Linux

[Drummer Boy† 0]

I just installed Ubuntu Desktop Linux. Being very computer literate and all, Linux is so far not posing any problems. In fact, I like it better than XP so far due to increased stability, speed, better graphics, and of course being free. I was having a load of problems with XP and the virus scanner I was running that was supposed to be "light" on the system, but now Ubuntu is running fast and stable. Anyone else out there have a Linux OS? Any tips for someone fairly new to it like me?

[Luke Wolf† 0]

Woot

Ubuntu 9.04 FTW

and only 9 days till 9.10

 

As far as tips, make sure that Pulse audio is working, if it isn't then download padevchooser using synaptic, because if it's not configured right then it can be quite annoying.

 

Oh, and don't be afraid to go to #linuxfurs or #techfurs on Furnet

 

One other thing, Wine will only work with *some* (read a good number but probably not all) of your windows software, so you can either run a virtual machine (virtual box is good) or set it up to dual boot for that stuff.

[Flechmen 0]

I'm using Linux Mint myself, its based on Ubuntu 9.04

[Guest Wolfin]

I actually run a dual boot system, my tablet runs a Linux distro, and all my servers run Linux. I know a few others here use it too. Welcome to the fun side of computing

 

There are some other things that you might enjoy on Linux...tuxracer (the original free one) and tron racer come to mind You might look into install wine as well so you can run any windows apps you might have on there.

 

You can always ping me here on on IRC if you need a paw with anything.

[Flechmen 0]

Didn't think about servers. The CF server here runs on Linux. And, I do believe my MP3 player is Linux as well.

[Guest herrymoris]

Well flechmen, I am also using using Linux from last three to four years. Before I was using XP. But now I feel really very comfortable with the Linumx Ubuntu. And very familiar with it.

[VC_Wolffe† 0]

VC does not under stand this.

VC will crawl back under his rock now.

VC plays the 'windows 7' game. Not much else is known.

[The Lone Wolf† 0]

I myself use windows XP and all I know is it's nasteh...>.>

 

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Linux? Is it user friendly (Like can I start it up and know what I am doing within an hour)? Is it better/worse then mac?

[HuskyDog† 0]

Not better or worse.

 

What do you want to do?

 

With Linux, these days you will probably be ok. Ubuntu is a good distribution for user friendliness. But you may still run into issues with hardware compatibility and you will likely need to go into the command line to fix those. With luck you probably won't have to look at it at all, but it's there.

 

If you know about the iPhone's app store, Linux has had a similar system for a while and it works well. Most any program you likely will use is listed in their repository (Add/Remove Applications under the Ubuntu menu, if memory serves). To install one, simply checkmark it and press OK. To uninstall, uncheckmark it.

 

But is it better than Mac? With what? If it does what you want to do, then it's fine. With an interface like Gnome or KDE, you likely will find everything you need and it will be as user friendly as Windows or Mac. Linux has office software that works with Microsoft Office, and it has Firefox as a browser, so you can do your thing online just as easily. The main place where Linux isn't really as good is with gaming and multimedia. If you're a gamer, then you need Windows, first thing. That's the computer gaming platform of today. Your games won't work on Mac, most likely, and probably won't work at all on Linux (unless you're a fan of jumping through a lot of hoops, and even then, chances are it won't work 100% or even at all). But if you're just interested in video files, then it can work, but not easily. Many video encoding formats are under copyright so they can't be included with Linux, which means you have to install the codecs yourself. And because of this, they may not allow very fast video playback. DVD playback is even worse. I never got reliable DVD playback to work in Linux. That's just the nature of the beast, though. But when it comes to music, you likely will have no issues. For online video playback, most places use Flash. Now, Flash works, but not well. You will need a 32-bit browser because there's no 64-bit flash plugin. It is also very slow, much slower than on Windows or Mac. But that's the tradeoff you get for using Linux. Adobe may do better in the future with Linux support. I hope so, but for now, it's just not as good of an experience.

