hello BC users! i dont have a clue how linux works!

Is this a custom build or a stock oem.  If stock oem can you provide the Model#

 

 

 

Just about everything in Linux can be configured / setup easily through the user interface and most of the things that may need to be done using the command terminal can be easily accomplished doing a copy and paste.

Take a look at the "Easy Linux Tips Project".

https://sites.google.com/site/easylinuxtipsproject/

I know you have a lot questions. Best to get your install medium first. Run as LIVE...Do Not install until

you see it boots the computer and is able to go online. Once you have done that...then is the time to ask

other questions and they will be fresh on your mind. Plus...once you have done that I and others will give

you some suggestions on how to best set updates, firewall, etc.

I really think you should purchase the install medium if at all possible. Especially since your Windows 7 is

not all that dependable and you have no other way to create an install medium.

what is the difference from ubuntu mate and the ubuntu you suggested earlier?

Hey no harm at learning at your own pace, but as for command line you can use linux without ever opening a terminal.

My father uses Linux mint and he is in his 60's and doesnt know a thing about computers yet uses linux mint to browse the internet and watch youtube.

Edited by MadmanRB, 07 February 2018 - 07:17 PM.

 

@buddy215

hm, i will certainly look into it more. what is the difference from ubuntu mate and the ubuntu you suggested earlier?

Ubuntu Mate is a little more user friendly perhaps.

The nice thing is, you can burn any of these to a USB or DVD and run them Live, and not install, just test out to see what you may like the best.  USB will be faster running.  So even if you only have one USB, you could install one at a time and test them out.  I would suggest:

-Mint Mate 18.3: This one I feel is the Ultimate best for new to the Linux world.  One reason is it has an Expandable Menu, so I find it much easier to find things that way, and you can add things to the Very Large Favorites Area.

-Mint Cinnamon 18.3

-Mint KDE

-Ubuntu

-Ubuntu Mate

-Kubuntu

There are really so many Linux Distros available, these are just some of the popular for the most part.

@noobody:-

Welcome to the Linux & Unix section. 

I'll also agree with Rocky. Even if you want to be rid of your Windows install for good, what you do want to backup is your personal data; movies, music, personal files.....anything you want to keep. Stuff that can't be replaced.

An OS is an OS; these can always be re-installed. (And Linux re-installs are super quick & easy compared to a Windows one..!!)

If and when you get your new Linux OS up-and-running, we can teach you how to make a separate DATA partition that's separate from your OS. That way, it doesn't matter how many times you trash your Linux install (and it's summat most of us have done at some point in the early days, trust me!), your personal stuff is always safe. And it can be easily accessed, using something called sym-linking; a practice that's not common in the Windows eco-system.

Don't forget, we're always happy to help with queries. Never be afraid to ask questions; just remember to make sure you start a new thread for each separate question. Makes it easier all round, for everyone.

Mike. 

 

 

@buddy215

hm, i will certainly look into it more. what is the difference from ubuntu mate and the ubuntu you suggested earlier?

Ubuntu Mate is a little more user friendly perhaps.

 

The nice thing is, you can burn any of these to a USB or DVD and run them Live, and not install, just test out to see what you may like the best.  USB will be faster running.  So even if you only have one USB, you could install one at a time and test them out.  I would suggest:

 

-Mint Mate 18.3: This one I feel is the Ultimate best for new to the Linux world.  One reason is it has an Expandable Menu, so I find it much easier to find things that way, and you can add things to the Very Large Favorites Area.

-Mint Cinnamon 18.3

-Mint KDE

-Ubuntu

-Ubuntu Mate

-Kubuntu

 

There are really so many Linux Distros available, these are just some of the popular for the most part.

 

Mint MATE is indeed pretty decent, i just favor Ubuntu MATE as its very well polished experience (really the ubuntu MATE team knows what they are doing)

Also I would agree with Mike_Walsh on setting up a seperate section of the hard drive for your personal data, it is very handy

(But we will talk about hard disk partitioning when the time comes, its actually easy but one thing at a time)

thank you all for your replies!!

