can't download anything useful

Please tell what you need to download applications, files, images, videos...?

Thank you

Hi James,
I'd like to add the question, how you try to download, because there are several ways...
https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/add-applications/C/index.html

Usually downloaded apps with a package manager e.g. Synaptic don't show up on the desktop, they'll be installed right away in the adequate directory and get their link in applications menu.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LinuxFilesystemTreeOverview

sorry, but this makes no sense to me as I am a simple user with little knowledge on how all this works. The package manager only works while downloading ubuntu updates, never while trying to download anything else.

----- Original Message -----
From: Sam <email address hidden>
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2008 1:24 pm
Subject: Re: [Question #45019]: can't download anything useful
To: <email address hidden>

> Your question #45019 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
>     Status: Needs information => Answered
>
> Sam proposed the following answer:
> Hi James,
> I'd like to add the question, how you try to download, because
> there are several ways...
> https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/add-applications/C/index.html
>
> Usually downloaded apps with a package manager e.g. Synaptic
> don't show
> up on the desktop, they'll be installed right away in the adequate
> directory and get their link in applications menu.
>
> https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LinuxFilesystemTreeOverview
>
> --
> If this answers your question, please go to the following page
> to let us
> know that it is solved:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019/+confirm?answer_id=1
>
> If you still need help, you can reply to this email or go to the
> following page to enter your feedback:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
> You received this question notification because you are a direct
> subscriber of the question.
>

James Jackman

You really need to tell us what you are trying to download, from where, and with what.

Then proceed to also give us a set of simple steps that could be used to recreate the scenario in which you are.

google - linux games free pinball - zombie 1.0 - download now - clickto download - thanks for downloading- Master_Game_Demo.exe - mastergame demo exec - ascii filter options - templates and documents. thisis where I end up.

----- Original Message -----
From: Steven Rose <email address hidden>
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2008 2:17 pm
Subject: Re: [Question #45019]: can't download anything useful
To: <email address hidden>

> Your question #45019 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
>     Status: Open => Answered
>
> Steven Rose proposed the following answer:
> You really need to tell us what you are trying to download, from
> where,and with what.
>
> Then proceed to also give us a set of simple steps that could be
> used to
> recreate the scenario in which you are.
>
> --
> If this answers your question, please go to the following page
> to let us
> know that it is solved:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019/+confirm?answer_id=3
>
> If you still need help, you can reply to this email or go to the
> following page to enter your feedback:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
> You received this question notification because you are a direct
> subscriber of the question.
>

James Jackman

Hi,
if you use Synaptic as package manager
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SynapticHowto

please go to settings -> repositories and check if universe and multiverse are activated, if not, activate, apply and reload the package list on the top left button in the main window, then try again to install an app of your interest.

About repositories
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Repositories/Ubuntu

e.g.
Lets say you want to install 'vlc', that's an advanced media player.
Search box in Synaptic: vlc
You might have to scroll a little bit down, right click on vlc, mark for installation and apply.

Alternative on your Desktop go to Applications -> Add&Remove and install from there.

There are some Video clips of introduction to Ubuntu available
http://ubuntuclips.org/collections_1.html

Alternative go on your Desktop to Applications -> Sound&Video -> Video Player = Totem
On top of the side bar it has an option YouTube
Search box: Ubuntu tutorial
Now just double click on the one of your interest.

Enjoy Ubuntu

     <!-- @page { size: 21.59cm 27.94cm; margin: 2cm } P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm } --> Sam: sorry, does not seem to work.Can't find settings – repositories or universe...also tried accessories...no 'video'.  install 'vic' I don't think??? i need this. Not now. am still in a puzzle

----- Original Message -----
From: Sam <email address hidden>
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2008 5:24 pm
Subject: Re: [Question #45019]: can't download anything useful
To: <email address hidden>

