Long time Windows user looking to switch to Linux

vanmol

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I was out of control with running anti-virus and malware software along with almost very tune-up or repair software available. Too often with bad results and a reinstall. What do I need, such as anti-virus for the latest Linux mint distro to protect me from attacks. Are there any apps that are required for maintenance also. thanks, Frank
 


@vanmol
What do I NEED . . . ?


@poorguy says:
I've given many Linux computers to people and what I've discovered from doing so is what I already learned from Windows users.

And that is.
Most users are unwilling to learn some basic knowledge of keeping their computer properly updated and the needed basic maintenance skills to keep their computer running properly.

The above willingness, and maybe
ClamAV
Then, if you're careful to learn something about the Linux file system, Bleachbit
Beware that deleting the improper files may lead to a reinstall. But that's part of the learning curve!

I don't know if windows whaterver you have still retains
msinfo32, but go there and give us more Hardware Info, please, so we may be better able to assist you.

Welcome!
 
yes even Windows 10 still uses that for for Windows specs On keyboard key with key that has Window logo + key R (should bring up run) and just type msinfo32 .
That will show whether 32 or 64 architecture etc

To get into Linux i would start with a live OS maybe Mint on a usb stick.

i removed viruses before using linux pc from fat file type on usb sticks due to them getting infected at internet cafe. From a live linux os on a usb stick you should be able to scan your windows pc and remove viruses .

you can get a linux live OS onto a usb stick using your Windows PC
 
Last edited:
yes even Windows 10 still uses that for for Windows specs On keyboard key with key that has Window logo + key R (should bring up run) and just type msinfo32 .
That will show whether 32 or 64 architecture etc

To get into Linux i would start with a live OS maybe Mint on a usb stick.

i removed viruses before using linux pc from fat file type on usb sticks due to them getting infected at internet cafe. From a live linux os on a usb stick you should be able to scan your windows pc and remove viruses .

you can get a linux live OS onto a usb stick using your Windows PC


I think mu post was a little confusing. Just trying to find out if I need to run an anti-virus on Linux mint and are there any good apps to Linux clean up and maintenance?
 
1. You do not need to run an antivirus on Linux Mint

2. There is nothing necessary in the way of cleaners or maintenance apps

There are of course some AV's available and there are maintenance apps and cleaners also available.
You asked if any of these are necessary
The answer is a resounding NO
 
1. You do not need to run an antivirus on Linux Mint

2. There is nothing necessary in the way of cleaners or maintenance apps

There are of course some AV's available and there are maintenance apps and cleaners also available.
You asked if any of these are necessary
The answer is a resounding NO

Hey! I hear you load and clear and I like the answer. Don't want to continue to do as I did with windows. Thanks for the input. Frank
 
If you are running Linux Mint

1. Learn the update procedures.....they are fairly straightforward

2. Install all updates (maybe not kernel updates...leave them alone for now)

3.Learn about an app called Timeshift

It is similar to System Restore....main difference is, it works

Dont rush.

learn how to navigate the system.

If by some miracle you happen to break it.....reboot. If that doesnt fix it, just reinstall it (Remember?...its Free) !
 
[USER=28901]@Condobloke --Dont rush. learn how to navigate the system.
+1 -- what I said about learning the file system!

OP does not need anything but an open mind, willingness to learn a new way of doing things without comparing it to Windoze here, and (optional) honesty and thoroughness.

Glad Condobloke reiterated what was said about reinstalling! Anyone out there who says hasn't had to do so is a liar!
 
If you are running Linux Mint

1. Learn the update procedures.....they are fairly straightforward

2. Install all updates (maybe not kernel updates...leave them alone for now)

3.Learn about an app called Timeshift

It is similar to System Restore....main difference is, it works

Dont rush.

learn how to navigate the system.

If by some miracle you happen to break it.....reboot. If that doesnt fix it, just reinstall it (Remember?...its Free) !

Thanks for the input and I will check it out. Can I pick your brain on another matter. I am trying to install my VPN without any luck following PUREVPN instructions which has only 3 steps. #1 download the app #2 From terminal move to directory where package is installed.
I do not understand this at all and every try ends up with error cannot find or does not exist.
Last instruction from PUREVPN was terminal command--------CD followed by download location. Tried CD DOWNLOADS and CD /home/frank/downloads with same error.

FRUSTRATED!
 
Thanks for the input and I will check it out. Can I pick your brain on another matter. I am trying to install my VPN without any luck following PUREVPN instructions which has only 3 steps. #1 download the app #2 From terminal move to directory where package is installed.
I do not understand this at all and every try ends up with error cannot find or does not exist.
Last instruction from PUREVPN was terminal command--------CD followed by download location. Tried CD DOWNLOADS and CD /home/frank/downloads with same error.

