Installing software on Sylvania G Netbook Notebook PC

Hi Kaleeah,

 I suggest you start here https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/internet/C/connect.html

WARNING
If you are looking for the equivalent of a DOS prompt, its found at applications/accessories/terminal
Like prompt is in DOS, terminal is the easiest place from which to wreck your system
WARNING!!!! Root in linux is closer in meaning to registry in windows, and you can find it at Places/File System

I have some instructions that I downloaded from the internet on how to install this software on a linux computer, however whenever I tried it, it gives me an error and has me attempt to install another program, but never completes installation. I am not familiar with linux systems and I wish there was an add programs button like windows, which would make it so much easier, all the interent helps I have viewed show such a thing, but it isn't on my little pc. I definately don't want to mess up my little computer and haven't been able to even finish getting familiar with the new system, without an internet connection. Thanks for your help.

Hi again kaleeah,
I'm doing some web searching too - did you see this page? http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=460273 )
and it will help if you can tell us

1/ which model is your sprint?
2/ What version of Ubuntu is on your Sylvania?
3/ what is the exact name of the software file you tried to install ( it should end with .deb or .tar or .rpm)

Thanks

I am not sure if I have Ubuntu on my Sylvania or what, I can't seem to find it on there to tell you the version. I did see that I had Nautilus 2.22.2

The model of sprint is the sierra aircard 595u

The instructions I read, gave me two files to download they are:
ppp-scripts.tar-gz
sierra.v.1.0.6.tar-gz

They seem to be zipped files, do I need to unzip them first in order to use them? That is what I tried.

I am sorry, I am really ignorant with this new system, but it is a good learning tool, if I can figure it out. LOL.

I found the version of Ubuntu, it is release 8.04 (hardy)
Kernel Linux 2.6.24.3
Gnome 2.22.1

Thank you, kaleeah :)

That information could soon be a great help

See how you go with this

https://help.ubuntu.com/7.04/add-applications/C/install-file.html

Kaleeah, hopefully you now have complete information. Please mark this problem as closed if that is the case

Please note that "Hardy Heron" is the name of the Ubuntu 8.04 version

Copied from http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-460273.html

"(1) Register your modem on a Windows machine with the Installation CD that came with it. (My account was pre-registered when I bought the card, but it can also be done over the phone). If your account is pre-registered it will be considerably easier.

(2)Go to Sprint.com/downloads and choose Linux as your OS from the drop down menu.

(3)Choose your card and download the .pdf guide. NOTE: The guide uses Ubuntu, with screenshots and everything and is very easy to use.

NOTE: On Hardy Heron some of the screenshots look a little different.

Follow the command prompt instructions EXACTLY. For instance in one command what seemed like it should have been "Product ID# = 1111" changed to a different number, but it worked even though it seemed like a typo.

(4)Plug a regular ethernet cable to your laptop and make sure you have ethernet

(5)Download gppp from Applications> Add and Remove (it also is bundled with PPP and they will both download together.

(6)On my machine for some reason even though I followed Sprint's guide, the GPPP application froze. I rebooted and it still froze.

(7)I downloaded all 129 suggested updates for the computer.

(8)Rebooted, got fsck errors and typed in fsck to manually check the drives, clicked "yes" to every suggested fix.

(9)Rebooted, and joila! everything works like a charm.

(10)One caveat: Firefox loads up in Offline Mode when you are using a wireless card. My understanding is that this is not really a bug, but rather a function of the network manager looking for an ethernet connection first.

(11)Drag the GPPP icon to the dock.

(12)Now, whenever you click the icon your modem will connect to Sprint.

NOTE: You should also have a network icon on the top right that will detect traditional wireless networks- I didn't really mess with it, since this computer is going to another location, but it detected a LOT more networks than my Mac Airport and also more than programs on my Windows machine."

Tang: thank you for all your help with this problem, I will try this last one out tonight when I get home, I will let you know if this solves the problem, it looks very promising. Thanks again, I appreciate the time you spent on this.

It seems there is a program missing on my computer, because the instructions that you gave me is asking me to go to the Ubuntu Applications Menu and click on Add/Remove. I don't have that option. Not sure what to do now. Do I need install another version of Ubuntu?

Hi, Seems what you have on your computer is a very unusual stripped down version of Ubuntu, called gOS and they are having trouble with that version.

Here is the web site detailing the operating system http://sylvaniacomputers.com/products.php

I'm so sorry it seems I can't offer any more help, and I hope this doesn't put you off Linux in general and Ubuntu in particular

Fortunately, Dave, the person you need to speak to about gOS is on myspace and here are the details about Dave and also the broken operating system. There is a chance it's a different version on yours http://thinkgos.com/support

I downloaded a version to try it out, but it would not work at all on my computer, so it's good you do have yours running isn't it,
best wishes
tang

PS; Kaleeah Please don't mention my name to anyone outside of this forum

Ok, I won't. I appreciate your help and I will close this question. Thank you.