Just about everything in Linux can be configured / setup easily through the user interface and most of the things that may need to be done using the command terminal can be easily accomplished doing a copy and paste.

 

Take a look at the "Easy Linux Tips Project".

 

https://sites.google.com/site/easylinuxtipsproject/

that is great to hear!

i will also check out the link, thanks.

I know you have a lot questions. Best to get your install medium first. Run as LIVE...Do Not install until

you see it boots the computer and is able to go online. Once you have done that...then is the time to ask

other questions and they will be fresh on your mind. Plus...once you have done that I and others will give

you some suggestions on how to best set updates, firewall, etc.

 

I really think you should purchase the install medium if at all possible. Especially since your Windows 7 is

not all that dependable and you have no other way to create an install medium.

hmm..what do you mean run as LIVE? 

and "do not install until you see it boots the computer and is able to go online"?

what do you mean by install the medium?

sorry im such a noob

im going to see/feel what this linux is about and will most likely purchase it

 

what is the difference from ubuntu mate and the ubuntu you suggested earlier?

 

The difference between Ubuntu and Ubuntu MATE is default desktop

 

Ubuntu 16.04 uses the unity interface (now discontinued) and Ubuntu MATE uses the MATE desktop.

Under the hood they are the same OS they only differ because of the user interface.

 

i think im going to try linux mint ( is it suitable for the hardware i listed above? ) thanks for the video too!

then i might end up switching or trying ubuntu mate.

 

You can try both Linux mint and Ubuntu MATE as both are free to try out on your hardware, one of the coolest things about most linux distros is that most come on what is called a live media.

Its almost like virtualbox or a trial disk where you can try the system out without installing it.

It will help you seer what will run better though the best way to actually see if it will run is to install it on the actual hardware.

 

if i dont plan on downloading any files/programs at all, should i be concerned?

 

Well there is no harm in installing third party software in linux you just got to know who to trust.

Google chrome for example has to be installed in a similar fashion to how it is with windows but its quite safe.

 

is that the only way to turn on the firewall or is there a settings type of folder to switch it on?

 

 

Setting up a firewall is dead simple in linux, plenty of graphical tools out there such as Gufw to help set it up

 

what do you mean by keep to the built-in repositories? (like downloading updates?) and would there be a settings type deal where i could just turn on updates?

 

how would i go about knowing if these repositories are safe?

 

In the linux world most software is collected into something called a repository, as opposed to going to a website such as https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/ (for example) to download and install firefox it is provided via the repository.

These repositories are maintained by the developers of the distribution and are checked regularly to ensure package security.

Now granted there are peices of software not in the repositories (such as the aforementioned google chrome) but even those packages are kept secure.

Security updates are also provided by the repositories, this means not just the core of the OS is secured but the whole thing.

This means web browsers, games, music players, video players and everything else gets a update a sharp contrast to windows where every app needs manual updating.

 

what things from developers should i be looking out for? i didnt plan on using this computer for anything other than watching shows on youtube and sometimes the occasional movie so i dont plan on downloading anything unless its like a security update or antivirus and malware stuff

 

The only thing to be wary of in linux is kernel updates, the kernel is the piece of software that communicates between your hardware to your software and yes now and then a kernel update can cause issues on certain hardware (though this is getting less common these days).

But even with that in mind the kernel can be changed out for a older one if needed, its very adaptable to your needs (again something that is in contrast to windows)

As for anti virus, dont really need it in linux as linux is mostly immune to windows viruses (though it can transmit them so be careful, also there is something called WINE that can be used to install windows programs but it can be used to run viruses which have mixed effects in linux but you really have to go out of your way for all that)

Granted Linux is not bulletproof to things such as browser hijacks and stuff like that but the best thing to do is not to be an idiot. The best piece of security software is yourself and safe browsing habits are essential on any OS you choose.

