Replacing Windows with Linux

[Jet Cash]

As this is the complete opposite of JackG's thread, I thought I had better start a new one for the topic.
I've been using Windows for quite a few years, and I've become comfortable with quite a few programs that rely on the Windows OS. However, I have become increasingly distressed with the current Microsoft policies, and they seem to be in the forefront of the control and monitoring of people's behaviour. I experimented with a few Linux variants, and I decided that the Cinnamon version of Linux Mint would create the least amount of work to complete the shaking off of the Windows shackles.

I removed the HDD from my notebook, and replaced it with a 2Tb SSD. Reluctantly I bought this through Amazon, and I feel bad about this, as I believe Amazon to be a destructive force. However, the price saving and convenience ( for me ) were so far ahead of any alternatives, that I decided that it is better to take advantage of the globalists, rather than trying to fight them in every area. The disk exchange was extremely simple ( remember to remove the battery and disconnect from the electricity grid ), and I bought a cheap USB case for the old drive. This allows me to access all of the old files. I installed Mint by flashing a USB stick with an ISO image, and booting the notebook from that. You may have to change the BIOS to allow this  ( I hit  the f10 function key during startup to enter the panel). I answered a few simple questions, and Mint installed and started without any problems at all.

Installing the Bitcoin node should have been simple, but I hit a number of problems. I was attempting to do this via the Terminal using the commands.
~ $ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:bitcoin/bitcoin
~ $ sudo apt-get update
~ $ sudo apt-get install bitcoin-qt
I was working in a public library, and with my limited knowledge, I was having problems in trying to resolve the problems. Eventually I realised that a firewall was blocking part of the installation. I abandoned the attempt, and restarted it when I was in a McDonalds restaurant. This time the installation was very straightforward and painless. The advantage of having the old hard drive available through a USB connection is that I can just copy the blockchain onto the new hard drive. Copying the wallet info as well means that I will just have to resync the blockchain to be up and running. Core asks for the location of the copied files when it starts for the first time.

I've started this thread in the Ivory Tower  to encourage members to move away from Microsoft. Their accelerating moves towards the removal of privacy, collection of information, and control of surfing behaviour is becoming quite a threat to our futures in my opinion.

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[cestmoi]

Congratulation for moving away from windows.

All the computers I personally own are on Linux.  I stated about 7 years ago and never got a windows since.
As I a matter of fact I'm still using the 7 years old second hand laptop I started my linux journey with. Still great performance for basic stuff.

I do however work on a windows at work.
To be faire the company I work for could save so much money if they decided to move to linux, We are  only using an email client, word, excel and pdf.
All of those have a free version on linux.

For my own little business I have a macbook. It is not much better than windows for the DRM and Big Brother stuff but it is just so great to work with it, my iphone and also my apple watch.


All my crypto is accessed through the linux laptops, same for my media center and of course the encryption of data /backups.

I'm also using the Mint distro, such a great one.

[Xylber]

I'm also worried about Microsoft spying policies, it is not about "knowing what kind of music do you like" anymore, it is about knowing even your mouse movements, dystopic.

I replaced Windows in all of my computers, and installed Linux Ubuntu, except in one of my home computers, which I need for Autodesk and Adobe products (my job). I hope I can learn to use Gimp soon, and buy a BricsCAD license (for Linux) to replace Autocad (for Windows), and I'm done with Windows for ever.

I'm a complete Linux noob, but I made a guide about making a custom encrypted installation with success, so hope it help to those who want to change but feel fear of trying a new OS:
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5129040

[Carlton Banks]

I decided that the Cinnamon version of Linux Mint

this is somewhat a case of jumping out of the fire and into the frying pan


Mint (and also Ubuntu) have been openly shipping spyware software in their Firefox package for years now. Guess who the beneficiary is? Amazon.

