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Linux
Linux is an excellent alternative to Microsoft Windows TM and Apple Macintosh TM systems. Do not be frighten to have a go with it. With Windows XP and Windows 7/8 defunct, this makes an excellent alternative, especially if you have doubts whether you like the new Microsoft Windows 10 TM.
Although I advocate using Linux, it's wrong to knock or pillory either Microsoft Windows TM or Apple Macintosh TM; both should be praised! Both have made it easy to standardise and use plug and play features: Standardisation makes the work load easier!
Microsoft has decided to integrate into the summer 2016 Windows 10 update the Bash Apt/Aptitude Commands of Linux Ubuntu [made by the Canonical team]. This will allow various Linux programmes to be installed in Windows 10. Microsoft has decided to work more closely with the Open Source free programme community. We will have to wait and see how this partnership will work and see what results from it. New options for using Linux have been added and even a package manager..
Regarding Linux standardization:
Linux's weakness maybe that it is Open Source, free to improve how you seem fit. Nobody will stand in your way, and good ideas are welcome. Some of the Desktop designs, backgrounds, and themes are really stunning: It's all up to your imagination, do what you want. Is there any standardization?
Yes Ubuntu and Debian have many fork off distributions, that make downloading programmes easier. Also Red Hat type rpm type files are available for just as many Linux distributions.
Recently, various Linux distributions have or give the option of a cross platform Linux programme installer called Snap: read about it below.
Although Linux is a very different system, folders and files made and saved in it, can in most cases be opened in either Microsoft Windows TM or Apple Macintosh TM, and likewise in reverse.
Yes there is standardisation! Plug and Play does work, in many cases, and it is easier to connect to the Internet. Some web pages state that it's easier to connect to the Internet than Microsoft Windows TM.
See this Makeuseof article: 7 Things That Ubuntu Does Better Than Windows www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-things-ubuntu-better-windows/?utm_source=MUO-NL-RP&utm_medium=newsletter
Linux Mint 23 is their latest operating system, besides Windows 10 I have the Cinnamon version installed.
There are many programmes which work on either Linux or Microsoft Windows TM. Some programmes once you download and save to a folder of your choice need no installation whatsoever. They just work out of the box. See the above link regarding Ubuntu: It's also applicable to Linux Mint.
Why is Linux not widely used or known? Because it's free to have and free to use, therefore not widely advertised. But you will see it catered for on lots of famous websites. Note because Linux is extremely secure it's widely used by large corporations and Government institutions.
Microsoft Office opens and saves files in the free .odt format, this is standard on Libre Office and Appachi Open Office and many others.
Many people are unaware their Android Phones are nothing but Linux variants. You will find it installed on tablets and book readers also.
So who started it all off? A 16 year old boy from Finland Linus Benedict Thorvald who worked out how to make the Linux Kernel in 1991. He gave Linux to the world. So the idea of Linux distributions was born, He released version one in 1994. Since then he's upgraded these Kernels ironing out bugs, making them work even better, retaining full control of the Linux Kernel.
The majority of Linux distributions are maintained by employed computer programmers who are given a free hand to create Linux distros [distributions] and programmes. Most are widely funded by donations. There are Volunteers who submit ideas on what works and what doesn't. Nearly all the Linux distributions are free to download and are free to use at will: All of them can be customised.
If you have a good idea to improve, volunteers will adopt it. They also answer queries that you may have.
To solve problems, see: www.linuxquestions.org. See also: http://www.youtube.com/user/InfinitelyGalactic for excellent reviews and advice on the very latest of Linux Distributions. He also advises which are easier for the beginner used to Microsoft Windows TM.
Linux distributions known as distros are packed with free open source software, many replace non-free license purchase programmes.
Before installing try out live CD's or DVD's that can boot up (start up) your computer without you changing anything you have on the computer. If you do not have a CD or DVD drive then you create a USB removable flash drive which will boot [start up] with the computer.
A Live CD/DVD is extremely useful when looking for viruses in Microsoft Windows TM partitions. Linux can read and save to Microsoft Windows TM partitions. Microsoft Windows TM normally can't show a or open a Linux partition, but has to be set to do so.
