I've thought about posting this for quite a while. I'm not selling anything, and in fact it's the opposite. I wasn't sure if this discussion really belongs on this forum, but it does fit into the idea of the Great Awakening and sticking it to these tech corporate oligarchs. With Tim Cook you have a loathsome buttpuppet who fancies CCP enslavement, and Bill Gates is a villain obsessed with reducing the world's population through vaccines. Both are New World Order turdcopters who only seek to kill, oppress and enslave.
For myself, I've been getting sick of Bill Gates's crap for years and I'd been wanting to switch to Linux, but did not have the motivation. I was happy with Win7 and I refused the "free" upgrade to Win10. I did not want Win10 and every computer at work that was upgraded got slow. I'd resolved to never pay money for another Microsoft OS again. So when MS announced that they would cease support for Win7, that was my motivation to break free from my comfort zone.
In February 2020, I migrated from Win7 to Linux and I have not regretted it. Not only does Linux install on pretty much anything, uses less resources, makes older computers run more smoothly and it is completely free, but it is also far more secure. Say goodbye to malware, trojans, and viruses. You see? Bill Gates has conditioned everyone to not only become used to enduring a barrage of concocted viruses in real life, but for your computer too. On the day I migrated to Linux, I cancelled my Avast Antivirus membership, which was incidentally soon after they got into trouble for selling their users' data and apologized for getting caught.
Maybe 20 years ago, Linux was intimidating for most people. Then Ubuntu came along, and made Linux far more user-friendly. Because of its wide support base, it made Linux easier to acclimate to. You see with the Mac/Win situation, it's like Dairy Queen. You only get two flavors: vanilla and chocolate. With Linux, it's like Baskin Robbins: there are so many flavors you don't know where to begin.
Look: I won't give a whole presentation on the various types of Linux. Just know that there are many different OS to choose from, and each OS will have different user interfaces (GUI) to choose from. As I mentioned, Linux is far stabler, more efficient, and more secure. Linux Mint seems to be the most popular OS as it is built upon Ubuntu as a version that is tailor made to appeal to Windows users who liked XP and 7, but do not like the bloated puke that 10 is. Its foundation is the user-friendly, widely-used Ubuntu and it takes it a step further to appeal more to Windows users who look for a Windows alternative that is not outside of their comfort zone. With Mint, there are choices of GUI to choose from. Cinnamon provides a very Windows-like, elegant and charming presentation. Mate is more versatile and customizable. XFCE is more of a no-nonsense GUI that is best for older hardware. As for myself, I went with Mint Mate.
Another OS that is easy to pick up and learn is Zorin OS. I haven't used it myself, but I plan to test it out sometime. With Linux, you can't go wrong. Even Microsoft uses Linux for their servers rather than their own crap. https://www.cybersecurity-insiders.com/microsoft-uses-linux-instead-of-windows-for-its-azure-sphere/
I see a lot of Linux users recommend newcomers to install VirtualBox and make a test install on that. I tried that, but I did not care for it as I have an older computer and it was rather laggy. No, if you can just burn an install DVD, you can just boot up to that. I made an install DVD for Mint and once I had booted my computer off of the DVD-ROM drive, I could actually use the OS to get a feel for how it works. It's so no-nonsense that you can run programs right from the install disc. I got into Firefox, logged into my Gmail, and then I could do a Hangouts video call with my friend. He's a Unix admin and even he was floored that I was just running my computer off the install DVD. Give it a try. You can use the OS without even having to install it. When you have all of your stuff backed up and are ready to make it happen, then you just click the install icon on the desktop. It's that simple.
You really don't have to bother much with drivers. Drivers are the software that interfaces with hardware, but Linux acts like that software itself. I imagine that this is why it runs slimmer. All I can say is just try it out. Unless you really must use some proprietary software like Microsoft Access or Adobe Photoshop for your work or something, you can find alternatives. Best of all is that it's free. Linux was doing the whole "app store" before Apple did. You can easily just install software from the software manager, or you can just pull up the terminal and type in the request to install a program. No more having to hunt down installation files off of various websites. Give it a shot! Let me know what your experiences are with this.
It indeed is a good thing to be reminded from time to time to at least investigate alternatives. I wrote this almost 6 months ago. https://greatawakening.win/p/11S0uZlZWj/x/c/4DuWMn3xarR
I also am conscious about the fact, not all of you are perfect IT consultants.
In this and other posts, I lay out a process to make yourself familiar and become comfortable to linux, in the spirit of the declaration of independence:
A couple of things I want to highlight to encourage you to at least try!
======= SECTION A: For those still on windoooozzzpy:
This link brings you to UBUNTU for WINDOWS. Meaning, you can install UBUNTU on top of your windows box and use it from there without destroying your windows installation, program files and data.