> Your question #45019 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
>     Status: Open => Answered
>
> Sam proposed the following answer:
> Hi,
> if you use Synaptic as package manager
> https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SynapticHowto
>
> please go to settings -> repositories and check if universe and
> multiverse are activated, if not, activate, apply and reload the
> packagelist on the top left button in the main window, then try
> again to
> install an app of your interest.
>
> About repositories
> https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Repositories/Ubuntu
>
> e.g.
> Lets say you want to install 'vlc', that's an advanced media player.
> Search box in Synaptic: vlc
> You might have to scroll a little bit down, right click on vlc,
> mark for installation and apply.
>
> Alternative on your Desktop go to Applications -> Add&Remove and
> installfrom there.
>
> There are some Video clips of introduction to Ubuntu available
> http://ubuntuclips.org/collections_1.html
>
> Alternative go on your Desktop to Applications -> Sound&Video ->
> Video Player = Totem
> On top of the side bar it has an option YouTube
> Search box: Ubuntu tutorial
> Now just double click on the one of your interest.
>
> Enjoy Ubuntu
>
> --
> If this answers your question, please go to the following page
> to let us
> know that it is solved:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019/+confirm?answer_id=5
>
> If you still need help, you can reply to this email or go to the
> following page to enter your feedback:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
> You received this question notification because you are a direct
> subscriber of the question.
>

James Jackman

Master_Game_Demo.exe

Is the root of your problem you are trying to use Windows executables in Ubuntu.

To use them you would need to install Wine first.

http://www.winehq.org/

>download now - clickto download - thanks for downloading- Master_Game_Demo.exe

Hi James,
you try obviously to download "anything" with your internet browser, assumable firefox?
For safety reasons and having fun with Ubuntu also including dual boot, I'd recommend to check out the differences between the systems as described in part of the mentioned links above, e.g. Linux file system.
As Steven said .exe files are running on Windows or within so called Wine.
This might be an adequate guide for your interest
https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/switching/index.html

The mediaplayer VLC was just meant as an example test case using Synaptic, it should not implement that you'll need it.

Could you please describe how you did install Ubuntu, thanks.

Stephen:
your first para...you try obviously to download...makes absolutely no sense to me.  I have no idea of what you are talking about...sorry. Yes to Firefox.

Ubuntu was installed by Freegeek Vancouver

----- Original Message -----
From: Sam <email address hidden>
Date: Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:25 am
Subject: Re: [Question #45019]: can't download anything useful
To: <email address hidden>

> Your question #45019 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
> Sam proposed the following answer:
> >download now - clickto download - thanks for downloading-
> Master_Game_Demo.exe
>
> Hi James,
> you try obviously to download "anything" with your internet
> browser, assumable firefox?
> For safety reasons and having fun with Ubuntu also including
> dual boot, I'd recommend to check out the differences between
> the systems as described in part of the mentioned links above,
> e.g. Linux file system.
> As Steven said .exe files are running on Windows or within so
> called Wine.
> This might be an adequate guide for your interest
> https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/switching/index.html
>
> The mediaplayer VLC was just meant as an example test case using
> Synaptic, it should not implement that you'll need it.
>
> Could you please describe how you did install Ubuntu, thanks.
>
> --
> If this answers your question, please go to the following page
> to let us
> know that it is solved:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019/+confirm?answer_id=8
>
> If you still need help, you can reply to this email or go to the
> following page to enter your feedback:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
> You received this question notification because you are a direct
> subscriber of the question.
>

James Jackman

Steven Rose: not using windows. don't know from Wine...sorry not in my vocabulary.

----- Original Message -----
From: Steven Rose <email address hidden>
Date: Sunday, September 14, 2008 4:06 am
Subject: Re: [Question #45019]: can't download anything useful
To: <email address hidden>

> Your question #45019 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
>     Status: Open => Answered
>
> Steven Rose proposed the following answer:
> Master_Game_Demo.exe
>
> Is the root of your problem you are trying to use Windows
> executables in
> Ubuntu.
>
> To use them you would need to install Wine first.
>
> http://www.winehq.org/
>
> --
> If this answers your question, please go to the following page
> to let us
> know that it is solved:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019/+confirm?answer_id=7
>
> If you still need help, you can reply to this email or go to the
> following page to enter your feedback:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
> You received this question notification because you are a direct
> subscriber of the question.
>

James Jackman

James, from what I can gather your system is working fine. You can download and access the internet. However, the file you are downloading is not compatible with Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a Linux distribution and you are downloading windows programs. They are not the same and not compatible. Some people mentioned WINE. WINE is a tool that allows some windows programs to work in Linux. It is not perfect and not really the best option for a new user. I would suggest looking for and using native Linux applications. Ubuntu is a complete OS and most normal computing tasks can be done without adding anything extra. Spend some time with these and learn your way around. You can install other tools by using the add/remove option under the application menu. You might want to spend some time reading the wiki to get an idea how Linux/Ubuntu works.

https://help.ubuntu.com/

Jim H:

appreciate the thought but, it still doesn't work. Have tried with Linux games and it still doesn't work.