FRUSTRATED!
Commands must be entered exactly. "CD DOWNLOADS" is not the same as cd Downloads.
Upper case and lower case must be correct.
The correct command to move to the Downloads directory would be;
Code:
~ $ cd Downloads/
 
I have posted at your topic HERE
 
1. You do not need to run an antivirus on Linux Mint

2. There is nothing necessary in the way of cleaners or maintenance apps

There are of course some AV's available and there are maintenance apps and cleaners also available.
You asked if any of these are necessary
The answer is a resounding NO
@Condobloke @vanmol
Greetings Van and welcome,
I heartily agree with Condobloke. I have been using Linux Mint for about 3-4 years and have never had a virus. After doing a lot of reading about anti virus programs I figured it out that I don't really need one. So, I have never used one on LM.
As Condo mentioned, get acquainted with Timeshift. It may save you some time and frustration in the future.
Also make sure you keep up with the updates. The biggest difference between Microsoft updates and Linux updates is that you get to set the time to install them, not someone else. Another thing is that you can work on your computer while the updates are being installed. And, most of the time you do not have to restart the computer after the updates are installed. {I think the only restart required is after the kernel is updated - someone may correct me on this}.
I think you will absolutely love Linux Mint!!! {But, remember that is just an old Geezers' opinion and I am prejudiced toward Mint}
Have a great time learning about Linux. You will get a lot of enjoyment out of the ride.
Old Geezer
Tango Charlie
 
Commands must be entered exactly. "CD DOWNLOADS" is not the same as cd Downloads.
Upper case and lower case must be correct.
The correct command to move to the Downloads directory would be;
Code:
~ $ cd Downloads/

Hi I tried cd Downloads and it did not even take me to PW
 
The only questions that need to be answered are:
1) What do you want your computer to do for you?
2) Since you have this interest in Linux, why haven't you picked a distro to start from?
3) Do you expect perfection?
 
The only questions that need to be answered are:
1) What do you want your computer to do for you?
2) Since you have this interest in Linux, why haven't you picked a distro to start from?
3) Do you expect perfection?

I want my experience to be as hacker free as possible and I always strive for perfection. Don't know what you mean by my not picking a distro. I installed Linux Mint 19.3, isn't that a distro? Seeing that I can't get my VPN installed and my WIFI is not working I am going to try another version and see what happens. Frank
 
Hi I tried cd Downloads and it did not even take me to PW
First; let's figure out why navigation in the Terminal is not working. Take a look at this explanation and see if anything helps. Perhaps the Terminal is not opening where we might expect.
Your Bash prompt should look similar to this: user name@host name followed by the 'tilde' which is shorthand for the $HOME directory followed by the '$' which is the symbol representing that the Terminal is ready for command input.
bash_prompt.png


Here I "cd" into my Downloads folder and run a checksum command on a Linux Mint .iso :
linuxmint_checksum.png


Can you post a screenshot of your Terminal showing the failed "cd" command?

P.S. What is "PW"?
 
First; let's figure out why navigation in the Terminal is not working. Take a look at this explanation and see if anything helps. Perhaps the Terminal is not opening where we might expect.
Your Bash prompt should look similar to this: user name@host name followed by the 'tilde' which is shorthand for the $HOME directory followed by the '$' which is the symbol representing that the Terminal is ready for command input.
View attachment 6351

Here I "cd" into my Downloads folder and run a checksum command on a Linux Mint .iso :
View attachment 6352

Can you post a screenshot of your Terminal showing the failed "cd" command?

P.S. What is "PW"?

Sorry, haven't learned Screenshot on Linux yet. By PW I meant password. After command
cd Downloads/
This is the response
-/Downloads$
with nothing following it except the blinking white thingy.
 
Just in case this helps.....wherever your browser (Firefox or chrome) saves downloads to, is where the screenshots will be sent to. I opened Firefox and changed the location for saving from 'downloads' to Desktop. It just makes it quicker for me.
 
Sorry, haven't learned Screenshot on Linux yet. By PW I meant password. After command
cd Downloads/
This is the response
-/Downloads$
with nothing following it except the blinking white thingy.
That looks correct! :)
That is showing that you did indeed move to the "Downloads" directory.
Now if you input the "ls" command (lowercase ell and ess) which is an abbreviation for "list" - it will list all the files and 'folders' (directories) within your Downloads directory.
From there you should be able to run the commands provided on the PureVPN site.
One other option would be to move the PureVPN installation file downloaded to it's own 'folder'.
You can do this with either the "mv" (move) command or by opening the Downloads folder in the file browser, creating a new folder, and employing a simple drag and drop.
The purpose of moving the downloaded PureVPN installation file into it's own folder is just to simplify the operations of working on it from the Terminal. It is not necessary though.

If you are doing this from the Linux Mint operating system you could try just right-clicking on the PureVPN installation file and choosing Open With GDebi Package Installer. You may have to 'extract' the file first if it is a compressed (.gz or .tar.gz) file.
 

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