This way you are creating a live CD, started up from the F12 button boot sequence menu by choosing USB. Nothing will be saved or changed.
After you have the live CD, you can install a linuxOS onto a separate SSD/ HDD. This way, when you plug it in via USB, or simply swap the windows SSD for the linux SSD, you can simply start it up, without compromising your windows box.
And as long as we are talking USB, you can also simply download TAILSOS and learn what there is to learn about becoming anonymous without leaving a trail of tracable data.
IF your laptop or computer can handle it: use virtual box. For this to work I would recommend at least 8 Gig's of RAM and an I5 or equivalent processor, as you will have to divide between two operating systems when using virtual box. But, given the fact you can bridge between the live and the virtual OS, you can share data between the two. This is advanced stuff, fun to do.
Or, if you feel adventurous: turn it around. install linux and virtual box and run windows from virtual.
IF you really want to ruin your free time, try a dual installation of windows and linux, where your first choice will be to decide whether you start windows or linux. In this case your SSD needs division into two.
You are now totally convinced and want to move away from windows and it's ecoosystem. Cool! Take you pick in distro:
I. Ubuntu II.LMDE / Mint III. MXlinux IV. KALI (especially if you want to learn more hacking) V. ARCH
And if you really want to go native:
VI. Open BSD.
So, there you are: 8 options and you can pick your own level of adventure. I would have to tell you, in order to succeed, you will have to be willing to sacrifice some time to go through the learning curve.
======= SECTION B
Now you have turned away successfully from windowspy-ware, what's next to decrease your rather stocked data trail?
DEGOOGLE your android - phone!
Fortunately, you are on linux and it is quite easy.
buy a pixel phone and install grapheneOS (in this case graphene is OK) or e/ projects with microG.
Lookup your model on XDA-developers.com and use their guides to go through the process. Some phones can easily be released, other more difficult. I bought a phone once where the phone turned out to be a softbank phone. SHIT. Can't mess with that.
Basically, you'd first unlock your bootloader via ADB (which installs natively on linux without special drivers for your phone!!!(YEAH)), install a recovery image which will be provided with the howto, and TWRP recovery.
You can then load any OS on your phone. And if you get the hang of it, there is a ton more you can with ADB. All depends on your level of commitment to learn new skills.
And, you do not always need to have your tracking device with you, do you? Remember, there have been thousands of years before us, where no smartphone existed. Yet, people met, connected and had sex. (Do you really need a phone? Really?)
======= SECTION 3
APPLE. Apple is all about marketing. it's overpriced, and locks you up in their ecosystem of spyware.
DUMP IT!
If you are into graphic design, music, video, there are better linux alternatives and you are setting yourself free.
======= SECTION 4
Operational Security.
This is an important topic that is divided into 2 main topics. Infrastructure and awareness.
A. VPN. Especially NO LOGS VPN. Yes, that will cost you some money. ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN, Virtualshield, that sort of thing.
Additional advantage: you switch your IP address every so often quite easily. And because you are building an encrypted tunnel first, before firing up your browser, your ISP cannot see exactly what you are doing. check youtube on howto's. installation is easy as pushing a button and the rest follows.
Second additional advantage is should anything be regionally locked, you can simply circumvent that.
B. Understand DNS, or Domain Name Service. This service acts as a giant phonebook. When you enter greatawakening.win, this name needs translation into an IP - address. Some DNS services will try to lock you from reaching the site. You can simply change your DNS in your browser and voila. (preferences search DNS)
Additionally, you can create your own local DNS by creating a simple file called "host". it contains the IP address and the name of the site like this:
172.67.156.201 greatawakening.win
Every site that is important to you, you can add it to this file. In case the situation is called for it, and DNS services start blocking en masse access to patriot sites, you can simply forego the pleasure of their censorship by forcing your browser to first resolve a name by checking the host file.
search: howto linux host file and you have all the info at your fingertips.
C. EMAIL. Google spies on you. Free-shit means: you are the product. DUMP it. Tutanota and others like proton provide encrypted email. It does not exactly protect all data (metadata) but goes a long way to exclude eavesdroppers on the content of what you are discussing.
Try temporary emails for regular online signups. Use a normal email for unimportant shit.
D. Dump whatsapp and the likes. Use Signal at least, or go medieval on the spies ass by going to matrix.io. Learn how to set up a secured/ encrypted channel for chatting and (video)calls.
Same goes for Facebook. Dump it! Goto mewe. Forget Telegram.
What you need to become conscious about is why you do not need all this shit. But my family! You don't need that shit. If they really want to talk to you, they will.
You see what this is all about, right. Laziness disguised as convenience, while you play around with stuff you have no knowledge off. This creates a power imbalance and you are mined and exploited.
What does the 4th amendment say? Would you willingly allow commercial entities to breach your privacy? Do you belief in being secure in your person, affects and papers?