(don't forget that Amazon is more of a web server company than anything else now, so if one assumes shopping habits at webstores that aren't Amazon is what they're analysing, think again)

Edit: So really, Mint/Ubuntu is jumping out of one fire and into another


Best bet if you're starting with Linux is (IMO) Debian, or Devuan. Mint/Ubuntu are just versions of Debian anyway (so most web advice for Ubuntu/Mint also works the same on Debian).


And if Mint will sacrifice your privacy openly, what kind of standards do it's developers have at all?

[NeuroticFish]

And if Mint will sacrifice your privacy openly, what kind of standards do it's developers have at all?

Mint was advertised as the obvious replacement for Windows. So it's mostly used by people that don't know and don't understand much about Linux, many jumping to Linux because it's free and stable and cannot be touched by viruses, not necessarily because it would ensure more privacy. (I know it's not right, that's not something to debate.)

For many that come from Windows, some privacy "flaws" are not a problem. (! not joking !)


PS. I am still on Windows and I don't see a chance to go away of it in a foreseeable future.

[Jet Cash]

I've had Ubuntu on my netbook for a couple of years now, but I really only use that when I don't have access to mains electricity. I'm on it now for example. I've installed Kali to experiment with penetration testing. That is on a mini-desktop, and I bought a 10" monitor to use with that system. At some time I'll try to drive the ASIC miner from one of them, but I still haven't sorted the power supply.

It is really the constant software upgrades, and the constant changes that I was forced to make that drove me away from Windows. I'm not too obsessed with privacy, I want stability and predictability in a computer system. I'm switching from Irfanview to Gimp, and that seems to be giving me more options for editing images. My idea of booting from the old drive via USB doesn't work, so I'm going to have to re-install the old HDD, and list all the logins and passwords that I use. I'll need to remind myself of some of the URLs for minor sites. I should have done that in the planning stage. Cinnamon seems to be working well, but it messed up when I tried to install the Brave Browser.

[Carlton Banks]

many jumping to Linux because it's free and stable and cannot be touched by viruses, not necessarily because it would ensure more privacy

I'm not too obsessed with privacy, I want stability and predictability in a computer system.

Ok, so imagine this scenario:

I run a business, I need a supplier. You guys, NeuroFish and JetCash, are both suppliers in contention for the role.

Obviously there are alot of factors that will lead me to choose who I will work with, but one of them is definitely how much information about our relationship will end up being sold to my competitors by Google or Amazon.


TBH, I treat even just regular people like this. Are you so lazy with computers that you're practically just one of Google's brain cells? I don't talk to people like that much.

[NeuroticFish]

Obviously there are alot of factors that will lead me to choose who I will work with, but one of them is definitely how much information about our relationship will end up being sold to my competitors by Google or Amazon.

It depends *a lot* on what the "suppliers" have to do for you. If you state you need certain level of security and privacy are necessary for that certain contract, obviously the suppliers that want to earn your contract will have to comply.

On the other hand, the wages to feed my family come from software development 100% for (and on) Windows (at work and at home too!)

TBH, I treat even just regular people like this. Are you so lazy with computers that you're practically just one of Google's brain cells? I don't talk to people like that much.

I guess that you are a bit overly concerned about your privacy. It's your right and I won't judge you for that.
Others are not. And not necessarily because of laziness. The fact you don't see their reasons, it doesn't necessarily means there none.

[Jet Cash]

I run a business, I need a supplier. You guys, NeuroFish and JetCash, are both suppliers in contention for the role.

If you are a big enough customer, then I'll set up a dedicated server, and I'll maintain that in a private network.

I've been anti-globalist for a long time, and I vowed never to use Amazon. Recently I've had a change in attitude, and I've decided to exploit them, and to use their services with caution. It's saving me money, and making life a lot simpler. I've also started to use a Ror window in the Brave Browser for some Internet activity. Privacy intrusion is an inconvenience for me, and not a risk to my liberty at the moment. However, If I get around to doing my analysis of Brexit and the British Empire, then I might need to consider anonymity. 

[crossabdd]

congrat to move from windows to linux.

