I’m new to Twitter and slowly start to understand how it works and what it’s used for. Media coverage on Twitter and Facebook regarding Iran’s election controversy certainly helped me, too.

While many programmes for Twitter are available, I found TweetDeck to be an elegant and most importantly easy to use Twitter client. It builds upon Adobe Air and is therfore working on both Ubuntu and Windows. First step for the installation process is to download the software from here. Click on Downloads and Get Adobe Air. I decided not to put the exact link here, because following the link this way allows you to download the software in your language and for the operating system you’re using. Please read now the section depending on what system you’re using and soon you’ll be able to start twittering and following current events.

Windows: Download and execute the software before following the instructions until the installation procedure is finished. Now download TweetDeck (link above). You can’t miss the download button, as it says Download now, it’s free. Click Open and Install. TweetDeck will start automatically after installation. If you have an account, type your username and  password and you can use TweetDeck instantly. If you don’t have an account yet, register by clicking the button provided.

Ubuntu: Download the file and place it into a folder. I created a new hidden folder ./TweetDeck and placed the file there. Using the console and entering the folder, type chmod +x name_of_the_file followed by typing sudo ./name_of_the_file. This will install Adobe Air. Downloading Tweetdeck (link above – big button saying Download now, it’s free) will open a small window. Accepting the installation, TweetDeck will start automatically. Enter your Twitter details or create a new account to use this application.

TweetDeck will provide you with a lot of information and possibilities, which might be hard to understand directly. This is why I would suggest you read this. Pictures and videos tend to be easier to understand – an easy introductional video therefore is available here.