Leaving windows! Where to start?

[unsent]

Hello,
I am looking for help/steps advice!
I have had it with window. What are best practices for sourcing a clean copy of Ubuntu, and wiping all of previous OS from my machine?
I am some what of a newb when it comes to linux. I have dabled on vm's a little. Looking to make it my main OS, but I am concerned about corrupt or malious libraries on open source software in recent news.

 

[Brickwizard]

Welcome to the forums,
to start, read the articles in my signature below,, when ready to ask questions please give details [make and full model ]of yout computer

 

[Brickwizard]

but I am concerned about corrupt or malious libraries on open source software

This mainly happens when you use 3rd Party links, any apps you download from the distribution repository are considered safe. Linux by its structure is inherently safer than Microsoft and Android

 

[Condobloke]

G'day unsent, Welcome to Linux.org

Best practices for sourcing a clean copy of any distro is to go to the official site for that distro.....or go to the 'Download Linux' area on our site, here...

https://www.linux.org/pages/download/

.....the link there will take you to Ubuntu's official site:

Get Ubuntu | Download | Ubuntu

Download Ubuntu desktop, Ubuntu Server, Ubuntu for Raspberry Pi and IoT devices, Ubuntu Core and all the Ubuntu flavors. Ubuntu is an open-source software platform that runs everywhere from the PC to the server and the cloud.

ubuntu.com

This page you are on now....take a look at the screenshot below....two arrows pointing to the 'Download Linux' area...click there and there are a whole host of download links which are safe. They take you directly to the official sites.

In a nutshell.....download an .iso (Ubuntu or linux mint...your choice) and burn it to a uisb stick (8GB) using rufus or balena etcher, then boot your computer to that usb stick.
That will allow you to try Linux/Ubuntu without actually installing it.

To actually fully install it, requires you to double click on the Install icon.

Be aware that if you do choose to do that, the entire Windows OS will be WIPED. Totally.

Be sure to make a backup of anything you need. Make yourself aware of what data/pictures etc etc etc can be transferred to Linux and what cannot, before you act.

 

[Condobloke]

I am concerned about corrupt or malious libraries on open source software in recent news.

@Brickwaizards comment re 3rd party websites, is on the money.

Staying safe etc on Linux is straightforward.
When you need an app....open the Software Manager and download it from there...this is also called the repository.
It stores around 50,000 apps. They are all safe to download. Finding the appropriate app for your needs is the greatest challenge, not the safety of it.
The above (software manager) refers to Linux Mint. Ubuntu has similar, called by a different name.
3rd party sites can still be used....but do so with care. When in doubt, ask the people here.

You are obviously conversant enough to establish and use a VM.

You will do just fine.

 

[bob466]

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[theLegionWithin]

Hello,
I am looking for help/steps advice!
I have had it with window. What are best practices for sourcing a clean copy of Ubuntu, and wiping all of previous OS from my machine?
I am some what of a newb when it comes to linux. I have dabled on vm's a little. Looking to make it my main OS, but I am concerned about corrupt or malious libraries on open source software in recent news.

my recommendation is to take out your windows drive and store it somewhere safe. you can always come back to it if you need data from it. buy a new ssd/nvme and use that for linux

cant really comment on ubuntu, I dont use it. bunch of other non-debian based distros out there too.

 

[Deleted member 215712]

@Brickwaizards comment re 3rd party websites, is on the money.

Staying safe etc on Linux is straightforward.
When you need an app....open the Software Manager and download it from there...this is also called the repository.
It stores around 50,000 apps. They are all safe to download. Finding the appropriate app for your needs is the greatest challenge, not the safety of it.
The above (software manager) refers to Linux Mint. Ubuntu has similar, called by a different name.
3rd party sites can still be used....but do so with care. When in doubt, ask the people here.

You are obviously conversant enough to establish and use a VM.

You will do just fine.