E. Browser. This is quite a topic and there are pro's and con's to any browser. Most people are already set on their ways, within the windows architecture. However, I would challenge that.
For all it's faults, Firefox is still the mainbrowser to use in combo with some add-ons like Ublock origin and HTTPS everywhere. It does have a quirck though. This relates to resolving names in the hostfile first. Bromite does a better job at that. BUt then again: bromite is Chromium. You could also use a useragent spoofer, to confuse fingerprinting. (see EFF.org)
Searchengine: Go for privacy first! Try and see if you can get your own private instance of SEARX.
Sites: Instead of youtube, use invidious IF you MUST go there. Rumble is quite an interesting alternative.
Twitter: try nitter.
Search for suitable replacements.
Since we have come so far in the process, it is time to allow tor/I2P/Loki to enter but that is a natural consequence of becoming aware of privacy and anonymity and the difference between the two. I'll leave that for another time.
Online resources are nice. But sometimes you have to forgo the pleasure of leaving your data in exchange for some shit article on the MSN. Try using wayback machine.
Here are some other observations in relation to online security: STOP using hard links to the MSN! and STOP clicking on these links. Instead, use wayback machine.
With all this in mind, there are two other considerations.
With new users growth, the OS becomes more interesting for hackers to target. Linux is not impervious to attacks. So, you will need to think ahead. Clamav is one way to do so. Or running a rootkit so once in a while won't hurt either. It's like inspecting your gear before you go rockclimbing.
Linux and linux applications are free. While you grow in your appreciation of their efforts to keep you private and even anonymous, think of the developers from time to time. Spreading a dollar here and there may go a long way (better to spread a crypto coin; monero)
Come on Patriots! stand up and fight. As digital warriors, you will want to use the best kit there is. If you do nothing, evil men will continue to take advantage.
Very good post. Thanks for taking the time to explain all of this.
Wonderful post. Just before I dig in firtjer, is it possible to use that shitty office (needed for my work)? If yes, would it defeat the ourpose of going to linux in the first place? Or is any other alternative compatible with office?
You can try the leading free alternative office suite called Libreoffice (I believe it was formally open office)
it has it's own set of non-proprietary formats, but it can read and save to docx xslx etc.
You might occasionally have formatting issues with printing etc.
It comes along with a lot of the linux distros, and it's going to be easy to download, free and anonymous if it doesn't come with your distro (a distro is a linux flavor, like "ubuntu", "mint" etc.).
I have been using a ubuntu derivative for a long time now as my main computer, I'm using it now.
Libre office is very well compatible.
You can establish a writer document in ods, safe it in docx format, or take docx and safe it in ods format.
The same goes for Excel and calculator, and presentation vs impress.
That said, Libre office is compliant with the agreements on standards, which Microsoft on occasion transgresses against.
There are particular import filters you can use and even design, should need arise.
But it is not 100% compatible.
You might want to check out Calligra suit.
For those tied to Microsoft Projects, there is ProjectLibre.
When it comes to databases, well, Access is a gem in many ways. I designed several systems for financial industries tying a lot of external and internal processes within the financial supply chain together.
That said .... I happen to like the free databases that come with linux like sql, mysql, postgress, etc. And on top of that, free from the system, you build your queries and views in whatever language you prefer.
In my experience there is a severe downside going for linux, inhibiting acceptance. Zoom calls are a drag because it eats resources. There are much lighter and better alternatives, without the spying, but you would have to set it up.
I notified some counter parties of this issue by simply saying: I am committed to continued safe and smooth video conferencing, where privacy is well respected and our data is safe. Based upon the risk profile, I have determined to abolish using zoom, meetme and the likes, as it is spyware and the sensitive material we are discussing is not secure and puts me square in violation of GDPR. So, my only video conferencing is done on matrix.io.
Loo and behold. Suddenly, a lot of people remember big tech spying.
If you must use teams ..... and other microsoft or google related software/applications, consider setting up an MXlinux USB stick with persistence. OR, if you are really into it, Quebes. But that takes a different way of thinking and at least 32G of RAM. So, for most people, that would be not the default solution.
This way you put a strong firewall between what your company requires and your personal use. Some things should not mix at all.
Another very handy tool: Master PDF editor 4. Not 5 or 6 or 7, unless you wanne pay. It is a free pdf editor that lets you add your comments, strikethroughs, add links to other files and websites, etc, etc.
So you can use docviewer to read any pdf doc, and for alterations after seeing it is secure, you can use Master pdf.
For making memes or image manipulation, use GIMP.
===== Issues:
If you run into an issue, do not worry. search online first and read. That is how you learn. There is a steep learning curve, because you are the owner of your own box, the author of your own life.
So, for instance, if you have a bluetooth problem, because your headphones do not connect, or has no sound, read the best explanation over on archlinux. They have the best info, last time I checked, with good explanations how it works, which commands in the terminal to use and how to troubleshoot.