 

You won't find this issue on Macs because it is licensed software, so they can purchase the licenses needed for compatibility with these video formats and DVD playback. Of course, Windows also doesn't have this problem.

 

The biggest debate that I see between them is usually to do with security. Mac commercials are typically misleading, so don't buy into those. Windows (modern versions, like 7) are more secure than Mac and Linux. But Linux and Mac are safer than Windows. The analogy I've seen is that Windows is like the house that is in the bad part of town, but with locks on the doors, metal bars over the windows, and a full grade alarm system, while Mac and Linux is like the house that is out in the country where there is little crime, with the doors unlocked and open. You're safer in the country than in the city, but the house in the city has more security measures built in. The outcome is the same in the end, you likely won't get any issues if you maintain your computer properly and don't let it go to pot. Thing is that Linux has more reconfigurability when it comes to security. It may not be enabled by default, but you can configure it to be very secure. It's not as easy as doing it in Windows, though. You can also configure Mac, but I've not heard much in terms of its security features, so I can't tell you if it's very easy to do.

 

I hope that's helpful. I tried to cover the biggest points of concern that you may run into. You didn't give many specifics but I hope that helps.

[Flechmen 0]

Linux has several advantages.

It can be compleatly custom to you. If you want something thats got all the flashies and frills and everything super easy to use, try Ubuntu or Mint.

If you want something a little less flashy but still super user friendly, try Suse (which I think claims to be the most user friendly) or Xubuntu.

If you want something that's going to look and feel comfortable coming from Windows, try Kubuntu or PCLinuxOS.

 

If you want to work a bit more under the hood and really get your feet wet in Linux, try something like Crunchbang or CentOS (which CF runs on).

 

If you really want to totally immerse yourself in the inner workings of the operating system (keys to the mansion) try something like Gentoo or some of the more minimal distributions. However, every distribution will give you shell access where you can really dig into the system.

 

The other advantage is that there's no viruses or spyware or anything like that. You can browse the web all you like with no antivirus and you'll be more safe than on any Windows PC.

Windows, before Vista, is very insecure. Any program that finds its way on your computer can run with admin privilege and wreak havoc. Vista implemented far better security that is similar to Linux's (and Mac's for that matter) in that even if you're an "administrator", you have to grant privileges to programs temporarily. Linux has had this from the beginning, and even if a virus did get on a Linux machine, it couldn't do more than delete your personal files without your intervention (giving it permission).

But, Windows in general is a target. Its where the money is since 90% of the world uses it.

 

And its all free, none of this costs anything.

 

Now, its a trick to get Windows programs working, a lot flat out won't. So, games and stuff wouldn't really be possible unfortunately. At least not until Steam starts releasing Linux stuff.

 

There's also a Distro chooser that may be of some help.

 

For people that just use their computer for browsing the web and checking email, the occasional Word document, I recommend Linux. IMO, its good for people who don't want a lot out of their computer and for people who want control over every aspect of their computer. For the people in between, there's Windows.

[The Lone Wolf† 0]

Wow! Lots of awesome details! Thanks!

 

What makes Linux more secure? (In the sense where you wouldn't need any security and be just as safe). Less targeted by hackers and viruses and the like?

[Flechmen 0]

I revised my post, hehe. But, basically what makes it secure is for one how obscure it is. Its not widely used by home users and mostly used in business. So, its just not targeted.

 

The other thing is that any program is not run with any privileges. You have to grant a program permission to run with higher privileges. Usually by entering your password.. Its like Vista's security but less annoying.