Because these live CD's/DVD's boot up and operate in a virtual Ramdrive, they do not alter in any way your standard computer settings. You can try a Live disk, decide whether you like it or not. When you shut down your computer nothing is altered in any way, as RAM dies when the computer switches off. Excellent for those worried about viewing Bank accounts or other personal information.
Before installing any Linux Distro (Distribution download), try it out as a Live CD/DVD on it or on a removable USB Flash key drive. See if you like it, find out whether its easy to use, and something you like, and whether it works well on your computer. Some will not work on older computers, but some do very well indeed.
Regarding the Distribution Downloads:
Generally Linux distributions are .iso files, which are complete systems with programmes compacted in them, some fit on a CD and others need a DVD.
Left clicking on download a .iso file opens a CD/DVD burning programme and it burns the CD/DVD automatically. See the full explanation below:
Linux
Linux is an excellent alternative to Microsoft Windows TM and Apple Macintosh TM systems. Do not be frighten to have a go with it. With Windows XP and Windows 7/8 defunct, this makes an excellent alternative, especially if you have doubts whether you like the new Microsoft Windows 10 TM.
Although I advocate using Linux, it's wrong to knock or pillory either Microsoft Windows TM or Apple Macintosh TM; both should be praised! Both have made it easy to standardise and use plug and play features: Standardisation makes the work load easier!
Microsoft has decided to integrate into the summer 2016 Windows 10 update the Bash Apt/Aptitude Commands of Linux Ubuntu [made by the Canonical team]. This will allow various Linux programmes to be installed in Windows 10. Microsoft has decided to work more closely with the Open Source free programme community. We will have to wait and see how this partnership will work and see what results from it. New options for using Linux have been added and even a package manager..
Regarding Linux standardization:
Linux's weakness maybe that it is Open Source, free to improve how you seem fit. Nobody will stand in your way, and good ideas are welcome. Some of the Desktop designs, backgrounds, and themes are really stunning: It's all up to your imagination, do what you want. Is there any standardization?
Yes Ubuntu and Debian have many fork off distributions, that make downloading programmes easier. Also Red Hat type rpm type files are available for just as many Linux distributions.
Recently, various Linux distributions have or give the option of a cross platform Linux programme installer called Snap: read about it below.
Although Linux is a very different system, folders and files made and saved in it, can in most cases be opened in either Microsoft Windows TM or Apple Macintosh TM, and likewise in reverse.
Yes there is standardisation! Plug and Play does work, in many cases, and it is easier to connect to the Internet. Some web pages state that it's easier to connect to the Internet than Microsoft Windows TM.
See this Makeuseof article: 7 Things That Ubuntu Does Better Than Windows www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-things-ubuntu-better-windows/?utm_source=MUO-NL-RP&utm_medium=newsletter
Linux Mint 23 is their latest operating system, besides Windows 10 I have the Cinnamon version installed.
There are many programmes which work on either Linux or Microsoft Windows TM. Some programmes once you download and save to a folder of your choice need no installation whatsoever. They just work out of the box. See the above link regarding Ubuntu: It's also applicable to Linux Mint.
Why is Linux not widely used or known? Because it's free to have and free to use, therefore not widely advertised. But you will see it catered for on lots of famous websites. Note because Linux is extremely secure it's widely used by large corporations and Government institutions.
Microsoft Office opens and saves files in the free .odt format, this is standard on Libre Office and Appachi Open Office and many others.
Many people are unaware their Android Phones are nothing but Linux variants. You will find it installed on tablets and book readers also.
So who started it all off? A 16 year old boy from Finland Linus Benedict Thorvald who worked out how to make the Linux Kernel in 1991. He gave Linux to the world. So the idea of Linux distributions was born, He released version one in 1994. Since then he's upgraded these Kernels ironing out bugs, making them work even better, retaining full control of the Linux Kernel.
