UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

I built my ubuntu starter onto a tiny pen drive using a windows pc, ubuntu iso images and some tool for iso to pen drive I googled up. It went fine first try and off I went. Firewall, virus scanning and updates were an immediate priority, as most canned systems/apps already have know security problems. So far, no problem, but I do not go to the darker places on the web. I hear running the browser in a virtual system helps.

Hey SEA:

Thanks for getting back. I understand the command (I think). So, I must once again D/l iso, then run command and in place of path/to/file.iso, I insert the downloaded .iso from my "files" (the file I D/l it to (?). So, correct me if this is the wrong command:

sudo dd if=(insert D/l iso here) of=/dev/sdb1. Now, I sorta did this with the last install only I used the "USB image Writer" provided in LM17 to put the .iso on pendrive. Did I do something wrong?

Some folks are getting upset with me(and I too, in return) stating I must have a corrupt .iso (could be) and should be checking with md5sum. I got the .iso from the LinuxMint website--www.linuxmint.com/download.php-Download-linuxmint I don't know, but I would guess this to be a safe site from which to D/l the .iso. So, is it possible that I must D/l a certain .iso just for HP? Well, as you see, one question just morphs into many. And thus, I have been getting frustrated. I'm not upset with you, I'm upset because I believe Linux/Ubuntu should be and is a "simple" O.S. and therefore believe problems should have simple "fixes"...this is not the case (or is it?)! Thanks so much for you help!!
Rick

Life in the computer: few ways work, many ways broke. Ubuntu is scary easy, in that it works so often!

Hey Sea:

OK, I've abandoned all D/l's and ordered a O.S. install disc straight from Linux/Ubuntu. Now, this should(had better) do away with ALL possible D/l-install errors!! As I have used an install disc before(Xubuntu 10.04LTS) I'm feel secure in NOT screwing up the install. And, now that I think about it, I should've ordered an Xubuntu disc!!!(oh...well) I started out on Ubuntu (actually Xubuntu) 10.04 and it ran so well, never had the problems like I've had with 12.04 and now LM17!!! Well, this disc will either be the end of LINUX/Ubuntu, or will put me at peace with my laptop once again! Should have the disc in the next few days.
Later:
RICK

I run Ubuntu 14.04 LTS, and it was upgraded for me by the Software Updater. I have K'ish XWindows. Am I missing anything like G'ish XWindows or ???

Use a software named LongPathTool, it will be useful.