occurred yet(I started using Linux in 1996).
--
deltree /y C:\*.* | |
grunze510
join:2009-02-14
Cote Saint-Luc, QC
kudos:1 | Here's another similar article that's a little bit more recent. »www.tuxradar.com/newtolinux | |
Reviews:
·AT&T Wireless Br..
1 edit | NIGRUNZE: thanks very much for the link to TuxRadar. This seems like a well of information, especially for noobies like me. I did read the other article mentioned, oneandoneis2, and that made me realize that my expectations were way too high regarding Linux (and I use this term generically) and that there was a lot of learning and screwing up laying ahead of me. What does Murphy say? Experience is directly proportional to the amount of ruined equipment.
One of the really nice features of Linux is that it's almost impossible to wreck it, which really sets it apart from the windows family. So this encourages exploration.
I somehow managed to download and install Moneydance, and even import my quicken data,which came out reasonably correct...there are a few glitches but I can fix them. This looks like a good competitor to Quicken - it's the best thing I've seen so far for personal finance in Linux. I say 'somehow' because I struggled mightily with the archive manager, not quite knowing what the right procedure was, so I went into what I call 'scribble mode' and somehow stumbled across it, and even managed to get it on the main menu. I'm giving myself a gold medal and an Oreo for that.
I really want to thank all of the nice folks here who've contributed helpful info. And to those who chose to parse and criticize every phrase I wrote and put the digital dunce cap on me, well, you have nice day, too.
--
Sierra 598U/Cradlepoint CTR500, grid antenna, Millenicom unlimited, 2 LinkSys WiFi a/p, 4 XPPro and 1 Ubuntu units, FireFox everywhere. | |
| Congratulations on your first successes and best of luck.
| |
| TO VISITING: thanks again for the explicit instructions on setting up the EFax printer...it worked perfectly. | |
|
