[HLUG] Linux Ubuntu help ?

[Alex@Conceits]

Hello all,

I have been asked to send a message to everybody regarding my Linux
problem, so will forward it on here. I hope it doesn't bother you all.

Before we start, I must admit I am not properly a Linux user:
unfortunately, I don't understand much of it, and even though Ubuntu /Linux
is on my laptop thanks to someone who installed it for me years ago, I
could really do with getting more familiar with it. I don't know about the
different versions of Linux either.
My knowledge of computers is a little bit better with the older Microsoft
Windows and I also have a very old desktop with Windows XP on it as well as
this more modern laptop with a problem - (I don't use the old desktop for
the internet as there is no virus guard on it any more)

So, this is why I am here: I love the concept of Linux even if I don't
understand it, and  I am hoping to sort out the laptop out, slowly.

  It has Ubuntu with Linux, 3.2.0.40 Generic on it, and has developed
problems after about 5 months of it being installed. It started not being
able to access certain folders, the window would try and load and then go
blank and would have to be closed again, sometimes I would have to rashly
press the on and off  switch of the laptop, to defrost it.
 Then, the laptop started making a lot of fan noise, as if it was taking a
lot of effort processing something. As I am typing now, there is no fan
noise,which is very odd - perhaps it is healing itself with the fear of
being sorted out!! (just like going to the doctor is sometimes enough for
the symptoms to suddenly disappear!!)
Now, this laptop has also Windows 7 on it - and I would quite like to keep
that for emergency (I never use it but once when Ubuntu couldn't work out
where the WIfi was, I switched the laptop to the other side and that found
the Wifi, and when I went back to Ubuntu (because I really don't like using
Windows 7) to use the internet, it had found the Wifi again.

i have lived with this laptop problem for the last 3 years  (and the
browsers being out of date not allowing me to watch videos, Ebay windows
crashing, and the bank page complaining my browsers were too old and
sometimes not letting me logging in)  so I decided to take the courage to
look into it (and it takes courage!!); a few months ago, bought a version
of Ubuntu on Ebay, and when I asked for some advice on how to install it,
they just pointed me to some web page I didn't understand, so  as I was too
scared, I left it as it was. A slow working computer is better than no
computer at all.

A few days ago, I looked into it again - and got some advice from the
online Ubuntu forum which is where someone suggested I got in touch with
you, as being local.  They were helpful but I really didn't understand much
of the words/jargon they were using. I tried typing in magic formulas in
the "terminal" (whatever that is, I found where it was but I have forgotten
already) and nothing happened. I also don't have the password nor username
for the computer so couldn't find out what is wrong with it.

As I contacted the Hereford group, Kevin then Julian replied and Kevin has
also given me some advice. I have done it my first job of attempting to
back up the files that it wouldn't let me open, in the past; oddly, it has
worked, even though extremely slowly; the documents and photos I need on
this laptop are now all saved.
Now,  I can either go and do an install etc, though before doing so, I
would rather like to understand what do I do regarding the web browsers, as
when my computer is all set up again, if there are no browsers on it, how
will i get online to download some browsers...  ? And how do I do an
install whilst keeping that Window 7 software? And how do I set up the
Adobe reader thing? And the Libre Office writer?

And which version to download of Linux? What is an LTS version? Is it
Ubuntu or Linux and is it recommendable? Should I need Xubuntu for extra
speed?(can my computer handle something like that?)  Or an Ubuntu 14.04 or
16.04?
The specifications for my computer are
https://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/content/cnt-specs/VPCYB3V1E/list


 I would be very grateful for some help, to understand Linux a bit better
too.  Just to become knowledgeable enough so to be able to solve small
problems. Now the question is, could I come to the meeting (I understand it
is next week) and bring my laptop, or are your meetings only for a drink
and a chat about general things as you might not want to nor be able to
look at computers there for help?

Thanks in advance,

Alexandra

PS: I will do things slowly, as I don't want to be overwhelmed with it all
and make mistakes. I might not reply for a day or so due to working, but
will think about it and then attempt one thing at the time so thank you too
for your patience!