The majority of Linux distributions are maintained by employed computer programmers who are given a free hand to create Linux distros [distributions] and programmes. Most are widely funded by donations. There are Volunteers who submit ideas on what works and what doesn't. Nearly all the Linux distributions are free to download and are free to use at will: All of them can be customised.
If you have a good idea to improve, volunteers will adopt it. They also answer queries that you may have.
To solve problems, see: www.linuxquestions.org. See also: http://www.youtube.com/user/InfinitelyGalactic for excellent reviews and advice on the very latest of Linux Distributions. He also advises which are easier for the beginner used to Microsoft Windows TM.
Linux distributions known as distros are packed with free open source software, many replace non-free license purchase programmes.
Before installing try out live CD's or DVD's that can boot up (start up) your computer without you changing anything you have on the computer. If you do not have a CD or DVD drive then you create a USB removable flash drive which will boot [start up] with the computer.
A Live CD/DVD is extremely useful when looking for viruses in Microsoft Windows TM partitions. Linux can read and save to Microsoft Windows TM partitions. Microsoft Windows TM normally can't show a or open a Linux partition, but has to be set to do so.
Because these live CD's/DVD's boot up and operate in a virtual Ramdrive, they do not alter in any way your standard computer settings. You can try a Live disk, decide whether you like it or not. When you shut down your computer nothing is altered in any way, as RAM dies when the computer switches off. Excellent for those worried about viewing Bank accounts or other personal information.
Before installing any Linux Distro (Distribution download), try it out as a Live CD/DVD on it or on a removable USB Flash key drive. See if you like it, find out whether its easy to use, and something you like, and whether it works well on your computer. Some will not work on older computers, but some do very well indeed.
Regarding the Distribution Downloads:
Generally Linux distributions are .iso files, which are complete systems with programmes compacted in them, some fit on a CD and others need a DVD.
Left clicking on download a .iso file opens a CD/DVD burning programme and it burns the CD/DVD automatically. See the full explanation below:
Linux Mint
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Linux operates differently to Microsoft Windows TM or Mac OSX TM but you can run many of their programmes; there may be times when you need them, and can't find a free Linux equivalent.
To do this you will need to install and use various programmes, they are listed below. Web pages will show you how to install the necessary programmes to let you use them:
1. PlayOnLinux which is the front end for Wine.
2. Wine emulator programme, and Winetricks.
3. Crossover by Codeweavers for PC or Mac OSX TM systems.
Wine, PlayOnLinux, Crossover by Codeweavers make virtual drives in your personal Home folder.
On some distributions Wine & PlayOnLinux are installed ready for you to start installing your favourite games.
PlayOnLinux and Crossover by Codeweavers are graphical fronts for Wine making it easy for you to install programmes. I've found PlayOnLinux to be the easiest to use.
Another way is to install either Virtual Box/VM ware/Quemu this will let you install your Microsoft Windows TM installation disk, and then you can install what you want on the virtual Disk. If you want to run old programmes and games, you have the option to install an old version of Microsoft Windows TM
https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Screenshots
To do this you will need to install and use various programmes, they are listed below. Web pages will show you how to install the necessary programmes to let you use them:
1. PlayOnLinux which is the front end for Wine.
2. Wine emulator programme, and Winetricks.
3. Crossover by Codeweavers for PC or Mac OSX TM systems.
Wine, PlayOnLinux, Crossover by Codeweavers make virtual drives in your personal Home folder.
On some distributions Wine & PlayOnLinux are installed ready for you to start installing your favourite games.
PlayOnLinux and Crossover by Codeweavers are graphical fronts for Wine making it easy for you to install programmes. I've found PlayOnLinux to be the easiest to use.
Another way is to install either Virtual Box/VM ware/Quemu this will let you install your Microsoft Windows TM installation disk, and then you can install what you want on the virtual Disk. If you want to run old programmes and games, you have the option to install an old version of Microsoft Windows TM
https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Screenshots
Another free Linux Distro is Zorin 12.4: This Distro (distribution) is designed for beginners. You can set the desktop to look like Microsoft WindowsTM , Mac OSX TM or Ubuntu Unity. Zorin is a fork off Ubuntu and lets you install programmes that are designed for Ubuntu and Debian. You can install the common .deb type files.
