The_Davster
A pnictogen
Posts: 2861
Registered: 18-11-2003
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Mood: .
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Thinking about changing my operating system...
I have been thinking about ditching windows due to getting more problems with it. I have had 2 computers with windows simply crap out on me with
random malicious software running (I think). I am by no means completly computer literate, but have been able to remove a couple viruses with
internet help.
I guess I am looking for something more secure, less virus prone, something which works similar to windows(as in doing stuff is not command line
based). Something that I can semi easily install, copy files over and go. I don't play games or anything(well, only one occasionally but that was
origionally intended for DOS ), just mainly internet, pdfs, media, and digital
camera stuff. I run a laptop with a second monitor, and use a mouse that also has controls for media programs.
Anyone willing to give me some advice on choosing and installing a new OS?
( 'For dummies' type advice)
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not_important
International Hazard
Posts: 3873
Registered: 21-7-2006
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Given what you've said, you're pretty much limited to one or another flavour of Linux; I like the BSDs myself but they're a bit more geekish.
search...search...search...this looks like it may be a useful taste of recent versions of Linux, with some input from novices. And you can always
take a timeout to rant about the political views at the site.
http://www.dailykos.com/user/fareast/diary
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woelen
Super Administrator
Posts: 8027
Registered: 20-8-2005
Location: Netherlands
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Mood: interested
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Why not try Ubuntu Linux. They just released a new version, 7.x is now the newest and it has very decent support for newer hardware.
If you want to play safe, you could first try a VMWare install on your M$Windows OS, with Ubuntu running in the virtual box. If your evaluation is
positive, then you can reverse roles and run M$Windows in a virtual box on your Ubuntu PC. Then you still have all those Windows applications around,
but now, if that machine craps out, then you just restore your virtual PC image files and you're on the fly again.
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solo
International Hazard
Posts: 3975
Registered: 9-12-2002
Location: Estados Unidos de La Republica Mexicana
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Mood: ....getting old and drowning in a sea of knowledge
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If you run out of options with your current hardward look to Apple.......I used to live in Silicone Valley so long, that it's all I have ever used, I
currently use the Ibook laptop and the IMac ....most excellent OS and line of computers. ..................solo
It's better to die on your feet, than live on your knees....Emiliano Zapata.
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Sauron
International Hazard
Posts: 5351
Registered: 22-12-2006
Location: Barad-Dur, Mordor
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Mood: metastable
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Pardon me but which version of Windows were you running?
Because XP Professional SP2 has built in firewall and other bfeatures that do make it more secure. As a result I no longer install Zone Alarm.
Were you running any AV software? I find AVG free edition works very well. They also have a free antimalware/spyware program.''I use both. Cost:
nothing.
I have no experience with Vista as I think (based on experience) it is too early in product cycle to migrate and besides, XP is working very well.
I make my living on the Internet and I would not dream of going to Linux. I operate a small LAN on XP, and several standalone machines without
Internet connectivity under Windows 98SE (due to the requirements of the chromatography IEEE-488 ISA bus master cards I use.) Those PCs manage
IEEE-buses of Waters HPLC equipment and the software, Millenium32, runs only under 98SE and 2000, and will not run on XP.
I have been using Windows since 3.0 circa 1988, coming up on 20 years.
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evil_lurker
National Hazard
Posts: 767
Registered: 12-3-2005
Location: United States of Elbonia
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Mood: On the wagon again.
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I'm of the opinion that Winblows XP pro SP2 is probably the best OS out there at the moment, even if it is from Micro$oft... thats what I'm running
and my machine is rock solid.
Vista, well from what I hear, simply put it sucks ass.
Load your PC up with Spybot Search & Destroy and AVG free addition, update and run frequently, keep your Windows Update up to date, and that
should stop 95% of all problems.
The other 5% can be prevented by staying off the gaming, gambling, penis enhancement, FREE WHATEVER, and porn websites.
If you do decide to play with Linux or some version of it, I'd buy a new HD and load it on there so you if it doesn't play nice you can just swap it
out till you get the bugs worked out.
Not all chemicals are bad. Without chemicals such as hydrogen and oxygen, for example, there would be no way to make water, a vital ingredient in
beer.
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Sauron
International Hazard
Posts: 5351
Registered: 22-12-2006
Location: Barad-Dur, Mordor
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Mood: metastable
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That's first class advice. All my HDDs are in racks and I have spares all loaded with my applications sitting in drawers ready to swap out.
There's a quibble about SpyBot S&D however. There are two versions of this program, and one of those contains a piece of spyware that serves as a
backdoor. So be careful which version of SpyBot you acquire and install.
Absolutely NEVER get involved with something called SpySheriff and a number of other names, this pretends to be anti-spyware but it is itself a very
destructive piece of spyware and it takes some fairly serious work to get rid of.
Basically you must disable System Restore, and run your AV and antispyware spps from Safe Mode only. Then run CCClean and after that Hijack This!
(these programs are available free)
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Blind Angel
National Hazard
Posts: 845
Registered: 24-11-2002
Location: Québec
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Mood: Meh!
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On the note of Ubuntu, I personnally prefer the Kubuntu version (using KDE desktop instead of Gnome). The KDE is more Window-ish in his feeling while
Gnome is Mac-ish. They are probably the best bet. They are easy to use for somebody who never used linux and very well documented, the forum are very
helpful. It's my favorite version.
/}/_//|//) /-\\/|//¬/=/_
My PGP Key Fingerprint: D4EA A609 55E4 7ADD 8529 359D D6E2 33F6 4C76 78ED |
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cool_arrow
Harmless
Posts: 15
Registered: 27-6-2005
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Mood: No Mood
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There are a couple of Linux distros I would recommend as I have personal experience with them. OpenSuse 10.1 and CentOS 5. While CentOS is used
primarily in the server area, it also makes for a solid desktop system. Both distros are easy to install, have good documentation, active forums, and
things just seem to work correctly (some exceptions of course). I think you need a degree in computer science to use any of the BSD's (be prepared to
read lots of docs). Many Linux distros have live CD's that you can try. Distrowatch is a good place to get info: http://distrowatch.com/
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