Hi everyone, I'm not new to the site but haven't spent time in this tech area before. Sadly, I been pre-occupied with errr...cars! Computers are the other half of my life...and yes that makes me probably a sad old git! Never mind.

I hope what I'm about to post hasn't been already covered, or actually, I hope it has, that would be good. Anyhoo...Linux. I've been using Ubuntu for years and no longer use any Windows programs. I am not an expert but I know a thing or two that may help someone. So here goes. Currently, just built a new machine for personal use and have installed Ubuntu 10.04LTS. I prefer it over 10.10LTS. Unless you like playing all the very very latest games, then you will get on fine in Linux and specifically I recommend Ubuntu as it is incredibly well supported. Most games can be played in Linux but the lastest ones lag a year or so behind at least.

No one should be having any appreciable trouble streaming video or having media problems. Linux Ubuntu will recognise virtually all hardware these days but it likes HP printers best, although all others will run ok but you may just need to tweak it a bit. The Ubuntu Forums (google it) have all the answers and some friendly people to help.

For those of you that may not be aware...after installing Ubuntu and before you do anything, I would strongly advise visiting one of the many 'TO DO LISTS FOR UBUNTU'. Don't bother installing the anti-virus or firewall packages straight away (you will be safe going online without either as Linux can look after itself, but do install later), do the 'to do list' first and install the anti-virus and firewall as per their instructions after updating the operating system. The 'TO DO LIST' is a carefully written page detailing the commands you need to get your new operating systems up to date and install all the stuff you could possibly want. This enables full media use including video, and loading the latest version of Java and Flash, Adobe, Google Earth etc etc.

My preferred site is here: http://theindexer.wordpress.com/2010/03/21/to-do-list-after-installing-ubuntu-10-04-aka-lucid-lynx/ You will notice this is for Ubuntu 10.04LTS. There are others listed on this site for 10.10LTS and some previous versions if you prefer them instead.

All you need do is copy and paste the commands from the to do list into a terminal and allow Ubuntu to update itself and install all the whistles and bells. Your machine will then fly and operate in a similar way to any Windows machine but without the hassles. It just couldn't be easier and you will find Linux Ubuntu robust, secure and very good fun. Enjoy.

If in doubt, see if the printer does postscript or PCL5/6.

If it does postscript, just send the output to a generic postscript printer, if it does PCL, pick an simple HP model such as the HP Laserjet III/4L and see if you have any luck.