Am still looking for answers, please.

I also have several other problems but will wait until this one is solved before going there. Thanks.

----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Hutchinson <email address hidden>
Date: Sunday, September 14, 2008 8:20 pm
Subject: Re: [Question #45019]: can't download anything useful
To: <email address hidden>

> Your question #45019 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
>     Status: Open => Answered
>
> Jim Hutchinson proposed the following answer:
> James, from what I can gather your system is working fine. You can
> download and access the internet. However, the file you are
> downloadingis not compatible with Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a Linux
> distribution and you
> are downloading windows programs. They are not the same and not
> compatible. Some people mentioned WINE. WINE is a tool that
> allows some
> windows programs to work in Linux. It is not perfect and not
> really the
> best option for a new user. I would suggest looking for and
> using native
> Linux applications. Ubuntu is a complete OS and most normal computing
> tasks can be done without adding anything extra. Spend some time with
> these and learn your way around. You can install other tools by using
> the add/remove option under the application menu. You might want to
> spend some time reading the wiki to get an idea how Linux/Ubuntu
> works.
> https://help.ubuntu.com/
>
> --
> If this answers your question, please go to the following page
> to let us
> know that it is solved:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019/+confirm?answer_id=11
>
> If you still need help, you can reply to this email or go to the
> following page to enter your feedback:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
> You received this question notification because you are a direct
> subscriber of the question.
>

James Jackman

What exactly doesn't work. You've said you can't download but clearly you are downloading stuff. Is it that you can't find apps that work in Linux? If so, try the add/remove tool and look through all the stuff there including games. I'm not sure what you are looking for but there are quite a few including some fairly good ones like nexuiz, sauerbraten, and my favorite world of Padman which you have to download elsewhere but pretty cool.

Jim H:

Want to download from the web.  Have tried 9 or 43 times with always the same result.

Example: wanted pinball>linux games>power pinball>download>download now>downloading finished.

When I look at what I have received all I can find are lots and lots and lots of files looking a lot like operating code. Nowhere can I find the game I want to play.

This happens EVERY time. Thanks for your help. jlj

----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Hutchinson <email address hidden>
Date: Monday, September 15, 2008 3:54 pm
Subject: Re: [Question #45019]: can't download anything useful
To: <email address hidden>

> Your question #45019 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
>     Status: Open => Answered
>
> Jim Hutchinson proposed the following answer:
> What exactly doesn't work. You've said you can't download but clearly
> you are downloading stuff. Is it that you can't find apps that
> work in
> Linux? If so, try the add/remove tool and look through all the stuff
> there including games. I'm not sure what you are looking for but there
> are quite a few including some fairly good ones like nexuiz,
> sauerbraten, and my favorite world of Padman which you have to
> downloadelsewhere but pretty cool.
>
> --
> If this answers your question, please go to the following page
> to let us
> know that it is solved:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019/+confirm?answer_id=13
>
> If you still need help, you can reply to this email or go to the
> following page to enter your feedback:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
> You received this question notification because you are a direct
> subscriber of the question.
>

James Jackman

Just a thought but have you read any readme's and similar in the folder of the files you have downloaded? It may well give you instructions on how to compile/install the application.

Steven R:  Yes, have tried that and results are negative.  All I get is info about, not directions I can use.

----- Original Message -----
From: Steven Rose <email address hidden>
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 1:30 am
Subject: Re: [Question #45019]: can't download anything useful
To: <email address hidden>

> Your question #45019 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
>     Status: Open => Needs information
>
> Steven Rose requested for more information:
> Just a thought but have you read any readme's and similar in the
> folderof the files you have downloaded? It may well give you
> instructions on
> how to compile/install the application.
>
> --
> To answer this request for more information, you can either
> reply to
> this email or enter your reply at the following page:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
> You received this question notification because you are a direct
> subscriber of the question.
>

James Jackman

Sorry, but I'm still not following. Are your trying to download or install? It sounds like you can certainly download stuff (maybe not what you want but it downloads). In other words, there are not any issues with your internet connection, correct?

If I understand, you are trying to download games for Linux but what you download isn't anything useful. Is that the issue? If so, the problem could be any of several different things. First, surfing the web for stuff to install is the windows way not the Linux way. The vast majority of stuff you will install and use in Linux will come from from the repositories and is one of the reasons Linux is so much easier, safer and just plain better than windows / osx. You know will install safe software, it's free and no need to surf all over the web. You might want to read more about it https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/add-applications/C/index.html.