Zorin 12.4 is in the distrowatch.com list.
Another Linux distribution for the older computer is Linux Lite latest version released in 2018. Reviews praise this distribution highly and say it is excellent for those migrating from Microsoft Windows TM, and is well worth considering. It uses .deb type programme files. It uses little space on the hard disk making it ideal for older computers with small hard drives.
You can see updated snapshots on the web pages.
Zorin 12.4 is in the distrowatch.com list.
Another Linux distribution for the older computer is Linux Lite latest version released in 2018. Reviews praise this distribution highly and say it is excellent for those migrating from Microsoft Windows TM, and is well worth considering. It uses .deb type programme files. It uses little space on the hard disk making it ideal for older computers with small hard drives.
You can see updated snapshots on the web pages.
Don't be in a rush to throw out that old computer!
You can find a Linux distribution that will work on an old computer. I had one that worked nicely on a 10 year old Pentium 2 laptop that only had only a 4.2 Gigabyte Hard Disk! It gave me good use using a Linux Distribution. I connected it through the Modem Router as a Network computer!
Click on this link and you will be taken to Tux Magazine. Tux has ceased to issue new magazines. It was an excellent magazine full of information for the newbie. There archive lets you download all the editions, they are all in PDF Acrobat and easy to read and understand!
Linux has tons of free open source software, making it easy to find free programmes to install.
There are several free bootable live CD's/DVD's available based on Ubuntu and Knoppix formats for downloading. See this link http://www.knoppix.net/, that you can download.
A live CD/DVD Linux disk is an extremely secure way of looking at financial and banking pages. Because when you switch off your computer all memory of where you surfed is wiped out of your computer! Turning off the power to any computer causes the RAM to literally die wiping out all your computer saved in the RAM.
Linux can open and read Windows partitions, whereas Microsoft Windows TM does not, only if you use third party programmes! You can use a live CD to dispose of viruses in Windows partitions. Microsoft in Windows 10 and 11x is looking seriously at Linux and working closely with developers. It is now possible to set Microsoft Windows to install a limited version of Linux.
You can find a Linux distribution that will work on an old computer. I had one that worked nicely on a 10 year old Pentium 2 laptop that only had only a 4.2 Gigabyte Hard Disk! It gave me good use using a Linux Distribution. I connected it through the Modem Router as a Network computer!
Click on this link and you will be taken to Tux Magazine. Tux has ceased to issue new magazines. It was an excellent magazine full of information for the newbie. There archive lets you download all the editions, they are all in PDF Acrobat and easy to read and understand!
Linux has tons of free open source software, making it easy to find free programmes to install.
There are several free bootable live CD's/DVD's available based on Ubuntu and Knoppix formats for downloading. See this link http://www.knoppix.net/, that you can download.
A live CD/DVD Linux disk is an extremely secure way of looking at financial and banking pages. Because when you switch off your computer all memory of where you surfed is wiped out of your computer! Turning off the power to any computer causes the RAM to literally die wiping out all your computer saved in the RAM.
Linux can open and read Windows partitions, whereas Microsoft Windows TM does not, only if you use third party programmes! You can use a live CD to dispose of viruses in Windows partitions. Microsoft in Windows 10 and 11x is looking seriously at Linux and working closely with developers. It is now possible to set Microsoft Windows to install a limited version of Linux.
Want to know who's downloading what?
At the time of upgrading this webpage, http://distrowatch.com list of Linux distribution downloads shows that the new Linux Mint (based on Debian) is the most popular download - pushing Ubuntu into 3rd place: At present Mageia is in 6th place. Due to the constant issue of new Listro Distributions the list is fluid and it changes all the time.
At the time of upgrading this webpage, http://distrowatch.com list of Linux distribution downloads shows that the new Linux Mint (based on Debian) is the most popular download - pushing Ubuntu into 3rd place: At present Mageia is in 6th place. Due to the constant issue of new Listro Distributions the list is fluid and it changes all the time.