You can always search for answers over on linux-questions and post a question there. But remember, if you do not research for yourself first, and explain what you have done, by showing what you have done to troubleshoot, they will shoot you!
So, saying: my headphone is not working, will get you nowhere.
The terminal is an old friend. A grey beard, but very powerful. It's like Gandalf. A bit peculiar, standing out in this day and age where everything is GUI by default, the terminal can work miracles. Just like wizards and warlocks.
====================== Imparting some wisdom to the wise:
First: backup you data, and by default, differentiate between data and operating system. So, OS goes on one disk, Data goes on another.
Second: if you screw up your OS, it is then easy to install a new version, or, setup timeshift. So, before doing an update, make a timeshift image and then update.
Sometimes, especially with older laptops and gear, the new linuxheaders can screw up the use of that gear.
Case in point, I have keyboard illumination (backlight) and the new header was putting the use of it out of order. Loading the OS with older headers can be done in the grub menu, until such time the bug is solved.
Third: before you commit: test!
So, a linux live CD does wonders.
Thanks a lot. Very useful info.
Great post. I would recommend to ditch Firefox due to their wokeness and go at least for Brave. I really love that browser.
I mean, if I had a choice between a patriot musket and a Kalashnikov made in the USSR ...... politics is not really an issue, is there? Use case is more important, wouldn't you agree?
Since, I do not interact with firefox as a corporation, and firefox is still the default tor browser, I care not about their wokeness till it finds me. Then I will decide what to do.
However, firefox is customizable beyond comprehension. For instance, if you don't like the localization service, you simply switch it off, or use a different service. (yes, you can break it, but what the heck)
Another thought to keep in mind: DESPITE their wokeness, many users also belong to the anonymity proponents with views that do not align with yours. You can learn a lot from ANTIFA. AntiX for instance is a leftwing linux project, yet their anonymity / privacy efforts are top league in the field.
It all depends on your requirements, and those requirements may change over time.
Say for instance you want to incorporate the use of crypto. Then privacy and anonymity becomes more important. You'll find, across the political spectrum, many advocating the same thing.
I get that, but I just don't see what I could get out of Firefox that I am not getting from Brave - newbies would appreciate it even more, because they can get a lot of stuff out of the box with a basic installation...
Fair enough. Nothing is the is all end all. It is a matter of perspective.
Convenience is just one, albeit that convenience is a major driver. Another perspective is customization for threats you are not aware off. You simply do not know what you do not know.
Hence your argument is not convincing to me. But I guess time will tell, because over time, when you dive into the topic in light of current pushes by the bi tech big gov hybrid, they WILL go there and institute a state of total control.
As I wrote in the latter part of my post: there is a difference between privacy and anonymity.
Yeah, Firefox is still, for all intent and purposes, still FOSS. I like that it has a separate search box with a drop down menu to directly go to various searches (Duckduckgo, Google Maps, Wikipedia, YouTube Odysee, etc). Chromium and Brave don't do that. If they implemented that, I suppose I wouldn't mind it so much. Until then, I prefer Firefox. Although there is an experimental FireFox clone that is very privacy-centric, but for Ubuntu-based distros it is only an experimental program and last I checked, you have to run it from the terminal. Can't remember what it was called, though.
You'd have to be careful though.
For those enticed to read more about privacy settings for firefox: https://12bytes.org/articles/tech/firefox/firefoxgecko-configuration-guide-for-privacy-and-performance-buffs/
And there is an overriding reason to at the very least, be aware of what is going on and HOW government, big tech and jurisdictions play together to fuck you over by:
in the context of continuous digitization. Why else are they talking about digital identity, connected home appliances, smart meters, electric cars, etc.
For all intends and purposes:
there are linux distributions that ship with a windows like interface, you could start with that! ex: Kubuntu, KDE Neon, Manjaro KDE, ecc...
Most Linux distros I have seen have a Windows-like GUI. The one I have some experience with that is not Windows-like is GNOME. I hate the interface as it reminds me more of a smartphone than a computer. It feels like a tech demo more than anything.
GNOME sucks, get you some KDE Plasma ! You can always put any desktop environment (Plasma, gnome) on any distro after you install.
Fedora has a KDE distro. Been running it on my desktop since 2012
Yeah, I used to have Ubuntu Mate on my Raspberry Pi 3. I liked it, but it was unstable on the Pi 3. So I recently got a Pi 4, and thought I'd install Ubuntu. But this time it comes with GNOME, which I think stands for Gay NO Menu Excrement. Can't stand it. Plus when it asked me to update, it suddenly doesn't recognize my wireless keyboard and that's never happened before. For the time being, I'm sticking with Raspberry OS.