Now, there are times when you will end up downloading something. This happens when what you want isn't in the repository but in that case it's best to find an alternative that is. However, if in the end you just want to install something not in a repository there are a couple possibilities. It could be a downloadable binary that you can just click and run. These end in .bin or could be a shell script ending in .sh (may need to make executable first). There may be more possibilities but these are the most common in my experience. The other possibility is that you will have to compile and install it. This is not something new users should mess with. It requires digging into the OS a bit more than a new/casual user will want to. Eventually you may get to a point where this isn't a big deal but for now I'd avoid it - or at least find a good how to for the software you want to install.

You should also be careful about installing random stuff off the web. It's probably less likely than a windows program to be malicious but you never know.

If you can give us a link to what you want to install we can try and help explain which method you will need or if there are better alternatives.

Jim H:

Went to site you recommended and found site 'not found'. Will try later.

Internet seems ok and I am trying to acquire things I can use, like pinball. Do I download or install??? Can't use what I get.

Am an old windows user who doesn't know any better.  This is my first use of Linux/ubuntu.  Will learn to adapt.

Binaries and bins are unknown to me and I realy don't want to go there.

Checked add/remove and everything there has been checked off.

What /Where are repositories?  How do I give you a 'link'?

----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Hutchinson <email address hidden>
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 7:37 pm
Subject: Re: [Question #45019]: can't download anything useful
To: <email address hidden>

> Your question #45019 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
>     Status: Open => Answered
>
> Jim Hutchinson proposed the following answer:
> Sorry, but I'm still not following. Are your trying to download or
> install? It sounds like you can certainly download stuff (maybe
> not what
> you want but it downloads). In other words, there are not any issues
> with your internet connection, correct?
>
> If I understand, you are trying to download games for Linux but
> what you
> download isn't anything useful. Is that the issue? If so, the problem
> could be any of several different things. First, surfing the web for
> stuff to install is the windows way not the Linux way. The vast
> majorityof stuff you will install and use in Linux will come
> from from the
> repositories and is one of the reasons Linux is so much easier, safer
> and just plain better than windows / osx. You know will install safe
> software, it's free and no need to surf all over the web. You
> might want
> to read more about it https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/add-
> applications/C/index.html.
>
> Now, there are times when you will end up downloading something. This
> happens when what you want isn't in the repository but in that
> case it's
> best to find an alternative that is. However, if in the end you just
> want to install something not in a repository there are a couple
> possibilities. It could be a downloadable binary that you can
> just click
> and run. These end in .bin or could be a shell script ending in
> .sh (may
> need to make executable first). There may be more possibilities but
> these are the most common in my experience. The other
> possibility is
> that you will have to compile and install it. This is not
> something new
> users should mess with. It requires digging into the OS a bit
> more than
> a new/casual user will want to. Eventually you may get to a
> point where
> this isn't a big deal but for now I'd avoid it - or at least
> find a good
> how to for the software you want to install.
>
> You should also be careful about installing random stuff off the web.
> It's probably less likely than a windows program to be malicious
> but you
> never know.
>
> If you can give us a link to what you want to install we can try and
> help explain which method you will need or if there are better
> alternatives.
>
> --
> If this answers your question, please go to the following page
> to let us
> know that it is solved:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019/+confirm?answer_id=17
>
> If you still need help, you can reply to this email or go to the
> following page to enter your feedback:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/45019
>
> You received this question notification because you are a direct
> subscriber of the question.
>

James Jackman

By link I just meant to copy and paste the web address of whatever you were wanting to download/install.

Binaries are just programs or drivers, etc that are compiled into machine language and ready to use. Most windows apps are binaries and you just click and run. In Linux, many things are in source form (thus the open source terminology) that people who do programming can read and anyone can compile and use. Not an overly friendly way for average users which is why the repositories are cool.

Not sure why the link isn't working for you. It works for me. Maybe you are having internet issues. Can you elaborate more on what works and doesn't.

Not sure about the pinball thing. Can you give me a link to the website?

For info on repositories see the link above. In short it's like a cupboard with lots of apps and you just grab one and use it. They are all packaged and ready to use. Very slick.

wanting to download games, and it won't let me

trying to download any free games online I click on game and it shows need plug-in what is that