7.5.1. General
Most people are surprised to see that they have a running,
usable computer after installing Linux; most distributions contain
ample support for video and network cards, monitors and other
external devices, so there is usually no need to install extra
drivers. Also common tools such as office suites, web browsers,
E-mail clients and such are included in the main distributions.
Even so, an initial installation might not meet your
requirements.
If you just can't find what you need, maybe it is not installed
on your system. It may also be that you have the required software,
but it does not do what it is supposed to do. Remember that Linux
moves fast, and software improves on a daily basis. Don't waste
your time troubleshooting problems that might already be
resolved.
You can update your system or add packages to it at any time you
want. Most software comes in packages. Extra software may be found
on your installation CDs or on the Internet. The website of your
Linux distribution is a good place to start looking for additional
software and contains instructions about how to install it on your
type of Linux, see
Appendix A. Always read
the documentation that comes with new software, and any
installation guidelines the package might contain. All software
comes with a README file, which you are
very strongly advised to read.
