If this is the first time you have accessed your Mandrake Linux system, the Mandrake First Time Wizard window will be presented to you (Figure 2.2); it is a program which will help you to set up the most basic configuration options. We recommend that you complete all its steps, this will possibly save you some work in the future.
First of all, you will be asked to choose a look for your working environment, from among a few preset ones. The different choices will affect the way files, objects and windows are displayed on the screen, and the way you will interact with them, but it's important to know that they all share the same functionalities. So you will be able to do the same operations and use the same programs whatever graphic environment you choose: preferring one over another is just a matter of personal taste. The default choice is KDE, and it is the one we document in the Starter Guide, but please don't be afraid to try out the other choices once you feel more confident with the system. You will be able to change your graphical environment later by using the Session type pull-down menu in the login window.
Click on the arrow button beside the Choose desktop field to see the available choices. Some of them also offer more than one variation. Besides KDE, another very popular choice is GNOME.
In the next step, you will have the opportunity to enter the information needed to correctly configure your e-mail and newsgroup applications. You should fill in the text input fields with the data provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Finally, if you have an available Internet connection, you will have the opportunity to create a personal MandrakeClub account, which will give you instant access to many valuable online services offered by MandrakeSoft, such as special commercial software downloads (complete with automatic download and install procedures), dedicated multilingual forums, the possibility to vote for your favorite software packages to be included in the Mandrake Linux distribution, special discounts, and more. Your Mandrake Linux package includes a one month trial MandrakeClub account, so that you can evaluate the many available services and then later extend your account if you like their features (and we are sure you will!).
Moreover, if you already have a MandrakeClub account, Mandrake First Time Wizard will also help you configure your system to allow easy download and installation of special updates from the MandrakeClub web site, directly using our user-friendly Software Manager. Please remember that email addresses and user names are unique on MandrakeClub, so you will not be able to open a trial account if you already are a subscriber. So, just make your choice and press the Next button to proceed.
Once the Mandrake First Time Wizard introduction is completed, your new working environment will be displayed. Please refer to the Starter Guide for informations about its most important features and applications, but don't be afraid to experiment.