Installing the Bitcoin node should have been simple, but I hit a number of problems. I was attempting to do this via the Terminal using the commands.
~ $ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:bitcoin/bitcoin
~ $ sudo apt-get update
~ $ sudo apt-get install bitcoin-qt

just info at windows you just need download bitcoin.exe haha 


anyway the problem at linux is only vew program avaible , at windows im use heidisql to maintenance my database, at linux i dont see the simple interface and complete feature like that. im at project blockchain implementation database, any recomended software?

[target]

congrat to move from windows to linux.

Installing the Bitcoin node should have been simple, but I hit a number of problems. I was attempting to do this via the Terminal using the commands.
~ $ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:bitcoin/bitcoin
~ $ sudo apt-get update
~ $ sudo apt-get install bitcoin-qt

just info at windows you just need download bitcoin.exe haha  


anyway the problem at linux is only vew program avaible , at windows im use heidisql to maintenance my database, at linux i dont see the simple interface and complete feature like that. im at project blockchain implementation database, any recomended software?

Isn't mysql an alternative to that?

There are tons of browser that you can install besides the common ones which were also being partnered by amazon, theres Palemoon or the duckduckgo. I think they offer more privacy than the firefox. There ain't just many devolopers creating extensions to these browsers.

[TheGodson]

One thing that has bothered me quite a bit is that windows does a yearly charge for Microsoft office. Word, excel, and powerpoint all cost money. I've switched to a free version called WPS which is really awesome.

I haven't heard a lot about Linux. What advantages does Linux actually have over windows? My fear of switching over is that a lot of files/things won't be compatible with the Linux operating system.

[Carlton Banks]

What advantages does Linux actually have over windows?

• more control
• more secure
• faster
• doesn't use you to collect your data

probably more, that's off the top of my head

My fear of switching over is that a lot of files/things won't be compatible with the Linux operating system.

file types are pretty universal, 99% work on Linux (.mp3, .doc, .avi etc). There'll be some high level professional apps that don't have a Linux version (e.g. Photoshop), but then you just use the Linux equivalent (for Photoshop it's GIMP)

[Jet Cash]

The project is going well, and it has expanded a bit, so I'll post a full update when I've decided on the final setup.

With regards to the advantages of Linux over Windows. I tend to think of it rather like this. Windows is similar to paying for a contract car. with a very limited choice of models. You never get to own it, and you have to let them check it over to see if you have changed or altered anything.. You also have to ensure that you have a facility for hitch hikers to climb aboard, even if you don't want them.  It's not very fuel efficient, and it doesn't always take the route you had planned. If a supermarket has paid Microsoft, then it will take you through their car park in the hope that you will stop and do some shopping. It loads a load of useless baggage in the boot. and it is difficult to get rid of it. In the end, you give up and junk the computer, and get a new one. This is great, because a guy like me can pick up the machine, install Linux on it, and have a nice efficient single function computer.

Linux is a different world, and it is free and open source. You can get almost anything from a bicycle, where you have to do all the work, and get lets of intellectual exercise, to a luxury sedan, where you just sit back, and enjoy a fast comfortable ride which takes you straight to your destination. There are 3 levels you need to consider - the core or engine, which is the actual Linux operating system, the implementation. which contains some tailoring and pre-configured packages, and GUI or skin. I decided to use Linux Mint with the Cinnamon GUI, as this is reputed to have the closest Windows feel, and contains Linux variants of most of the applications I use. It is based on Debian/Ubuntu, and that is a stable and popular Linux variant. I had a to make a few adjustments. For example, I've been using Irfanview for about 20 years, but that doesn't support Linux. I switched to Gimp, which wasn't very difficult to get used to, and it has several more advanced features.

[cabron]

Gimp has to go along with inkscape if you have to edit better graphix. There are tons of youtube tutorials I watched when I was trying to learn about these software. is Cinnamon GUI a lightweight?  Gnome is a more stable interface. If you learned the debian, you should also try the Fedora incase you also wanna try a more sophisticated Linux derivative. Its kind of a Redhat.

