thanks guys -- I have all the time in the world, it's just that I am a bit luckless (and clueless). This DVD is the one that LinuxCertified made specifically as an 'image' of their own particular configuration with all its applications, but they also supplied a CD with just the ubuntu minus the apps. I have emailed them anyway, because it won't take long to find out ; they usually reply by evening, our time, which is mid-morning california time.