I wouldn't say all 50,000 apps are actually safe. Linux community is quick to find and remove malware in official repositories but this doesn't make all apps safe by default. I am gently reminding you the xz backdoor that despite being open sourced, had malware hidden it in. (It's safe now)

 

[yyg]

my recommendation is to take out your windows drive and store it somewhere safe. you can always come back to it if you need data from it. buy a new ssd/nvme and use that for linux

cant really comment on ubuntu, I dont use it. bunch of other non-debian based distros out there too.

What non debian destro are you using?
I'd like to give Arch a try for the simple fact of getting to use yay instead of apt and share that moment of excitement with my computer if the command goes through. But that could just be me being ridiculous.

 

[Alexzee]

Hi & Welcome unsent to Linux.org-

I highly recommend Linux Mint since you are new to Linux.

It only takes about 15 minutes to install to your hard drive and it's easy to update.
Before you install Linux make sure you:

1. Back up all of your files, videos and etc. to a external drive of some sort.
2. Verify the integrity of the Linux .iso image that you download.
( this will prevent a corrupt installation with issues )
3. Update your newly installed version of Linux and start using it and learn how it runs and works.

Ditch Windows? Install Linux Mint in 2025 – Full Beginner Guide!​

 

[Alexzee]

Here's the link to download Linux Mint.

Download Linux Mint 22.3 - Linux Mint

Linux Mint is an elegant, easy to use, up to date and comfortable desktop operating system.

linuxmint.com

Before you perform the install learn how to enter into your BIOS of your machine. This way you can find the thumb drive to start the installation process.

If your not sure share with us the "exact make and model" of your Windows pc and I'll look it up.

 

[Condobloke]

I wouldn't say all 50,000 apps are actually safe. Linux community is quick to find and remove malware in official repositories but this doesn't make all apps safe by default. I am gently reminding you the xz backdoor that despite being open sourced, had malware hidden it in. (It's safe now)

For the greater part, the apps are safe.
What are the odds of finding a malware infected app in the Linux Mint repository ?
1 in ~50,000
I'll leave you to do the math.

 

[theLegionWithin]

What non debian destro are you using?
I'd like to give Arch a try for the simple fact of getting to use yay instead of apt and share that moment of excitement with my computer if the command goes through. But that could just be me being ridiculous.

Arch. I do distro hop on my test laptops but my main rig is Arch.

 

[yyg]

Arch. I do distro hop on my test laptops but my main rig is Arch.

I just booted up a secondary thumb drive with Debian 13 in attempts to peel back layers of Mint and snuggle closer with the Kernel. I hope to one day swap to Arch and speak the techno-babble

 

[kc1di]

Hello @unsent
Welcome to the Linux.org forum, Enjoy!
take a look here maybe of help to you.

https://labex.io/linuxjourney

 

[marsh_1]

I wouldn't say all 50,000 apps are actually safe. Linux community is quick to find and remove malware in official repositories but this doesn't make all apps safe by default. I am gently reminding you the xz backdoor that despite being open sourced, had malware hidden it in. (It's safe now)

True, but the main difference is transparency — with Linux, at least anyone can inspect and audit the code. With proprietary systems, you just have to trust the vendor. Still, vigilance is always needed.

 

[unsent]

What is the differences between ubuntu and mint?

 

[yyg]

What is the differences between ubuntu and mint?

Not much, slightly different graphical interface. Both are built off of Debian

 

[Brickwizard]

Ubuntu is a distribution based on Debian and produced by a commercial company called Conical
Mint 22 is basically Ubuntu but in a new set of clothes and still carries the Ubuntu bloat
Mint LMDE on the other hand is based directly on Debian and has all the advantages of Mint 22 for the beginner but without the bloat.

 

[demonchild]

What is the differences between ubuntu

Mint is easier for windows users to migrate to 'cause the graphical interface majorly used it's windows like. it's lighter and good for old hardware. also is not related to any companies that aims profit. I think we could say mint is more related to the linux community philosophy.