 

so my plan is to try linux mint if it is good and compatible with my system. what im hoping to look for currently is not having to use command prompt as i dont know how to use that at ALL.(slowly learn over the course of the next couple years as im really tight with time) and still be able to have secure and safe linux working. i really dont care for the windows i have too much because its infected and i dont have a cdkey so i most likely plan on having this as my main thing. i also dont know how to setup a virtual box and i think im probably not going to need it or  dual boot system as i have no use for windows if linux can provide me safety, security and youtube/chrome lol

 

Hey no harm at learning at your own pace, but as for command line you can use linux without ever opening a terminal.

My father uses Linux mint and he is in his 60's and doesnt know a thing about computers yet uses linux mint to browse the internet and watch youtube.

 

thank you for that response, damn!

what kind of anti-virus or anti-malicious software do i get to prevent any malicious kernel updates/browser hijacks/stuff?

also, out of topic question and probably a really dumb one but how is it that free linux like this survives? 
i mean i get it that people do donate if they like what they have experienced but it seems like that still wouldnt be enough

there was this article saying how a hacker put a backdoor in the linux mint download

how would i know if im safe downloading the file?

the article was a while ago but how would i assure myself if the file im download is in fact safe?

i have nothing to save the download on. how would i make linux mint my main thing, at the same time wiping all of windows 7 completely obliterating any viruses or malware i currently have to prevent it from transmitting or allowing the current hacker to see what i am doing and to infect new linux mint?

and also if you could kindly tell me how to secure it enough that when i connect onto the internet safely, to get onto this forum

last question and a little off-topic again sorry!!

but what can i do right now to ensure my router or my router firmware isnt compromised?

hehe thats good to hear. i sound a lot like your father and we both love the same things haha

and thank you again for the great response! im eagerly awaiting for your response!!!

 

 

@buddy215

hm, i will certainly look into it more. what is the difference from ubuntu mate and the ubuntu you suggested earlier?

Ubuntu Mate is a little more user friendly perhaps.

 

The nice thing is, you can burn any of these to a USB or DVD and run them Live, and not install, just test out to see what you may like the best.  USB will be faster running.  So even if you only have one USB, you could install one at a time and test them out.  I would suggest:

 

-Mint Mate 18.3: This one I feel is the Ultimate best for new to the Linux world.  One reason is it has an Expandable Menu, so I find it much easier to find things that way, and you can add things to the Very Large Favorites Area.

-Mint Cinnamon 18.3

-Mint KDE

-Ubuntu

-Ubuntu Mate

-Kubuntu

 

There are really so many Linux Distros available, these are just some of the popular for the most part.

 

im going to look up a video of linux mint MATE right now!

thanks!

@noobody:-

 

Welcome to the Linux & Unix section. 

 

I'll also agree with Rocky. Even if you want to be rid of your Windows install for good, what you do want to backup is your personal data; movies, music, personal files.....anything you want to keep. Stuff that can't be replaced.

 

An OS is an OS; these can always be re-installed. (And Linux re-installs are super quick & easy compared to a Windows one..!!)

 

If and when you get your new Linux OS up-and-running, we can teach you how to make a separate DATA partition that's separate from your OS. That way, it doesn't matter how many times you trash your Linux install (and it's summat most of us have done at some point in the early days, trust me!), your personal stuff is always safe. And it can be easily accessed, using something called sym-linking; a practice that's not common in the Windows eco-system.

 

Don't forget, we're always happy to help with queries. Never be afraid to ask questions; just remember to make sure you start a new thread for each separate question. Makes it easier all round, for everyone.

 

 

Mike. 

hey mike! thank you for the welcome!

im glad to be apart of the BC in general! such a great community!!

i dont have anything i need to backup, i just really wanna ensure my computer is clean before doing all this.

or pretty much nuking/reformating/deleting every malicious thing/virus in the process of installing linux.. but it seems like i wouldnt be able to do it..cause if i was to delete my windows/format where would the linux installer be.

and if there is a way to boot off the file on my window7 i would still feel unsecure about it formatting and somehow saving specifically the linux install file and somehow deleting everything else.
im a noob. i might sound like a complete idiot saying these things haha but maybe someone can chime in on my previous comment
haha sorry!! i asked like 10+ questions alone in this post! i hope im not swaying too off-topic here or confusing anyone with my crappy explanations/etc

sorry everybody for the really late reply! i have been really busy

i would like to thank everyone for the responses and time to read through everything and replying again!