How much memory on your Pi 4? If it's 4 gigs or maybe even 2 you have many options open to you. I would look at Manjaro as it will be a very nicely appointed operating system and with a pi 4 it would probably handle KDE plasma as a desktop environment. It will make Raspberry Pi OS look old and ugly.
I am 100% with you on GNOME, what the fuck is that shit - should be on tablets, not desktops.
I got the 4gig RAM Pi4. Just got it a few weeks ago. I mostly just wanted one to use as a media center, and so my daughter can watch her YouTube video game videos on the family TV rather than booting me off of the regular computer. I've no idea why Ubuntu stopped recognizing my keyboard. When it boots up, I am able to enter my password. Then when that is over, the keyboard won't work. Bizarre. I'd go for KDE or Mate if I can get it to switch. What I don't get is why Firefox's sound won't work. I'd much rather use that than Chromium.
I have not tried it (wrong pi) but I get the feeling that Manjaro will just work out of the box for a Pi 4 and give you KDE to boot. Worth a try on a separate memory card, will probably fix probs with firefox, keyboard etc.
Manjaro ARM will definately be better than Ubuntu mate IMHO.
I ran Manjaro on a desktop and it converted me to a KDE proponent from old Ubuntu unity desktop environment. If I bought a pi 4, Manjaro would go straight on it.
I hate GNOME too XD, i cannot stand it. I especially hate the fact that its setting are so dumb.
I like xfce. It's lightweight simple and robust.
https://xfce.org/
https://xubuntu.org/
Perfect where needed, like my Raspberry Pi 3B+ which does not have a lot of horsepower.
I had Ubuntu Mate on my Pi 3, and while I liked it, it was unstable and would freeze very often. Plus it stopped updating and gave me errors every time I tried to do so. Ubuntu even said that they cannot recommend it for use on the Pi3.
Tried it on a dual boot with Raspbian stretch a while back on a 3B+. Even on the B+ was slow and hogging memory. I would try Dietpi as it is lean as fuck as the name suggests. Note:- If you are brand new I would not try it first as you build the Dietpi OS from the ground up and so it's a bit of a learning curve. But Dietpi and XFCE would do your pi 3 proud I am sure.
i use arch btw
Kek
You can also get Linux phones. One I saw that was interesting was Pine. That phone actually has DIP switches inside to manually turn off the cameras, microphone, GPS, etc.
I don't use a cellphone, but if I were to get one, I would look for a Linux phone.
Messing with Linux since the 90s, switched from Windows to Suse completely in 2004. Running Windows in a VirtualBox just in case...
Bought a System 76 two years ago. Pricey, but what a fantastic piece of work. Configured with Pop!_OS which in completely un-Linux like behavior I haven't felt a need to change at all!
Like OP says, switching over used to be very intimidating. The distros builders have done wonders in lowering the bar. With a pre-configured dedicated machine there is no bar.
The whole BLM activism in the linux community last year made me wonder how much the Cabal has infiltrated into the open source community in general ...
The Linux Foundation does woke crap, but I'm not a paid member, that's for sure. Linux is FOSS, which means it belongs to the people. I do know that Mint is non-political, at least.
.....to further expand on this point. They are fucked if they intend to infiltrate the linux community; look at this list of main distributions:- https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/83/Linux_Distribution_Timeline_27_02_21.svg
They have no chance as before they have even started actually subverting distros the linux community will have forked it and have safeguards in place.
Look at Linux Mint that is in part a response to Ubuntu overreach and continues to remove suspect code "blobs" that are not open source (snap packages replaced by open source flatpacks) but still use the proprietry drivers you choose yourself.
There are too many versions of linux and the community is too based and anti Microsoft for example.
Another example - Dietpi aggressively blocks pings from Microsoft repositories after MS got Visual Studio Code onto the Raspbian OS. It asks you if you need VS Code and otherwise will not send one packet to shitty microsoft.
Linux Foundation wastes time with bullcrap nonsense like "ending racism" but I say F that, spend that energy on getting printers to work. Don't waste time with that stupidity. https://www.linuxfoundation.org/en/press-release/the-linux-foundation-and-ibm-announce-new-open-source-projects-to-promote-racial-justice/ It's sad to see them doing crap like that, but even if they call themselves the "Linux Foundation," they don't OWN Linux. If they try to implement spy crap and become intrusive and invasive, then good luck with that.
Yep, they are like lipstick on a camel. Like plugging 1000 holes in a dam with your fingers and toes they have no chance.
That's interesting. I have a spare 2011 MacBook Pro with one USB port not working. I was thinking of having a go at installing a Linux version. Is there one that's more like MacOS than Windows?
At my age it would be a very steep learning curve. I'd probably need help. And I have 35 years of investment in Mac software.
I think maybe you can make a distro look more like a MacBook. I haven't used a Mac since 2000 or so, but it seems like you could find stuff that caters to your comfort zone. If you are on Gab, check out the Linux Users of Gab group and ask there.