Downloading a Linux Distribution .iso
Don't let the term "ISO" scare you! Once you have downloaded the "ISO" file Linux application programme of your choice, the free ImgBurn can easily burn the boot up disk for you. If you have proprietary software such as Nero Express installed, left clicking on a downloaded .iso will automatically open the burning software and burn the .iso onto a CD/DVD, or follow the instructions below:
To burn a downloaded disk image to CD or DVD disk do the following:
1. Download and save to a folder of your choice the .iso file.
2. Select the option "Disk image or Saved Project" - Left click on it and select Files of type: Image Files (*nrg, *iso, *cue) select the file in the download folder.
3. Left Click on Open and then Next choose the burn speed do it, select X8 for quality!
4. Left click on Burn; the free very graphical programme download ImgBurn or Nero will burn the disk for you. ImgBurn is easy to install and very easy to use and I recommend it!
To help you configure Linux there are free tutorials and stacks of help available along with forums. People are standing in line to help you solve problems.
You can also make a bootable USB flash key for the distribution you downloaded, to install Linux Mint 17x, I downloaded this Bootable USB flash key programme from:
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/
It will create any bootable pendrive from a .iso file. You can also use this to create a bootable Windows 7 USB pendrive.
To burn an .iso you can use a very easy to use Windows programme called Balena Etcher: balena-etcher.eu/
To burn a downloaded disk image to CD or DVD disk do the following:
1. Download and save to a folder of your choice the .iso file.
2. Select the option "Disk image or Saved Project" - Left click on it and select Files of type: Image Files (*nrg, *iso, *cue) select the file in the download folder.
3. Left Click on Open and then Next choose the burn speed do it, select X8 for quality!
4. Left click on Burn; the free very graphical programme download ImgBurn or Nero will burn the disk for you. ImgBurn is easy to install and very easy to use and I recommend it!
To help you configure Linux there are free tutorials and stacks of help available along with forums. People are standing in line to help you solve problems.
You can also make a bootable USB flash key for the distribution you downloaded, to install Linux Mint 17x, I downloaded this Bootable USB flash key programme from:
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/
It will create any bootable pendrive from a .iso file. You can also use this to create a bootable Windows 7 USB pendrive.
To burn an .iso you can use a very easy to use Windows programme called Balena Etcher: balena-etcher.eu/
www.linuxquestions.org
Register with this web page forum it is full of excellent tips volunteers will answer your queries.
Register with this web page forum it is full of excellent tips volunteers will answer your queries.
Should you want to upgrade your Linux distribution Kernel, see the instructions below.
Updating Linux Ubuntu/Debian/Mint with the Latest Daily Kernel.
To see the Linux Kernels in Linux Mint 20x open the Update Manager. Left click on View, then Linux Kernels; you will see the latest Kernels available.
I highly recommend that you install Grub-Customizer (picture above) to see that all is well with the boot sequence order. Important Save any change before rebooting your computer.
This programme makes it extremely easy to set any boot sequence order you want. The ppa is available here:
https://launchpad.net/~danielrichter2007/+archive/ubuntu/grub-customizer.
Note as with all advice or downloads on any of my webpages, any tasks you perform you do at your own risk! Backup anything important, I cannot be held responsible if something goes wrong!
If you are in doubt double check look it up on the Internet!
====================
More pages will be added soon!
To see the Linux Kernels in Linux Mint 20x open the Update Manager. Left click on View, then Linux Kernels; you will see the latest Kernels available.
I highly recommend that you install Grub-Customizer (picture above) to see that all is well with the boot sequence order. Important Save any change before rebooting your computer.
This programme makes it extremely easy to set any boot sequence order you want. The ppa is available here:
https://launchpad.net/~danielrichter2007/+archive/ubuntu/grub-customizer.
Note as with all advice or downloads on any of my webpages, any tasks you perform you do at your own risk! Backup anything important, I cannot be held responsible if something goes wrong!
If you are in doubt double check look it up on the Internet!
====================
More pages will be added soon!