[HuskyDog† 0]

Less targeted by viruses makes it safer, not more secure. It is less targeted, so it's safer. It also has some security measures in it as well, though I don't know the details. From my understanding, it's more secure than Mac, and maybe equal to Windows (though Microsoft invested quite a bit in making Windows as secure as humanly possible, even going so far as contracting the NSA for research and consultation, so that's a high bar to reach for). But anyways, software has to be written for a platform. Since Windows carries about 90% of the market (or thereabouts), and these people want to create the largest impact, or most institutions run Windows of some sort, then they will be targeting Windows for their attacks. Viruses and malware are all programs, and mostly are Windows programs.

 

Hackers, however, attack the system. Since all computers use the same protocols, then all computers, regardless of operating system, will have the same set of vulnerabilities. If they want to execute code on your system, then they will have to target your operating system as well. But, as far as data security goes, they can still get at it, which means that you have to lock it down regardless of the OS you use. If you're not running Windows, then attacks that utilize software to open your computer to attacks (like trojans embedded in spyware), then you will be a bit safer. If you have a router between your computer and the Internet, you may be ok just because of that (since it locks down most ports). However, a software firewall is also handy to have. Windows has these built in. Mac does too, but I don't think it's enabled by default. Linux has a few but from my experience, you have to set it up yourself. I don't think I ever saw it.

 

---

I revised my post' date=' hehe. But, basically what makes it secure is for one how obscure it is. Its not widely used by home users and mostly used in business. So, its just not targeted.

 

The other thing is that any program is not run with any privileges. You have to grant a program permission to run with higher privileges. Usually by entering your password.. Its like Vista's security but less annoying.

[/quote']

As far as running without administrator priviledges, then yes, that's part of it. Linux has had better systems in place than Windows XP did. Vista improved things with UAC, but Windows users weren't used to it on Windows and so were annoyed with it and probably disabled it. Many software wasn't written to be able to work with it enabled, too, during that period of time. However, people have gotten better at it and more used to it. At this point, I'd make it equivalent to Linux, more or less. If you are running Windows, keep UAC on, and you will find yourself much safer than with it off. Just make sure not to click "Confirm" mindlessly. I've had viruses try to install things on my system, only to have UAC come up and allow me to stop it before it does anything. It's a very good system to have. I'm glad that they got that in on Windows, as well. It was sorely needed.

 

Windows XP had that capability, but not as powerful, and since you couldn't do anything on a limited account anyway, they always left themselves as administrator. It is a 10 year old OS, though, people should be moving on from it at this point.

[Flechmen 0]

Linux is pretty restrictive by default. I know on CF's server we have to go in and add an exception.

 

But, unlike Windows, its very hard for malicious software to get admin privileges and really do any damage.

[HuskyDog† 0]

Linux is pretty restrictive by default. I know on CF's server we have to go in and add an exception.

 

But' date=' unlike Windows, its very hard for malicious software to get admin privileges and really do any damage.

[/quote']

I don't know about Windows 7 and Vista but I'm pretty sure UAC solved those woes. Getting administrator privileges on Vista and 7 won't happen, like in Linux, barring user error. In XP, though, it was a cinch. It just had to run, since everything was run with administrator privileges. That was the problem.

[The Lone Wolf† 0]

Yeah...I have had to bang on my keyboard in a frantic attempt to save my computer as I navigate to a website and it instantly says at the bottom right "Starting computer scan" or something similar...only by the will of God can I go back before the page finishes loading O_O

 

But yeah, basically I am sick of windows XP and was wondering what my options were. As far as games go they are usually browser based...if I was going to play games I would get a PS3 or something =P Other then that I need good word programs and good internet access for college, and I am just the type of person that likes it all to look pretty while I use it XP Since I have to sit and type and email so much (All my courses I take online) I like things to look good.

 

I personally don't like Microsoft that much, just because it always seems to give the feel of a rush job on their products (For example Xbox feels a lot more junky then a PS3 or Wii, and Windows seems a lot less professional then the mac. I have never actually used a Linux so I can't say for that). My hatred of Windows is probably more due to the fact that I am still using an XP Home edition.

 

But yes, this is all very, very helpful.

