apt-get says Could not get lock

Are you running updates, or is software centre (or similar open). If so then let the updates finish or close software centre etc. Only one app can access the packages at one time. If none of those are happening then run:

sudo fuser -vki /var/lib/dpkg/lock;sudo dpkg --configure -a

And it will kill the lock on the packages and is probably caused by a previous install halting halfway.

Please read this:

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Releases

Jaunty (Ubuntu 9.04) is end-of-life and not support anymore since October 23, 2010

You should install Ubuntu 10.04.3 LTS or newer.

Is that the problem? Once versions are 'end-of-life' are repositories
turned-off?

On 1/20/12, Mark Rijckenberg <email address hidden> wrote:
> Your question #185280 on synaptic in Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/synaptic/+question/185280
>
> Mark Rijckenberg proposed the following answer:
> Please read this:
>
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Releases
>
> Jaunty (Ubuntu 9.04) is end-of-life and not support anymore since
> October 23, 2010
>
> You should install Ubuntu 10.04.3 LTS or newer.
>
> --
> If this answers your question, please go to the following page to let us
> know that it is solved:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/synaptic/+question/185280/+confirm?answer_id=1
>
> If you still need help, you can reply to this email or go to the
> following page to enter your feedback:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/synaptic/+question/185280
>
> You received this question notification because you asked the question.
>

--
***********************************

   PO Box 437
   JAMISON ACT 2614

***********************************

Thanks, that clears things up.

But it now means I am completely opposed to this Ubuntu thing.

The fact that developers can make such a mess for folks, while
declaring "Linux for human beings" is misleading.

Most people probably will put up with a reasonable amount of
configuration options and tasks, but not regular disruption by
peculiar, behaviours as having to go through rigmarole just to
reinstate something that was working in the past and requires ongoing
reference to Support forums to get basic clarity.

Unfortunately, it is EOL for Ubuntu for me.

Pity, because the aims of Ubuntu are laudable - its just that
over-active programmers get in the way.

On 1/20/12, Mark Rijckenberg <email address hidden> wrote:
> Your question #185280 on synaptic in Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/synaptic/+question/185280
>
> Status: Open => Answered
>
> Mark Rijckenberg proposed the following answer:
> Please read answer here:
>
> http://mreschke.com/topic/254/Ubuntu+End+of+Life+and+Upgrades
>
> --
> If this answers your question, please go to the following page to let us
> know that it is solved:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/synaptic/+question/185280/+confirm?answer_id=3
>
> If you still need help, you can reply to this email or go to the
> following page to enter your feedback:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/synaptic/+question/185280
>
> You received this question notification because you asked the question.
>

--
***********************************

   PO Box 437
   JAMISON ACT 2614

***********************************

This type of management of Ubuntu means it cannot be rolled-out into the community.

It is not Linux for the people.

It is in the way that it is significantly simpler (and therefore more bloated) than most Linux distros. If you simply upgrade to the current stable release you will be fine. There is a good 6 MONTH period where you can jump to the next release and get continued support but you simply have chosen not to. This is not the OSes fault.