[Jet Cash]

They've tried to make Cinnamon as close to Windows as possible. If you are used to a Windows desktop, then you should feel right at home. Of course you still get the Linux advantages such as using terminal instead of putty to maintain a VPS.

[Carlton Banks]

is Cinnamon GUI a lightweight? 

not really

Gnome is a more stable interface.

it's also crappy Redhat tech (but looks pretty, if you like that sort of thing)

you should also try the Fedora incase you also wanna try a more sophisticated Linux derivative. Its kind of a Redhat.

not recommended, you're wrong

avoid RedHat/Fedora/Centos stuff, the OS or the tech they make (Gnome, systemd etc). It's buggy, designed badly, and limits your choices of other software on the same computer.

[ABCbits]

is Cinnamon GUI a lightweight?

Not really, you should look for Xfce or LXDE if you need lightweight GUI

Gnome is a more stable interface

Gnome 3 was really bad, read https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controversy_over_GNOME_3 or https://linuxdreambox.wordpress.com/2012/10/06/controversy-in-gnome-3/.

It is based on Debian/Ubuntu, and that is a stable and popular Linux variant.

For regular user, it's stable enough. But if you run it 24/7, i'd recommend Debian instead.

[friends1980]

The project is going well, and it has expanded a bit, so I'll post a full update when I've decided on the final setup.

(...)

6 months later... How is it going, Jet Cash, still having fun? I'm a bit disappointed I didn't discover this thread earlier. To be honest, I really thought the Ivory Tower was exclusively for crypto-related discussions.

I've switched to Linux since Ubuntu 7.04. I'm quite shocked to read on Wikipedia that this version was launched over 12 years ago, damn man, time flies...

That being said, I never got used to Unity. No idea how it looks nowadays but back then, these giant buttons on the side felt kinda... well slow, maybe? Undynamic? Dunno how to describe it but it didn't feel nice. I switched to Kubuntu... Later Linux Mint... And right now, I've got 2 different distros running.

I'm on MX on a 10 year old 4GB RAM laptop (which will be replaced by a brand new one, well... around Black Friday probably ). Mind you, I did replace one of the HDDs with an SSD. I also want to add that I am changing the laptop because this is the second time the battery's dying on me (meaning I had already bought a replacement to avoid buying a new laptop), there are some dead pixels, and one of the keyboard's buttons came loose. This thing works as smoothly as could be, but I am starting to lose friends who are embarassed to be seen in the proximity of my laptop.

I would love to hear your experience with other distros. I must admit I have no idea what reputation MX has when it comes to privacy and spyware. Truth is, I simply changed to the most popular distro on distrowatch (as long as it didn't have Unity).

The only things that disturb me (a bit) are the problems with (some) devices and peripherals. For instance, ID card readers are recognized, but not working.

My Brother laserjet works only if I ask it very nicely. Meaning it does the job but has a hard time with options, like "Print Selection" or "Grayscale" etc. I use my wife's PC if it doesn't work. Or I change the settings manually on the printer. Which is a pain in the a...

My Canon scanner doesn't work, even if I ask gently. So then it's back to the wife's again.

Secondly, as a musician I use some USB interface devices. I have a separate laptop for this (a supercheap 4GB Ram laptop), which I use exclusively for the music stuff. Also replaced the HDD by an SSD. This thing is 3 years old, cheap as hell, but works like heaven, even upto the most recent updates. [edit: This second laptop runs on Debian. It's the only "fairly common" distro that got my USB devices running.]

So, what's new, JC?

[guigui371]

I am using  Linux Mint, it is simple, runs like a charm.
I am not a pro on linux, been using it for like 7 years and still have to google how to install a software.

(unless it is available in the library and i just need to do sudo apt-get xxxx install)

Mint is quite minimalist and runs well on older machine.

It has a few essential software already installed, but was also stripped out of all the superfluous.