Thanks, I didn't think of Gab. I did find this:
https://www.maketecheasier.com/best-linux-distributions-for-mac-users/
However, to be clear, I dislike the modern Mac interface. I prefer the way it looked several years ago before the introduction of "dark" and the stupid "notification centre". So I guess that "Solus" dis is out.
Nice dump. I would recommend Linux Mint for Noobs looking to bail into Linux. Rather than DVD booting I would highly recommend writing the OS to a bootable USB stick which can even be made persistent so you can save files and make changes and still keep your crappy windows install for some easy gaming. (There is still no GUI under linux for AMD graphics cards at all.) WTF !
This is a problem when running 2 cards in a crossfire rig and I want to change or force FSAA type or turn on crossfire or turn 3 screen into 1 big screen or any of this type of thing) I don't mind me a bit of command line but for these graphics cards settings it's a bit of a learning curve and fucking inconvenient.
Good points!
Mint with persistence is still something that is a bit tricky. MXlinux does that out of the box.
It seems everybody has to assess where they are and how the process should look like to move from win/mac to linux.
I am actually running Mint with persistence on a 64 gig Samsung BAR USB. From memory there was nothing too hard about it, I think I used Balena Etcher for the burn to the stick. It's fine for a home entertainment system and runs 4k vids like a champion on an 11 year old computer (with a 2017 GPU). To be honest I have gamed off the same model stick using windows 10 LTSC perfectly fine.
Congrats! I like the hackaton type of thinking!
In the interest of community enticing: Would you mind describing your learning curve?
Edit:- Wrote a big post about Balena Etcher but now I am not sure what I used to write to the USB stick. It may nothave been etcher, I will have to look on one of my OS's and get back to you about that. I do remember that it was easy as fuck though.
Otherwise:- Mint is great place for Linux noobs. One button installs ALL codecs and runs media centers like a charm. AMD graphics require no input at all, everything just works out of the box (but with no GUI for settings though). Use all your usual programs like , Firefox, VLC media player, Thunderbird Email as well as decent alternatives like Libre Office.
The curve is not too bad and is a zero sum game on a persistent USB stick as you can keep your windows installation etc. If you can't do something (you will 99% find useful or better alternatives) just pull out the stick and do it the old way.
Enjoy.
Update:- I must have used a linux program called MKUSB for the persistent Mint stick as it seems etcher does not do persistence. MK USB will do persistence on Ubuntu based distributions (Mint) so I am pretty sure that is what I used to install Mint with persistence on the stick.
That may be a pain in the ass for you if you don't have a linux OS handy and I can't help you build it off a windows machine.
If you can be fucked burn Ubuntu (or mint) to one stick (under windows using balena etcher) just to install MKUSB and use it to burn Mint to another stick.
Here is a comprehensive guide for MKUSB on linux for any peeps:- https://ostechnix.com/how-to-create-persistent-live-usb-on-ubuntu/
Instead of using the Ubuntu.iso you would pick the Linux Mint iso you download from their website.
When I first started with consumer grade Linux OS's years ago, I couldn't get anyone on board. Common distributions like Ubuntu, CentOS, Fedora, etc. are amazing today and I would recommend them to anyone. My personal favorite is Fedora. I think the primary problem most people had adopting it years ago was driver support and usability related to having to use the terminal. In general use cases these days, you really don't have to worry about either anymore.
Fedora with KDE was my introduction to Linux around 2006. I had a laptop made for Win98 and XP was too much for it to handle. My friend helped install Fedora on it and suddenly I could use my laptop again. It was a bit cumbersome though, so I lost interest, and I wasn't sure how to do updates. It got my feet wet with Linux, at least. I really liked the easy "yum" command to install, rather than "sudo apt install" on Ubuntu/Mate.
As a heavy linux user (software dev) i can attest to the fact that linux is ready for prime time. I recommend Fedora. I recommend against using Ubuntu.
Most of your time is spent on a web browser. If you can't do Linux, switch to Brave at least.
I am not sure I understand what you mean. Clearly the issue you mention is unrelated to an OS, but rather how you use your infra on top of the hardware.
Say you had a keylogger ... you install linux on that ssd and you are fucked again, because the keylogger is still there.
So, you may also have had a ram resident kit. Shitty, because you then have to exchange your ram.
A rootkit would have been able to alert you to the existence of such sneaky shit.
Honestly, knowing what CAN be done to hardware, software, traffic, profiling, etc, when overseeing the totality of it against the advantages of modern communication, I tend to regard this whole digital environment as a total loss.
So, maybe it is rather better to go into the other direction and limit exposure more and more on the road to going analog and off grid.
I am not sure why you are being downvoted, because your story highlights what malware can do, and should be correctly appreciated.
