Friday, February 1, 2013

What is a good free Linux antivirus?

Q. I realize that Linux doesn't need antiviruses, but I want one just to be safe. What are some good, free Linux antiviruses?

A. Linux antivirus programs are mostly run on servers that are doing things like passing mail through; in other words, they're checking for Windows viruses before sending things downstream. You don't sound like you're in this situation.

Ignore the people saying to use Windows or to get an antivirus anyway; they're idiots. The best way to avoid getting a virus is to not use root privileges all willy-nilly. Don't run things with sudo or enter your password at a graphical prompt unless you know exactly why you're doing it, and preferably only install software through your package manager. It's nigh-impossible to get affected this way, and is much better protection than any antivirus could ever be.

Will a Linux operating system be difficult for somebody who used only Windows all life?
Q. Today I decided that I am officially tired with Windows and want to install Linux on my laptop. I read on a website all the pro and cons of each operating system ( Windows, OS, Linux) and discovered that Linux is the only one who had the pro list longer than the cons list. ( windows too vulnerable and Macs too pricey). In any case,in the Linux cons list it said that Linux should only be used by experienced computer users. I know my way around a computer but I cannot call myself and expert. Would it be difficult to transition from Windows to Linux if I am not a computer expert?

A. Welcome to the would of Linux based OSs!!

At one point or another most Linux users made that switch, and it can be difficult IF you try to use Linux (remember Linux is the kernel not the OS) like you use Windows. There is a learning curve that you must overcome. Things are just different, but not difficult. Years ago it was harder, but now, there are many distros (distributions) tailored to new users.

Since you already know the pros and cons, there is no need to discuss them. But when you start using Linux based OSs, you WILL be in "windows mode". This just takes time to overcome. Most people that tried Linux and said it was to hard, did not give themselves enough time to get out of "winblos mode".

When you install a Linux distro, you do not need antivirus, antimalware, firewalls, you do not need to defrag. You can install them if you like, but there is no real need unless it makes you feel better. If you stick to the repos (repositories - just to make it easier to explain - you can think of it like an app store that you use on your phone) you will be safe from malware.

Now the hardest part, at least for me, is to choose which distro. Go to distrowatch.com for info on hundreds of different distros.

Most distros are based on a few main distros. Here is an image to give you an idea how many forked from other distros:
http://files.cyberciti.biz/uploads/tips/2007/06/44218-linuxdistrotimeline-7.2.png

When I made the switch from winblows to Linux, here was my criteria:
1. made for beginners - you will have many problems if you jump to a distro made for experts
2. it must be a popular distro - the more people using it, the more help you will receive. you can ask on YA, in a linux forum, or people you know.
3 must look decent. I just don't like an ugly desktop.

Also, you can take almost any distro and add different desktop environments. You can think of the DE as the user interface. You can take Ubuntu, that ships with the Unity DE, and ad another, say KDE. But they do have this already, and called Kubuntu.

You can take Mint (which I recommend for new users) which you can choose form Cinnamon, GNOME, KDE, MATE, Xfce desktops. Or you can add others. Here is a gallery of some of the DEs:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desktop_environment#Gallery

So I would suggest to get an 8 or larger USB flash drive (or what ever you have) and use a program called YUMI to install as many different distros on that drive as it can hold. You choose which distro to boot into on start up. This way you can try out many different distros.

Also try out many of the different DEs. There is no way to know which one is right for you. since they are personal choice. I recommend the KDE since you are coming from winblows. It is pretty and (to me) easier to use. So I recommend Mint with KDE.

There are other made for beginners. If you decide to use Ubuntu make sure that you have a wired internet connection when you install. Ubuntu does not use closed source or proprietary software (it a FOSS thing). It will ask when you install if you want to use restricted software. Mint ships with this software and works better out of the box.

There are distros made for just about anything. If you have an older computer, there are distros for old computers. If this is the case I suggest to not use KDE but one made for older or slower computers. Like LXDE (You can download Mint with LXDE). There are distros for media production, scientists, educators, security, privacy, embedded, etc.... Heck, you can even put Linux on your router, mp3 player, tv, and other devices.

Here are some others:
http://distrowatch.com/search.php?category=Beginners

How to remove linux from desktop computer using xp cd?
Q. I am using linux in my computer and do not like it and i want to remove it but i have no idea and i only have xp cd tell the full step.

A. HI There,

I had the same experience using LInux and decided to switch back to XP. Many of the applications I used simply did not work with LInux. Also configuring the printer, scanner (and wireless adapter) were difficult or even impossible. Not Linux's fault but the manufacturers did not include drivers for LInux.

It is not difficult to install XP and it only takes about 40 minutes or so for the installation. After installing there will be about 80 updates from Microsoft which will take longer than the install. If you have the original XP then you will want to update to SP-2 and then update to SP-3 since SP-3 is the only version still supported.

Before installing I like to write down the 25 digit key code on the tag located on the CD ( use big letters and numbers to make it easy to read later ).

Also write down all the settings needed to connect to the internet. Once XP is installed they will no longer be available.

Another thing to do is decide upon which antivirus app you want to install and have the CD or file ready on a flash drive ready for when you connect to the internet. At the very least have the URL written down so you can install ASAP. It only takes a few minutes for an unprotected system to be infected by a virus. The first thing to do after connectingto the interent is to install your antivirus and make sure the firewall is enabled.

Now you are ready to install XP.

To install all you need to do is insert your XP CD/DVD into the optical drive and boot from it then follow the instructions.

You will be asked for your time zone , keyboard configuration, password for admin account and at some time you need to enter the 25 digit COA that you have written down.

You do not need to enter a password (just press <Enter> with the dialog box blank or if you want a password; go ahead and enter it (write it down and save in a safe place). I don't use a password but if you do make sure to remember it .

To boot from the optical drive restart your computer and watch the monitor. It will show the memory and hardware check and at the bottom of the screen it will tell you which key to press to change the boot order. Probably <F12>, <F8>, <Esc> or <Delete>.

As soon as that message appears; press the key and it should boot from the CD/DVD.
If you are not quick enough; shut down and try again.

Once the computer has booted from the CD/DVD drive just follow the instructions for a full installation.
This will format the hard drive and install XP to the entire C-Drive. Formatting will erase Linux and set up the drive for Windows XP.

After the installation has finished you will need to reboot and you will be running Windows XP.
First go into security settings and enable the firewall.
Second setup your internet and connect to the internet. Immediately install your antivirus and let it update. Your antivirus may want to do a full system scan as part of the installation. That's OK.

After the antivirus is running Windows will want to update. If it does not ask then go to the Microsoft website and find updates and install them.

Good luck,
Al

Note: if you XP CD/DVD is not a genuine copy for your system the installation will fail at some point or it will not update.



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