Hi all,

I just purchased an n800 2 days ago. I would qualify as one of those individuals that some of you feel shouldnt have one due to my complete lack of experience with Linux but I did a lot of research prior to buying it and found myself really liking the features.

I have had pc's for about 12 years and Ive also had Palm Pilots so I only have experience with Windows and Palm OS. I have literally no experience with Linux, to the point where this forum is practically a foreign language. But with that said, I dont mind challenging myself as long as I dont completely screw up my new n800.

Thats where Im at right now......I would like to add some new apps to my n800. Canola is one that peaked my interest as did Pidgin but I am extremely fearful of screwing up my new toy. Should I upgrade to OS2008 or just leave the OS2007? Will I royally mess everything up by attempting to install apps like Canola and Pidgin because I dont know what the heck Im doing? Would I be better off installing Palm Garnet since I am more familiar with Palm OS?

I apologize if I ask goofy questions. And I really do try to look things up before asking but my inexperience prevents me from understanding much of what I am reading.

What do you guys suggest? I appreciate any and all advice.

Thank you,

Shannon

Well, I'm still on OS2007 but might just be upgrading (finally) because apparently the newly-arrived OS2008 FM radio has some functionality that I've been waiting for. Then again I may wait until the non-beta OS2008 comes out in a week or two (what we believe, anyway). I don't have either Canola nor Pidgin installed, so can't help you there.

However, there are a couple of good places to start:

First, Krisse's internet tablet school for newbies:
http://tabletschool.blogspot.com/
The sticky thread about this: http://www.internettablettalk.com/fo...ead.php?t=9674

Secondly, to find applications (and get your repositories set up correctly):
http://www.gronmayer.com/it/

And welcome to ITT!

Honestly, there's very little risk involved in simply installing applications from non fly-by-night repositories. Even if you do somehow manage to mess things up, a clean, pretty, functional new install is just a flash away.

A healthy respect for something you're unfamiliar with is good, but there's no need to fear it.

Relax. This place is not a sanctuary for Linux experts (else there'd be a lot less noise :-), nor are the tablets reserved to such (else there's be a lot less sold and Nokia wouldn't make them any more :-).

There are only two main ways users can mess up their tablets through their own fault :

- using the console (x-term) and typing Linux command lines without understanding them,

- following a recipe to enable "Red pill mode" in the Application Manager and starting to install/upgrade things at random.

Installing well-behaved, properly-packaged apps like Canola and most others, which do NOT require doing any of the above, are normal operations and should not break anything (just like in Windows, huh ? :-).

In any case, as mentioned above, if worst comes to worse, a quick reflash will take care of things...

Have fun !

Hey, whats wrong with you guys? To give instructions, got to give good and correct instructions, like me . Weeshan my friend, go to Wiki, http://www.internettablettalk.com/wi...itle=Main_Page, they have everything you need under the sun, especially the new feature FAQ, set up by our newly elected SearchPoliceChief of this forum. Regarding upgrade to 2008, you may want to wait as that may introduce another variables to your app installation and confuse thing. Why dont you just try a few app installation, and by the time you get comfortable, the real 2008Os may by then available. I myself is goin for 2008, beta or not does not matter.

Dont get intimidated, by anything, or anybody, not even the SearchPoliceChief.
Post if problems, welcome.


bun

Talk about massive irrelevancies which are only going to serve to confuse people.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I feel a bit better now. I will do a little reading on the links that were given and then will probably take the plunge and install a few apps. If I have any issues I will probably holler.


Shannon

Shannon, just jump in and ask for help when you need it. The Wiki is being updated, and there are plenty of folks who will help.

everyone else, If there are topics that need to be covered in the Wiki, let me know I will try and help out with documentation.

Welcome aboard Shannon!

If I were you, I'd stick with OS2007 (currently installed on your tablet) until the new OS is released in a week or two.

I wouldn't worry about being a Linux expert. You do however have to be really patient (but it'll pay off). This is the one forum where people shouldn't bite your head off. I'll admit, it does happen but don't take it personally. Some people are uptight.

Welcome!

Cheers,
Hedge