Thank you for sharing this!
Not sure I agree ... in general getting compatibility with new hardware is always a big problem with Linux since they either have limited or no drivers, and takes a while to get the full support whenever a new hardware comes along.
Well, I bought parts to upgrade to an all-new computer. Since AMD no longer provides built-in graphics processors in their chips, I had to buy a separate graphics card. I just had to make sure that it's supported by Linux. If you are talking about the bleeding-edge, brand new hardware, then you may have to wait a bit. But generally speaking, if you get a new webcam, just plug it in and it works. No need for installation disks.
Just curious, do they support RTX 3080 fully? (I am guessing yes)
I had to look up what that is. Nvidia is closed, but it doesn't mean all of their products. You'd have to look up "RTX 3080 Linux compatibility" and do your homework. The Nvidia graphics card I bought is compatible, but then again it is a few years old. The only problem I have had is with getting printers to work, since not all of them will work with Linux. Also, my mouse with special functionalities needs a driver for it to work, which is not Linux compatible. The mouse works, but I cannot configure the extra buttons on it.
This is the kind of stuff I was talking about. My tussle with Linux for desktop started in early 2000s when Sony introduced a "docked" laptop, which made it really slim and nifty but when I installed Linux on it, it had all kinds of problems. The DVD player in the dock would sometimes be read, sometimes not. If you undock the laptop, it would freeze and on and on and on. Supports somethings, breaks spectacularly for others. I even patched most of the issues and submitted a patch to the kernel which was accepted.
Since then, every non trivial hardware (aka not a simple webcam) - supported half assed. Printer works, but two sided printing does not work. Game controller worked pretty good, but custom buttons never worked. And so on.
In spite of all this, I got too many of my non-techie friends excited with it and made them install it, until eventually got sick of their complaints and helped them uninstall it.
Dont get me wrong, even today Linux is my personal work horse and I do all my development on it, but just not my desktop. So when I see suggestions to "switch to Linux" - its a solid suggestion, but need to set the right exepectations :)
Agreed.
You are buying a box stocked with components you know nothing about. Especially, when you buy these particular devices.
I would tend to stay away from devices with too much specificity. Chromebook is also such a device.
Years ago, HP also was troubling a nice linux installation, and Fujitsu too. And it was a headache to check whether certain linux headers would work with.
Q4689: Knowledge is power!
PopOS will likely support it. They have integrated Nvidia support right out of the box.great Linux to start on also.
The world runs on those operating systems. The only way is to regulate Microsoft and Apple or shut them down.
No, the world needn't run on those operating systems. Everything can run on Linux. Even those retro mini gaming platforms are Linux. The analogy in my mind is like the fish caught in the net at the end of Finding Nemo. If they could alll swim down, they could break free---and they did. If more people abandon Mac and Win, we can force a change.
If you absolutely need Windows then at least use Windows 10 LTSC - the one with no bullshit, you can disable telemetry, and Microsoft gets people to shit out articles saying you shouldn't use it on a Desktop. lol
Fucken spot on, no microsoft store, no keylogging, no edge browser, no cortana, reduced update schedule. Check reddit for a thread on force downloading it straight from Satan's bottom (microsoft)
Thank you for posting this. I have a cobbled hybrid setup with Apple and despite a vpn Apple still tries to dictate which sites I visit. Always been blocked with Linux despite numerous efforts to switch. You've inspired me to give it another go.
Wait... Apple blocks you from visiting Linux distro websites?
Lousy syntax. I have often been blocked from further exploring Linux by a lack of terminology (and principles). Ubuntu still feels like a foreign language. Mint sounds user-friendly and apolitical so will give it a go. Apple blocks access on Brave to certain sites. I expect Safari to be subservient but they get to Brave even with vpn. Although no blocking of sites for some months now.
Wtf? I use "Brave" on my Mac and it's not blocked from anywhere other than some US sites that pop up a notice about some shitty EU regulation (easily overcome through a US vpn).
I don't understand how Apple can block you. Maybe it's your ISP?
Could be Dutch ISP. Internet service providers are cucked here. Anything to do with Tommy Robinson was blocked. Not happening any more now that I think on't. Maybe the new vpn is doing it's job.
So you're Dutch. I would not be surprised if your country blocks stuff about Tommy Robinson. But what about Geert Wilders? He's Dutch and fights the same fight that Tommy does.
No assumptions, ok? Wilders is controlled opposition. Politician Thierry Baudet and activist Willem Engel are 2 voices for truth that are being harshly suppressed by govt (thru media). Downloading torrents is difficult as govt and courts work together to control internet.
I've often suspected that he could be controlled opposition.
FWIW, dual boot may be needed by some, but I have never had an issue with VirtualBox on a PC machine. It's always been a cheap and easy way to get two (or more) OSs on one machine.
