Giving Linux a try again...

[Whipon]

Good night, how are you?.

In all my years using computers, I tried to use Linux as my main OS several times. However, since I was very used to Windows, I always returned to it, frustrated. My skills didn't suffice or those distributions I tried were not friendly enough for me.

Last year I had to learn some Linux skills by force to be able to build my two arcade cabs.

Recently I got tired of my Win 8. I found very annoying that I had to wait several minutes to use my PC just because some updates are being installed. The lag when opening some folders...the anti spyware, the anti virus, the malware scanner. Lots of years with these annoyances led me to search for a new OS.

I searched the web for a Linux distribution for people like me migrating from Windows. Then I found Linux Mint. So I watched several video reviews and I liked it.

I installed it last Friday, set up all my favourite emulators in wine and I think I can say good bye to Windows.

Most of my PC usage is surfing the web, or hack old games. I can do all of these tasks perfectly with this OS. I almost never play commercial games, but I read most of them may work using Wine.

I wanted to share my experience and to hear yours too. Did you have a similar experience, having to migrate from Windows to Linux?.
What OS are you using?. Will you recommend it?.

Regards ^_^.

Whipon.

[Whipon]

I want to update the post. Lots of things changed since I wrote it.

I was wrong. Some emulators I use to hack games, like MESS worked in Linux, but with limitations. It seems Wine had some permission issues. This OS was great to surf the web, but not so great for game hacking.

Then I tought "What if I install Windows 8.1 back and then I create an alternate standard account?". That way I can use the computer without admin permissions, and if needed I can ask for them with my admin password. No software can run with admin permissions without my consent.

It took me like 8 reinstalls to find that Windows 8.1 is a piece of crap. I tried a 8.1 clean install, upgrading it from the store...but I allways ended with a broken Windows Update and Metro Apps.

So I ended installing Windows 8, created the alternate standard account, updated it, installed all my software and after some tweaks at last I finished. Then I did the same to all my Windows 8 computers.

It seems once you get used to Windows and some of its applications, you're trapped.
I hope this new setup can ensure the safety of my new installed system.


So, what do you think?. What Windows OS are you using, and what security measures do you have?.

Regards ^_^.

Whipon.

[lee4]

If your computer's CPU has Intel VT-x or AMD-V compatibles and minimum 2GB of RAM
you can run two different OS same time without speed lost with MS VirtualPC or Sun VirtualBox

[Whipon]

Thanks, Lee!.
Yes I was aware of VirtualBox, but I didn't want to use a virtual computer for everyday use.
Regards.

[lee4]

you could have
Linux as host/main OS
then run Windows with VirtualBox

[Whipon]

Yes, you're right, I can perfectly do that.
I've used VirtualBox several times to do somes tests. I'm familiar with that software.
But I don't like the idea. I like to run my apps natively.
Thanks again .

[47iscool]

I used Linux several times, but only because my Windows backup discs were damaged. My PC did not come with them so I had to by cheap dvd+r's. And vista was on those and it required me to reboot about 2-3 per year. Then it all changed when I finally got Windows 7. Best OS I have ever used and I have never had to reboot it once.

I originally wanted to run XP but it blue screens every time I tried to install.

If you want the best I suggest getting Windows 7. Linux is okay but it is something I could never get comfortable with. Windows 8 is terrible IMO.

[lee4]

I originally wanted to run XP but it blue screens every time I tried to install.

really!? I have XP running under VirtualPC and Virtualbox without problem

[47iscool]

Virtual box is the only way I can run XP. I basically meant I wanted it to be running natively instead virtually.

[lee4]

If your computer's CPU has Intel VT-x or AMD-V compatibles
all program runs natively on VirtualPC (See Windows 7 with XP mode) and Virtualbox (windowless mode) will passthrough, no emulation except for Video card.

If your computer's CPU does NOT have Intel VT-x or AMD-V compatibles
VirtualPC and Virtualbox will emulate everything

[Pyriel]

He means he was trying to install XP as his primary OS, not in a VM.

[lee4]

if that is the case might due bios config or XP installer doesnt have proper driver for new hardware

[Whipon]

I agre with you, 47iscool. Windows 7 is better than 8 in lots of aspects.
I use 8 because I paid for it. Back in the day when Microsoft had the promotional $40 upgrade, I did it in all my machines.
Linux is ok for most things, but I couldn't use it as my main OS. Like you in the end I was not feeling confortable.
Thanks a lot for all the feedback .