[HuskyDog† 0]

Well, if it's a browser based game, then it's flash, so what I said about flash above would hold. But, Apple has been dissing Adobe Flash a lot recently so I can't say how well that relationship will hold, either. But for now, Mac would probably give you a better experience as far as that goes (over Linux). Probably equal to what Windows can give you with Flash performance. Also, Macs have Microsoft Office which you likely will need. Linux does not. There's free alternatives for Linux but knowing the industry standard (Microsoft Office) is also a good thing, and there are some slight differences that may be unexpected between things like OpenOffice.org and Microsoft Office (like in formatting of bullet points in Word documents, which I've encountered). It may not be a big deal but it's something to be aware of.

 

I think that it's popular to hate on Microsoft products, really. They get a lot of flack but most of the problems stemmed from third party software and hardware. A badly written driver can bring down Windows pretty horribly, and in Windows XP, there were MANY of them. Things have gotten better in Windows 7, though. I've heard of Mac users converting to Windows 7 (using it solely on their Mac after they got it in Bootcamp, for instance). I wouldn't write it off. I have little issue with it, personally. But then again, it's your choice. I prefer Windows, and Linux for hobbyist types of things. I'd get Mac if I could install it on my computer but Apple locks it to their own hardware, and I don't want to pay so much money for what they give you. However, use what you like.

[Flechmen 0]

Go try Mint, its my favorite so far.

 

You'll download a CD image, burn it to a CD with Nero or Infrarecorder. Just put this CD in the CD rom drive of your computer and re-boot. It will go into a "Live" mode, which lets you run around and test out the system without changing anything on your computer.

[The Lone Wolf† 0]

Well, the OTHER reason I am asking is I have to buy my own computer first. I still use the ones that are, as far as ownership goes, my dad's. He is the type of man that makes your account a limited user and pours a couple barrels of Norton Family internet security onto the computer, and the added time limit here and there. Soooo...I won't be doing anything to this computer =P But that's why I was asking...I'll be spending my own money on a whole new system sooner or later and I would like to know my options.

 

And I am starting to think that ANYTHING will be an upgrade from Windows XP

[HuskyDog† 0]

Well, for now then, downloading a Linux LiveCD would be your best bet if you want to start playing with and getting the feel for something else. You can run EVERYTHING directly from the CD, no installation needed. Of course, if you want to save files, you'll need a USB drive handy or something like that, but you don't need to install anything onto the computer itself, and they usually have all your programs ready to use on the CD image. Anything Ubuntu based is something I'd recommend, really (if Flechmen is going to get into the different distros, Ubuntu is the most widely used, likely to be supported, and easy to jump in and use that I've found after trying a few). Mint isn't Ubuntu based (as far as I know) but it's also one that I've seen highly recommended. Plus it is a free download, so for right now, it's something you can give a try with no strings attached and without changing anything.

[The Lone Wolf† 0]

I will definitely be looking into that sometime then. Thanks!

[Flechmen 0]

That will go past any limits set on Windows too...

[The Lone Wolf† 0]

Yyeeaahhh I have a hard time grasping the effectiveness of restricting a nineteen year old...if I was seriously so intent on doing bad things I could ride over to best buy or anywhere with free wi-fi and do whatever needed with my iTouch or one of their test computers.

 

But I'll stop so as not to blow this off topic. =P I would like to try Linux out, so I will look into that. Do they have a website?

[HuskyDog† 0]

Which Linux? There's tons of distributions. Try the distro picker link Flechmen gave you before. To learn more about what Linux is and what the difference between that and a distribution is, you can look at the first section of: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux

 

Ubuntu is here: http://www.ubuntu.com/

Mint is here: http://www.linuxmint.com/

 

Here's that distro chooser link that Flechmen posted earlier, if you don't want to give either of those a try (or want to see what else is there): http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/index.php

[The Lone Wolf† 0]

Okie doke! Thanks!