linux systems

shaun40400

hi been reading up on linux
looks to be a much more secure system to use than microsoft,very few viruses written for it,more secure for money and personnel info transfers,

if anyone out their is using it could you tell me

1]is it easy to install if you know little or nothing about computers?

2]is it as easy to use ?

3]can you swop info off files held in Microsoft, with out being a brain surgeon?


yours fed up with bugs

seaweasel

1 and 2) Depends on the distribution you use, but yes. Ubuntu and other distros are pretty easy to install and use. The main thing is getting used to a different OS, but I think that with Ubuntu there's little that needs the use of a command line for every day use, if anything.

3) Yes. OpenOffice supports MS Office files, most other formats such as images, video, music etc are platform independent (except Windows Media files but they suck anyway).

You could always download a live disc and try it out before you install.

ToddlingAlong

I have had a lot of trouble installing Ubuntu to the point that I have been unable to ... must be me :embarasse

Everyone I know that uses it is very pleased with it

Zagu

http://desktoplinuxathome.com/distro.html

http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/index.php

raptorman

I would say give Ubuntu a try too, it's a very nice looking OS
and very easy to install.

Get it here http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

Best thing about Linux is that most of the distro's are
completely free And if you download the LiveCD you
can try them without installing to your HD.

superscaper

Personally I never got past trying to find a driver for my wireless adapter on every distro I experimented with, so just be careful that not all hardware will be supported.

MadCowMan

I'm still not convinced how a change of OS is going to prevent against something like a 'man-in-the-middle' attack.

There is always going to be a weak point in the system - and its usually the squashy thing in front of they keyboard.

Blacksheep1979

tbh linux is safer in certain respects but its alot easier in other respects to leave yourself wide open if you don't understand what you're doing.

Files to and from windows is easy (have a look at samba).

Skint1

Try this
http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/

wolfman

superscaper wrote: »

Personally I never got past trying to find a driver for my wireless adapter on every distro I experimented with, so just be careful that not all hardware will be supported.

Hmm first mistake. Completely changing distro because one driver isn't working isn't the right approach. Best stick with a common distro like Ubuntu and keep trying to get it to work via that.

Which card/wireless chipset have you got? There's usually a How-To out there somewhere, and if not sell the card and buy a more compatible one. The Netgear WG311GT works out of the box in Linux. I know selling it isn't the most ideal solution though.


My advice would be to try using Ubuntu first via the Live CD. See if all your hardware works. Then in future when buying any hardware, pick carefully. Try to get something that will work easily in both Linux and Windows.

shaun40400

MadCowMan wrote: »

I'm still not convinced how a change of OS is going to prevent against something like a 'man-in-the-middle' attack.

There is always going to be a weak point in the system - and its usually the squashy thing in front of they keyboard.

sounds like ur talking about me:D