Your friends have been telling you to try out Ubuntu; forget the Microsoft proprietary operating system and liberate your computer. Yet, it's not such smooth sailing. Sure, you can download the Ubuntu CD, or get handed one, but once you're sitting at a login prompt what then? What can you actually do with this thing?

Actually, lots – but for this story I wanted to put myself in the place of someone brand new to Ubuntu Linux. After all, in Monday’s column we learned one reason Ubuntu is presently experienced heights of popularity is because it marketed as being friendly and welcoming to newcomers. It also enjoys a reputation of being accommodating to those switching from Microsoft Windows.

Yet, unless a newcomer to Linux – or indeed, any unfamiliar operating environment – can begin achieving some of the things they use a computer for – like surfing the internet, checking e-mail, viewing photographs – it will be a disappointing experience. If there’s no impetus to persevere – like having a knowledgeable friend hanging around giving encouragement and advice – it’s possible the user will simply return to that which they know already and not come back.

Here’s five important things to do which will give you enjoyment of your fresh new Ubuntu system and help you keep motivated to dig further.

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