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This is a step-by-step process for taking a Screen Capture using a Ubuntu application named GIMP, saving that screenshot and inserting it into a WordPress post or page. Before I switched to Ubuntu I would have done this using SnagIt but it did not install properly for me under Wine so I went searching for another solution.

Searching online for +”screen capture” +ubuntu turned up How to take a screenshot or region capture like Snagit in Ubuntu. Thanks to Richard Baxter at SEOGadget for taking the time to share this process. This post elaborates on his by adding how to insert the captured image into a WordPress post.

I already had GIMP installed and using the directions provided at the SEOGadget link I was able to grab a piece of a screen using this step-by-step process: Read more…

In order to install .exe programs on a PC running Ubuntu you use an application called Wine. Installing Wine is simple. Just click on Applications, then Add/Remove, type Wine in the search box and and place a check in the box in front of Wine Windows Emulator. Click Apply Changes and Wine will be installed for you.

So far I have tried to use Wine to install two of my favorite programs that do not have Unix versions and found several excellent references on using Wine. Read more…

We will always write so that those who have no computer background can understand. The information below is organized in sections to allow advanced users to skip over material they already know.

Many people who have used computers for years or even decades may be familiar with common terminology without truly knowing what it means or how it all fits together. It is not absolutely necessary to know any of this; however, I find that understanding the big picture helps me to learn new subjects faster. Read on for hardware, software, operating systems, Linux, and Ubuntu. Read more…

Do You REALLY Understand What It All Means?

Every day we’re confronted with unintelligible processes we’re expected to know. Using the Internet requires learning a whole new language. Be honest. Do you REALLY know what everything you come across every day means? Maybe the true geeks among us understand all the decisions we’re asked to make. Some of them boggle my mind. Read more…

Although some people object to being called geeks, I use the word geek lovingly: I wish I were one. I hope those who think technical things are so simple that the rest of us must be morons will read this post. Perhaps then they’ll understand why mere mortals - and quasi-geeks like myself - have kept paying for operating systems and programs when better free versions are available.

I finally figured out what the geeks have that we don’t: awesome Read more…

Ubuntu is not quite ready for non-geek users.

After years of cursing you know who I finally took the plunge. I decided to switch to Ubuntu cold turkey. I love it - am glad I did it - and do not regret. I just wish it were finally ready for prime time - it isn’t. IF you personally know a computer geek who will assist you or are a do-it-yourself type with the time to figure it all out I encourage you to go for it now.

If that does not describe you hang on for a bit. I will be posting here about learning Ubuntu and recording the how-to information I have to research. I will also do my best to help the wonderful folks donating their time and expertise to the Ubuntu project so we can get it to the point that it IS ready for anyone currently using Microsoft Windows, Vista, Apple or Mac.

Installing Ubuntu was easy. Using it is easy to figure out - until Read more…