Install old hardware/software

If the software for Logitech Easycall is only drivers I would NOT install it, as Ubuntu does not need it because it uses its own drivers.

As far as I know Autorun (running a setup file from a CD as you insert it) does not work. Try double clicking on CD icon and running setup file.

Windows software cannot be guaranteed to work in Ubuntu, but generaly works using Wine. Check in Synaptic if it is installed. I recommend you to look for alternatives for your other old software as it will do the same and work better.

If you need help in finding alternative Ubuntu software (which may be already installed), don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks, but the problem is that Easycall has a number of keys that have particular functions (Skype etc) and none of these work in Ubuntu. I am new to Ubuntu and would like to continue using it but if these problems persist I shall have to revert to Window, much though I hate the idea.

Just noticed the reference to Synaptic; I tried to run this and got the message 'you must manually run "dpkg --configure -a"'. When I tried this (in terminal) I got so far and was told I had to login as a Superuser. I looked in Help to find out how to do this but could find nothing.

You need to use "sudo".

$ sudo dpkg --configure -a

Now, Ubuntu might recognize certain keys by default and you can configure them by going to System > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts. Most, like the internet or email buttons will definitely work, but special ones, like one for Skype, might not be recognized.

https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+faq/52

HTH

Thanks Jensen, that's cleared that problem.

But I still do have a problem: I still need access to a number of applications I downloaded from the Internet under Windows. These include Acerose (a password manager) without which I shall have great difficulty in logging in to a number of secure sites. How can I "import" this into Ubuntu? I have tried clicking on the install.exe file but to no avail.

Sorry to be such a pain but I am complete beginner where Linux is concerned.

Well,

The best thing to do of course is to find Ubuntu equivalents. For example, as a password manager I use Revelation. (If you are using Kubuntu, thus KDE, similar applications will exist.) Now I don't know Acerose, but I know that a number of password managers on Windows have browser integration. I wouldn't expect such a thing on Linux, and even when using the Windows applications, they will not integrate with the browser neither.

To use Windows applications you need "Wine". This can be easily installed using Synaptic, or running "sudo apt-get install wine" from the command prompt. A new menu entry called "Wine" should be created under the Applications menu. To install Windows applications, simply right click on the executable and select "Open with Wine Windows Emulator", which should be on the top. Running Windows applications should then be possible via Applications > Wine > Programs > YourProgramNameFolder.

More information about Wine can be found at https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Wine, but be aware that the document is not up to date for Ubuntu 8.04 (Hardy), although not that much should have changed.

Another thing I might recommend is Wine-doors, which can be found at http://www.wine-doors.org/wordpress/. This is installed on top of Wine and includes easy installs for certain applications. (Such as Internet Explorer, DirectX,...)

Well, thanks again Jensen. I had in fact found out about wine somewhere else and installed it. This is useful as I now have access to my passwords in Acerose and since some of them were randomly generated there was little chance of me remembering them. I shall continue to "play" with Ubuntu until I get it right.