Hello everyone, I am new to Linux

by veggiepsychic Apr 6, 2010 9:23AM PDT

I installed Linux onto my desktop after my Windows Vista crashed and my backup didn't work. I have an Acer (yes I know it sucks) and there was no backup disc. I do have my files backed up on Click free. Anyways, windows was driving me nuts and I procrastinated installing Linux for a year. But,obviously, the Linux god told me it was time to learn. Not scared for I learned GIMP and love it. So, I am pretty sure I can learn Linux. However, my state of mind is still in Windows mode.

I do have the firewall up. I am just confused about a virus scan. Do I need one or is that my Windows mentality. Am I safe(r) to do the things I did in Windows like banking, downloading, email, etc. Do I need to scan email? I used Thunderbird for my email before, should I use it again? BTW, I have the 9.04 version Ubuntu.

Thanks for any info.

Discussion is locked

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What distro did you installed?

by R_Head Apr 6, 2010 9:31AM PDT

One of the best an easy distro to learn is Mandriva 2010 and soon to come out the 2010.1 Spring Edition.

No need for antivirus or any of that nonsense.
Linux is immune to all that.

I have been using Mandriva since 2000 and never caught any nasties from the web. Even without the firewall turned off. But I have nothing to hide either.

You will see how much maintenance free is Linux compared to MS. Is not a hard thing to do, just different.

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9.04 version Ubuntu.

by veggiepsychic Apr 6, 2010 9:48AM PDT

I think that is the number. I know there is a 9.10 but not ready to upgrade yet until I get into the swing of things with this one. Glad to hear Linux is less of a headache.

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surf safely and don't worry too much about viruses

by jimmyhchan Apr 7, 2010 5:27AM PDT

You still need to worry about phishing and other web schemes but with respect to viruses don't worry too much. Why? 1 - you are not logged in as the root users (aka superuser), so installing new software and accessing and executing system files/folders that will muck up your machine will not happen unless you explicitly say to (read up on read/write/execute permissions on files and folders and sudo). 2 - less crackers target linux. when you see wide spread mac viruses then start to worry.

If you are hooked up straight to the internet (you are not behind a firewall or router) then possibly worry about people trying to guess your user/root or ssh password and logging into your machine. This is generally not an issue since you are usually behind some firewall.

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I am using the GUFW

by veggiepsychic Apr 7, 2010 5:59AM PDT

is that okay? I figure I am safer on linux than I was on Windows.

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One reason...

by R_Head Apr 7, 2010 8:26AM PDT

That is good against viruses is also the system does not have a register like MS does. Another is, the Web Browsers are not integrated on the OS like MS and IE are.

As far passwords... The passwords are not stored in the computer, what is stored is a Hash, you keep the password in your head. It works like Public Key and Private Key. When you create a password, the system runs an Algorithm (math equation) that makes an answer that has no meaning. So, it runs the same algorithm again when you use the password. If the result matches, you are in. There is no way to decrypt the password you do not know it.

That is why you can not hack it unless the password is weak like lets say the word "Smile", it can be used a dictionary attack to guess the password.

No system is immune to physical attack. You can hack any system if you boot it with a disc like Winternals ERD and the Locksmith application for Windows or a Live Distro in Linux.

So for that, password protect the BIOS and change the boot order

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Thanks everyone!

by veggiepsychic Apr 8, 2010 4:26AM PDT

I think it will take awhile to get the hang of Linux, but learning slowly. With the info in various forums and youtube, I think I can rewire my brain to understand Linux.

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nah Linux is easy

by GODhack Apr 8, 2010 10:03PM PDT

Just grab Ubuntu and use it. Of course if you want to learn terminal (bash) or other guts it will take time.

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Before you start doing...

by R_Head Apr 9, 2010 2:52AM PDT

Command lines like some of the Ubuntu setups, Mandriva is pretty much all GUI. Yes, you can go the Command Line route, but I am too old for that, got spoiled with the GUI

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Good experience changing MS to Ubuntu

by Peter-Collins Jul 10, 2010 9:35AM PDT

Do see thread
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6617_102-0.html?messageID=3336970&tag=forum-w;forums06#3336970
I would add that Canonical (the Ubuntu company) maintain lists of all types of applications that I gather they test for compatability and you can do an automatic download and install of any of them - FREE - by using the tool Synaptic Package Manager. I very strongly recommend using that tool for everything as I gather it recognises and uses your system profile and only installs pre-tested applications - and properly! See
"System > Administration > Synaptic Package Manager" - as ever, right-click and select "Add This Launcher To Panel" to get it put on your top level menu bar - for you may find you use it quite frequently. Whenever you see a "download" offer on the web, check first for something like that in SynapticPM to get a pre-tested, self-installing app.

Oh, and do use Update Manager regularly, and use it with confidence to update to 10.04 - if in doubt you can roll back to an earlier version at boot time. Ask if you need that (but I doubt you will).

Peter

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Mandriva

by R_Head Jul 11, 2010 1:46AM PDT

Does the same exact thing but they use URPMI and Smart with the choices of repositories around the world and works like Synaptics.

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Mandriva v. Ubuntu

by Peter-Collins Jul 11, 2010 4:54PM PDT

Yes, choice of repositories is an important feature, which Mandriva and Ubuntu both provide.
I suspect that the exact flavour of interface is nowhere as important as getting into the Linux world and supporting greater freedom of choice than would be available if a single supplier were allowed to provide only their own software to the whole world.

Hello everyone, I am new to Linux

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