Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Thoughts on Linux

I think you're right about Tor.

You can make a portable Window$ disk. I've had Micro$oft decide to do that while cloning a failing HDD and then spent more time than I'll admit to unphugging that.

As soon as Linux is running on more than a fraction of total boxes then the malware dudes will decide its worth the effort to write their nasty code for opensource OS.

Google "tor network arrests" "tor exit node porn" or "tor exit relay arrest" ... the criminals are already there.

I have implied in the past that Linux was immune to malware and such, but that was out of exuberance. It's not true, of course.

The fact is that it simply isn't targeted yet. Total users amount to just over 1% of all computer systems. Almost all of it is open source, meaning it would be difficult if not impossible for bad guys to hide anything in the code - too many smart people looking at it. So your system is certainly safe as you install it. After that, all bets are off. The usual rules for avoiding malware will serve you even better running Linux.

If you do get infected, it is no great task to simply wipe and re-install from a clean *.iso download.

Ya, no offense. I understand your intentions. I like your enthusiasm

The world is going crazy, especially the tech world. Linux attacks up 35% last year. No ones safe anymore really.


https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/linux-malware-sees-35-percent-growth-during-2021/

Windows incognito is nothing like tails. Tails uses Tor which in turn uses a minimum of three relays to hide you and everything you do, when in incognito mode you still leave traces on your hard drive and the internet, Tor completely hides you.

Here's a link on how it works.

Here.

I know exactly how it works. And no, Tor does not completely hide you. Matter of fact, as I stated above I believe it makes you more vulnerable. But hey, im just a nobody with trust issues. LOL.

Regardless, I predict that next year or two will see a surge in new Linux users. Windows 11 will be the reason. For one thing, there will be millions of computers that can't be loaded (infected would be a better word) with W11 but are still perfectly usable with Linux. For another, there will be thousands of users who finally tire of Microsoft's tyranny, outrageous fees, and security holes. For 90% of non-business users, Linux solves all those issues.

Been using linux for many years, Fedora, Red Hat, Ubuntu, Puppy, Suse and for the past several years Mint. I have installed mint on several friends lap tops that the local computer guru's told them were outdated and worthless. Since none of the friends played 3d computer games or managed large spread sheets Mint worked great for them. Main thing is to decide what you really use a computer for. I checked operations that really require a stable system use some form of Linux.

Ok it is all very interesting but I'm a complete no nothing about this stuff. I'm running a Dell Latitude E6410 from 2009. I has Intel(R) 2.53GHz Core(TM) i5 CPU 2.53 GHz, Installed memory 4.00 GB (3.80Usable) 64 Bit operating system. Can I run Zorin Lite on this? Next question (remember I'm completely un-knowledgeable) what happens to all the programs I've got loaded, basic Windows Office etc. and Avast Software. Do they stay on the computer and I just run them or how does that work. I really appreciate your help.

Frank, that 'pooter will run Zorin Lite or Core, or Mint just fine.

None of your Windows software will remain when you install Linux. Your drive will be wiped clean. However, the good news is that you will get a full Office package in the installation that is fully compatible with the MS version - and you won't need Avast.

Before you install Linux, transfer EVERYTHING you need to keep to an outside drive. Use copy and paste, not Backup. Move your Document, Photos, Videos, Music, etc entire folders to simplify things. Also export your bookmarks to that drive. Move it or lose it.

Don't bother with moving Windows software. You'll find equivalent software included. There are ways to get some Windows software to run under Linux, but chances are the packages that come with Zorin or Mint will allow you to do the work you did with the old programs.

Go HERE and run either Zorin Core or Linux Mint. Look at the software included and see for yourself.

Mint wasn’t bad, we will see about Zorin, just about done with a usb.

Thanks Rocky that clears up a lot. I already have most stuff on two external drives. I'll transfer the rest next week and see how it goes. Thanks again.

Swifty, when you finish looking at Zorin, take a peek at MX. It's not for the brand newbie, but it's quite the OS.

Didn’t like MX much, giving LMDE 4 Debbie a go on an old 32 bit test system. Let ya know in a week or 2.

Ha Rocky, LMDE4 really looks interesting but found out if you use Yumi multiboot it pooches the install. Fuggs things up but good.