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Thread: Complete Newbie to this

  1. #1
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    Complete Newbie to this

    Just wanted to ask a few questions about this OS if I could..
    I have been running XP Home for a few years now,and am completely against upgrading to Vista...just because of all the security flaws I read it has..
    XP has done me good,never used anti-virus or malware/spyware detectors for the past year and have had a stable system...until yesterday I was bombarded by this AntivirusXP2009 garbage..
    I was curious as to what viruses or bad computer mojo exists out there for this OS..

    Anyways,much thanks for your responses!

  2. #2
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    Re: Complete Newbie to this

    Well I don't think Vista is really that bad with vulnerabilities. And I'm surprised you've got by that long without any kind of anti virus.

    There aren't really any viruses for Linux based operating systems. Of course it's still possible, but the way that users only have access to their own home folder and many other design features of Linux make it far more secure than Windows. Most people don't bother with a virus scanner unless they are sharing a lot of files with Windows users.

    As to bad computer mojo, I guess the worst out there are root kits, but again that's not usually a major worry and attacks on Ubuntu are pretty rare. There was a competition a while back where competitors had to try and crack into a Windows Vista, Mac OSX and Ubuntu laptop. Only the Ubuntu laptop was left standing after 3 days.

    It would be best to read up on some of the disadvantages of Linux before you want to give it a go. I use Ubuntu for everything I do, and have no complaints. Some problems that come up are poor support from hardware manufacturers, things like printers can be a pain unless you have an Epson or a HP.

    You can set up a dual boot with both Ubuntu and Windows if you want to give Ubuntu a go, then you always have Windows available as a backup if you don't know how to do something in Ubuntu.
    Last edited by ad_267; October 29th, 2008 at 07:52 AM.

  3. #3
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    Re: Complete Newbie to this

    Agree with the above. Basically, unix like systems, of which linux is one, were built with security in mind from the start. Some other OSes started off with usability as their main aim and ended tacking security on as an after thought. There are no known viruses in the wild that affect linux. If you download a windows virus, it won't affect linux at all. Even if you were unlucky enough to execute a linux virus, being a modular OS, it is very hard for the virus to infect your whole system and pass itself onto other machines. Any known linux viruses were made in labs as theoretical things and are all protected against at the kernel level. At this point in time, you have no worries with viruses when using linux.
    Windows is the best virus detector on the market!
    Ubuntu attracts Human Beings - Windows attracts viruses and worms

  4. #4
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    Re: Complete Newbie to this

    It might be interesting to read this sticy from the security forum: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=510812

    bodhi.zazen has extensively covered security in Ubuntu.
    Disclaimer: I am currently suffering from severe CSD (Compulsive Sarcasm Disorder).
    My Site | Linux User #452328 | Running Arch Linux on Sony Vaio VGN-SZ61XN/C since October 2008

  5. #5
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    Re: Complete Newbie to this

    if you're interested in security, the following might help inform and educate!

    http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=765421
    http://psychocats.net/ubuntu/security
    http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=671604
    http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=823741

    read up on those, follow the advice given, be sensible on the internet (which you must be if you've been a year with XP and no viruses!) and you'll be as secure as anyone!

    also: if you're thinking of joining ubuntu, try downloading the live cd, and seeing how much of your hardware works out of the box. i find ubuntu fulfills all my needs, but then, my needs dont really go beyond internet, word-processing, playing mp3's and dvd's!
    'I know lifes a bummer baby, But thats got precious little to do with me' - Monster Magnet

  6. #6
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    Re: Complete Newbie to this

    Many thanks for the advice fellas and or ladies!
    One more quick question, does Live Messenger work on Unbuntu?

  7. #7
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    Re: Complete Newbie to this

    No, Microsoft doesn't think it's a good idea to make their software work in Linux for some reason, I wonder why?

    But there are alternatives. Pidgin for example can use many different networks including msn. Emesene also offers a good alternative to msn messenger. I don't think these support all of the features of live messenger like video, but they should suit most peoples needs.

  8. #8
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    Re: Complete Newbie to this

    As was stated there is no Live Messenger, and Pidgin does work. But if you want something with a similar look and feel go with AMSN

  9. #9
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    Re: Complete Newbie to this

    Hi Scotty

    This is for AD too!

    I tried an Anti-Virus Software ONE TIME in like 15 years on the Doze, it caused more problems than Carter's has pills. From Doze 95 through XP-PRO, I've never ever had any virus software installed.
    Get hit with some minor irritations sometimes, but never any worms, trojans, or malware, knock on simulated woodgrain.
    But then too, I don't leave my machines OPEN to world like most Doze users.
    In other words, Administrative duties are handled much like they are here in Linux, as a root user. The default in the DOZE is for the Owner to be Administrator and that leaves ALL the doors wide open, besides all the security holes in Windows.

    Plus we run stand alone firewalls, besides the firewalls built-in, which I don't trust that much. All e-mails are run through a BBS and checked for viruses also for those HIDDEN 1 pixel porn site links in the clickable header that opens the mail, long before it even hits my mailbox to download.

    Also Scotty, I'm a total Noob here myself, only saw Ubuntu for the first time in early September. Within 5 weeks I decided to convert my entire office over to Ubuntu, and honestly feel it was the best move I ever made.

    I have enough machines here that I can use one to try things on, and for learning also. That gives me a little bit of a safety margin when I go experimenting.

    I'm 61 years old, and figure, if I could learn it as dense as I am, someone younger should find it a breeze to pick up.

    TTUL
    Gary

  10. #10
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    Re: Complete Newbie to this

    That AntivirusXP 2009 will wreak havoc with your linux system too. It happened to me. I didn't get any of the nasty stuff. All I got was the annoying pop-ups telling me that my windows machine was infected and that the only way to fix it was to install and run the stuff that infected the machine in the first place.

    For what it's worth, a computer shop told me that AntivirusXP 2009 originates in the middle east and for those that buy the software with a credit card may as well kiss that account goodbye. You have just funded terrorism. Also, the program has many other names. Most are names of legitimate windows programs followed by the "XP" and/or the current year. I don't know if this is, even remotely, true.

    I had to re-write my linux machine to get rid of it.
    Some computers are like Slinkys. Not really much good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.
    Don't be discouraged! Remember, an amateur built the Ark. Experts built the Titanic.
    Registered Linux User #434788

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