Operating Systems

[Julie]

Does anyone here use Linux or another alternate OS? Microsoft is seriously pissing me off lately. I have a total of 4 computers. 2 PCs, 1 laptop, and a Mac. I have to keep at least one running on MS b/c of my graphics programs, so I'll keep it on the laptop, but I'd like to switch over the 2 PCs to something else. The mac is kinda old and I don't really use it much....its mostly just collecting dust. Can anyone recommend me another OS? Perhaps something that is not too hard to set-up...

Thanks....

[DOS]

What about Microsoft is pissing you off?

[Julie]

Just about everything. It is impossible to delete IE from your computer. I hate it and would like it gone, but there is no way. I put OpenOffice on my computer and now MS won't let me delete MS Office (wft is up with that?). If you want update stuff for MS, you have to have this automatic update thing which is always popping up with stupid messages. Annoying! Everyday MS tells me that my computer might be at risk b/c I don't have MS Anti-Virus installed. MS is evil, Bill Gates is evil, and oh, I had a rightfully purchased copy of MS office that I installed once on my computer before..then had to reformat it, so then I needed to install it again, and it says I can't install it again.. I've reached my limit or something..... I paid for the POS and it won't let me use it. I don't have the time or patience to call them and waste time on the phone. Microsoft just plain sucks and I'm through with them.

Let me guess.... you love Microsoft and just can't wait to see the new IE7 and Vista?

[kwvarga]

www.linuxiso.org

[Julie]

Originally Posted by m3lt

www.linuxiso.org

which is best though?

[Radnor]

KNOPPIX!!!

See if you can get a pre 4.0 release. I think 4.0+ are too large to run from cd, they run from DVD only.

If you want a copy of 3.7 or 3.9, PM me. I'll burn you a copy and send it to you. Here you can find everything you need. Browsers (Firefox plus others), Open office, etc.

It can run off of CD, but it is slow as MUD! The info on CD is compressed. You may be interested in WINE. This will allow you to run (SOME) winderz programs under Linux.

Try:
http://www.knoppix.net
http://www.kanotix.com ????

Or google "LIVE CD"

[noob_0001]

Distrowatch.com

[Julie]

awesome! thanks!

[noob_0001]

SuSE aand Mandriva are very nice. You most likely will like them as they use KDE which looks like windows, Some use Gnome which is like a Mac.

[Radnor]

Oh, BTW, there is also on the CD, GAIM (AIM), games, graphics programs, multimedia programs.

One thing I DO NOT like on the CD..... The version I have installed 3.7, program XINE (MP3 player), it cannot read the track id tags. so all songs are played a-z for the music files on my system. CD(s) play fine. I know, pick, pick, pick..... What do ya want for FREE!!!!

[Radnor]

Sorry,

Forgot to add there's also apache, PHP, mysql on the CD. Great way to test the site(s) without going LIVE!

[labrocca]

Run FreeBSD 5.4

It can also run linux binaries and it's very stable. FreeBSD isn't forked and confusing the way Linux is.

[bytech]

Here is what I responded to a friend that asked the same question a couple of days ago:

Out of the free stuff, I'd recommend mepis first, and PCLinux second. Right now I am using Mepis on my Laptop, and PCLinux on my desktop. As Linky says, PCLinux is a little better on the new stuff.

Out of the pay stuff, Linspire and Xandros have been pretty good. I had better luck with Xandros (wifi on my laptop worked out of the box back in the day where nothing else would do that).

I think if you are looking for another Windows environment, stick with Windows. There are some new things you'll need to know about that may seem strange and not logical at first (like no drive letters). Unless you are willing to keep an open mind, chances are you'll be wasting your time. Linux is not Windows, and us Linux peeps like it that way.

Also, I would recommend a dual boot system. Force yourself to use Linux on a day to day basis for a month. After that, there will still be things you'll miss about Windows, but when in Windows, you'll be wishing for things from Linux. Only then can you really decide which is better for you. smile.gif It's hard to see the advantages of Linux "out of the box" when its strangths are things like security (no adaware, no viri checkers, no daily patches), stability (my server uptime is over 150days and going strong), and transparency. Those things take time to be appreciated.

Couple more views and ideas can be found in our original thread at http://www.bytech.ca/forum/index.php?showtopic=3051

[Ferre]

*Moved*

[Zap]

Originally Posted by bytech

It's hard to see the advantages of Linux "out of the box" when its strangths are things like security (no adaware, no viri checkers, no daily patches), stability (my server uptime is over 150days and going strong), and transparency.

It's only a question of time before that changes. Hackers target Windows because it's popular, not because it's particularly vulnerable. 90-95% of computer users use windows. That is why it is targeted. Hackers want the largest distribution possible for their crap. If the roles were reversed, and linux accounted for 90-95% of computer use, then there would be monthly linux exploits requiring patches, anti-spyware and anti-virus software companies making millions from all the linux woes instead of microsoft woes. So, enjoy your care free days while they last. Just realize that if linux continues to gain more market share and really begins to rival linux, then more and more hackers and virus writers will begin to target linux. They don't want to lose market share any more than M$ does. It's all about wider distribution.

[Ferre]

I agree totally with you, same goes for Macs, as soon as they have enough users to make it worthwhile they will get targeted by people who make virusses but no one makes a program that effects only a few people when they can make a program that effects 80% of the people with the same effort.

[bytech]

True, but there are some huge fundemental differences. Even if I get a virus right now, it can't take down my system. I am not running in as root (admin), and none of my applications are either (see "sandboxing you programs in windows" for getting a similar setup under you windows). Second, even if a virus makes it onto my PC and I AM running as root, the file is still harmless: Downloaded files come down as read only. Can't execte them until you make them executable... keeps the kiddies from installing a viri by doubleclicking a bad file.

There are a few other differences, but what it comes down to is that M$ holding 95% of the desktop market is a scenario for disaster. 50% M$, 25% Mac and 25% Linux will be fine with me and most Linux users. Diversify, spread out the danger. M$ is trying to prevent that while cramming into our heads that daily attacks are normal and cannot be avoided. Well, they can be spread around, and not given 100% access to the system. That'll stop 80% of virus infections around the world.

[Zap]

Normally, I would agree with you. But, history has taught us that it doesn't matter what kind of failsafe is put into place. Some ambitious young individual will be able to find a way around it, sooner or later.

Linux is just not a target right now. Too small. But, as they gain market share, that will change and along with it, the security level.

Another thing to consider... You know the risks. It's typically not people like you who get infected. It's people who don't know any better. Put linux in their hands and that won't change. If they can't execute a virus at first, they will attempt to figure out how to do it, without even thinking it's a virus. Or, as I've unfortunately heard on occasion in my line of work... "I thought it might be a virus, so I opened it to make sure.". Sad, but true.

[bytech]

With Linux, the determined hacker will infect a system, but the script kiddie will not be able to. With windows my grandmother can infect half the world with a virus. So yes, there will be viruses for Linux from the brainiacs but not script kiddies which are now taking down windows machines everywhere...