New desktop users can make plenty of mistakes (as can anyone). But knowing which mistakes to avoid, from the start, helps prevent a LOT of frustration. I’ve handled the topic of mistakes new Linux admins make, but never those of desktop users. Here are some of the most common Linux desktop mistakes I see new users make.

The release of Ubuntu and other user-friendly distributions has bolstered Linux’s popularity among IT pros and end-users alike. Yet Linux neophytes can still stumble over common tasks, like installing new software. In this IT Dojo video, I discuss common mistakes people make when they’re trying to add new Linux software. I also give you tips to make the installation process a bit easier.

There are a few ubiquitous mistakes which a lot of Linux admins make while administering a Linux box. If kept in mind, these mistakes can be avoided to keep a smooth work flow.

If you’re new to Linux, a few common mistakes are likely to get you into trouble. Learn about them up front so you can avoid major problems as you become increasingly Linux-savvy.

Newcomers to Ubuntu have any number of problems, but some of them are fairly common. Here are three I see a lot, and easy ways to avoid them.

Mistakes happen. But when software publishers make mistakes with their anti-piracy programs, it always seems to be the users who pay the price. That's certainly been the case with Microsoft's Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) program throughout its less-than-illustrious history, and now a new pilot program for Office Genuine Advantage (OGA) Notifications nagware has started off on the wrong foot.

As Canonical polishes Ubuntu to potentially support Google Android and Moblin v2, I'm both impressed and concerned. On the one hand, Canonical continues to change with the times - and in some cases, stay ahead of the times. On the other hand, Canonical runs the risk of repeating some major software mistakes IBM made in the 1990s. Here's why.

The different mistakes Microsoft made that will make users shift to Linux

Installing software in Linux is nothing like it used to be, but there are still some pitfalls to watch out for. If you follow this little guide, your Linux life will be made simpler and safer.