The Linux Mint ISO (installation file) with the malicious code was only online for less than one day. A new download will be safe.

Microsoft and other corporations donate HUGE sums of money to the various Linux distributions. Private donations only make up a small portion of the Linux revenue compared to what they earn selling services and technology.

Again...go ahead and purchase the install medium of either a flash drive or DVD with the Linux distro of your choice. Until you do that you are just spinning your wheels.

Once you have the DVD or Flash Drive....boot your computer using it. You will see a screen that offers two choices...one is to run as live the other is to install. DON"T install.

Run as LIVE. Use it as LIVE to among other things that it is able to use the internet. Best to use a cable connection to your modem or router...not WIFI at first.

Again...you can purchase at OSDisc.com - Buy Linux CDs, DVDs, USB Flash Drives, Books, Software Repositories - Your source for open source.

If and when you see that Linux is okay then you can choose to install it. You will be reformatting the drive...which will wipe out ALL of Windows 7 and other software

including any and all malware. Then Linux will begin asking questions such as time zone and installing Linux.

and just for info's sake.....(and you can brag to your mates about this)......

All supercomputers used some UNIX like OS. These variants of UNIX included AIX from IBM, the open source Linux system, and other adaptations such as UNICOS from Cray.

and......

Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google, based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open source software and designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

and....

on and on and on.....

 

noobody QUOTE: I am also scared that the infection is so bad that maybe even my keyboard/mouse firmware could possibly be infected as well. There will be random times where my keyboard lights and functions completely stop working and shut off. Same with my mouse but it doesnt happen as often. Is there any way that my mouse/keyboard could be checked? Thank you for reading my post and thank you in advance if you can help me out!

If these are Wireless devices did you put new batteries in them?

Also, as I said before, I think you are wasting time moving forward until you test your Hard Drive.  I say this  because all the previous issues you are describing.  Installing to a damaged drive is a waste of time.

You can test your Hard Drive with SeaTools for Windows.   

Under Downoads:

You can use "SeaTools for DOS" from a Bootable DVD or USB.

Or just Install it to the Computer with "SeaTools for Windows"

Right above downloads are the Guides for each I've presented here.

This is your choice, if you think the drive is good because it is somewhat new etc. just move on, but drives are the first thing to go in a computer.

If may help to Delete all the files and folders in Windows Temp: C:\Windows\Temp.

Download Malwarebytes and run that also.

I thought your Windows 7 Install was running well enough to download linux and burn it to DVD or USB?  This would allow you to get started right away. 

Edited by pcpunk, 10 February 2018 - 11:02 AM.

I just wanted to comment about malicious iso's. I don't know the circumstance about this "backdoored' Mint previously mentioned but you can always verify that an ISO that you download is what it should be using the sha hash.
 

sha256sum file_in_question.iso
or
sha256sum -c sha256sum.txt

Make sure the result is the same as what they provide to you at the official distro site.

i dont have anything i need to backup, i just really wanna ensure my computer is clean before doing all this.

or pretty much nuking/reformating/deleting every malicious thing/virus in the process of installing linux.. but it seems like i wouldnt be able to do it..cause if i was to delete my windows/format where would the linux installer be.

and if there is a way to boot off the file on my window7 i would still feel unsecure about it formatting and somehow saving specifically the linux install file and somehow deleting everything else.

 

There's no need to leave anything behind at all. The Linux installer will be part of the LiveCD/DVD, and will load into into RAM along with everything else when you run it.

Just make sure sure you have your LiveCD/DVD or LiveUSB install ready before nuking your Windoze 7.....

Mike.