I used a Linux host with Windows guest for my PhD work, and continue with it to this day. In my work as a software architect/developer, I use the reverse.
I would think most users are in a browser 100% of the time. They use the browser for email, socials, shopping and news. To them the switch to Linux should be trivial as it's pretty much going to look and operate exactly the same whether it's on Windows, Apple or Linux.
Yes, agreed, because that has been the push by bigtech to make everything browser based.
It is indeed an appropriate observation to make. Moving away from browser based services. (saas/ apps). It all hinges on convenience.
Wrong in my case. I use email software; I use Photoshop & Graphic Converter for images, Final Cut Pro for videos, Scrivener for writing books, MS Word for editing other authors' books, Calibre for converting book formats, Kindle, iBooks, iTunes etc. I do use 5 separate web browsers on a regular basis.
Which is why I said "most".
Interesting. I am looking to upgrade and want to get away from win /Mac. Thanks for the info.
I have used Linux since 2006, Suse Enterprise 10. I bought it as it had a help line 24/7 included in the price, very useful for learning the ropes
I now have Ubuntu DP, a very good system with more native programs that any other Ubuntu system and its a registered Canonical partner.
Something from Github about piracy and security:
https://github.com/Igglybuff/awesome-piracy/blob/master/readme.md
And another one: https://github.com/jivoi/awesome-osint
I hope this helps.
My main problem with Linux is gaming. Modern gaming isn't usually a problem if you don't mind Everyone's Favorite DRM(Steam) and GOG is pretty good with it sometimes, but there are just some things it can't replace Windows for. I got a new laptop that just doesn't work as well as with Windows. The wireless card, entering sleep mode, correctly utilizing external displays, handling usb devices after waking from sleep mode... I fully endorse the idea of using Linux, but it takes some work and you will grow from it.
There are also always edge cases: Ragnarok Online prett much needs Windows. Final Fantasy Xi and many other games can run on Linux, but may take more effort than it's worrh. Or be unreliable.
Project64 is the only N64 emulator that supports the GB plug-in for the back of the controller (Pokemon Stadium). Like many 3D applications, it does not run well or at all in na virtual machine.
RPG Maker, depending on version.
Stuff like that.
Addendum: it is not malware proof. There are things out there that will infect a Linux machine. You probably won't encounter them, but you can not be complacent. Additionally, like with modern Windows, your problem isn't viruses or other obvious malware as much as it is malicious scripts on websites or intrusion, or mishandling your data (either by yourself or through some big have in a company)
There does not need to be a one off. As you point out, you are gaming.
So, maybe you could use a stripped down version of Win, or use win in a sandboxed environment, because you are splitting your game activity from other activities.
This may result in several profiles, which do not yield a complete picture.
It really depends on your views on how to deal with the spying environment and what objective you are pursuing.
Malware indeed is an issue for any OS. Hence, my advice to run a rootkit now and then, and be aware about how you treat OS versus your data and data access.
Convenience and laziness is being your own biggest enemy.
Yes, there have been Linux malware instances, but those are rare and regular updates should prevent against that.
As for gaming, it seems to be hit-and-miss. I'm not much of a gamer like I used to be. The most recent console I have is a 360, and it's because a coworker gave me his for free a few years ago. I have a Steam account and I've bought a few games. Steam OS games work in Linux automatically, but they now have a new beta version that somehow allows you to play other Steam games for Windows. I couldn't get it figured out and frankly it is low priority.
TBH, I play RetroPie, which I have installed not only on my Raspberry Pi but my desktop as well. I play those games far more than my Steam games.
If more people make the switch to Linux because they want to avoid being buffaloed by Mac and Win, then the user base will grow and gaming companies would have to stop ignoring Linux. The same goes for Adobe Photoshop and such. We need to quit supporting big tech which tramples our rights, and it's why I started this discussion on here.
Look into Custom AOSP based ROMS like CalyxOS, GrapheneOS, and LineageOS
Torba's doing something similar to that but selling the phone with it already set up.
Will Linux run all my new woke as fuck video games that were probably coded by some half breed tranny? No? Then I say good day sir!
WINE, Proton, Lutris etc work amazingly well actually. Might I recommend better taste in games though...
As I said: if push comes to shove, the usecase outweighs political considerations:
As Major Schmidt said in: Where Eagles dare:
Oh, yes, says Smith. General Carnaby’s plane did go down just the previous morning, riddled with machine gun holes. “British machine gun holes. But what the hell; a hole is a hole, is a hole, is what I say.”
Who has time to play games???
Half the world that is in lockdown !
"Sad life" is all I can say. Three score and ten wasted in fantasy land.
When you are confined to your house I fail to see your point. Otherwise you may be right but I am tipping you watch some television or netfix:- Sad life. Three score and ten wasted in fantasy land.
Word to the wise:- Real life is a fantasy too.