Wow, just wow!

[catabryna]

I'm using Ubuntu 10.10 from the dvd and I can't wait to install on the hd. It is so much more user friendly than the older versions of Linux (which I never did get the hang of). E-mail is easy to configure, downloads are nearly as quick (which is amazing since I'm running off the dvd). And, I love the built in office.org programs.

Even running it from the dvd, it is clearly more stable and I don't appear to be having any problems with my modem/router either. I even have google search features for 2008-2009 news again! Man, someone really managed to screw up my Win 7 OS.

Thanks for your help and I hope I can rely on you all again. If I had some money to donate, I'd give you all hearts! :)

I do have one question... do you all know of a reliable virus scanning program?

[struggle4progress]

1. Your options for free antivirus are limited:

Antivirus
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Antivirus

If you read the webpage above, however, it may make you feel better about the security of Linux: virus infections are not impossible, but they're much less likely than in Windows

Here's the ClamAV website: http://www.clamav.net/lang/en/download/packages/packages-linux/

Try this to install it:
Applications >> Accessories, click Terminal'
When the terminal comes up type sudo apt-get install clamav clamtk
Press return
(Generally you'll be asked for your root password; I don't know what happens with the liveCD)
You'll be asked if you want to install certain packages: type y and press return
when it's done installing, close the terminal window

What is sudo apt-get install clamav clamtk?
sudo means you want to run as root
apt-get handles packages
install is what you want apt-get to do
clamav is the antivirus program
clamtk is a graphical user interface (GUI) for clamav so you don't have to work in terminal

You can find the antivirus now in Applications >> Accessories (I think)
You may have to update clam to get the virus definition files

IIRC you have to be proactive using clam: it doesn't update itself; you have to update it, and make sure regularly that you have current anti-virus files. Also it does do much except tell you that a file is infected: you're responsible for deciding what to do with the infected file, and I don't think clam will try to repair it or quarantine it

Given the problems you've had, you might also want to look into firewalls. See ufw here: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UFW

[catabryna]

2. Thank you for the information,,,

and I agree with you about the firewall; that was going to be another post. I think I'll start with the firewall first.

The only thing I had problems with is my printer, but it does appear that the manufacturer has the drivers I need. Right now, I'm just trying to decide if I want to do a dual boot, or just get rid of Win altogether. I'm leaning toward dumping Win.

Thanks again!

[struggle4progress]

3. If you decide to do a dual boot, you might want to go with a clean install

of Windows first -- and make sure not to install Norton 360. Windows splatters files all over the drive, so Ubuntu may not find much continguous space for an install. I had lots of trouble doing this a few years back, and the fact that I had Norton 360 on the machine provided extra pain and suffering. I did it with an existing install of Windows and put a lot of energy into defragging the disk. Aaargh!

How da F! does I git my Windows files more together earlier on my disk?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=242&topic_id=26522

[catabryna]

5. I ended up spending all day yesterday working on this...

Ubuntu wouldn't load properly, I'm assuming because of some strange coding on my computer. My disk wipe wouldn't install properly, either. So, I had to clean install Win 7, then reinstall my disk erase program. It took five hours to wipe the disk. I then booted to Ubuntu dvd with no problem and it installed without a hitch. The program went out and grabbed the updates which also installed without a problem. I also got the firewall running.

I completely got rid of Win 7.

In addition, I checked my son's computer and, even though I don't remember setting it, his computer was set to discover mine. I changed that setting. I am no longer having problems with my modem/router. As soon as I become more comfortable with this OS, I'm going to install it on my son's computer.

And, I'm glad to know that the problems I was experiencing weren't in my head. I went to a site last night that I had been to a couple of days earlier when I was still using the Win 7 OS. The site was completely different and, I'm not just talking about it how the site looked format-wise; I mean really different in terms of content. It appears that my computer was being redirected to all sorts of fake web pages. I'm feeling somewhat vindicated today.

[pokerfan]

4. Slick aint it?

I had the same thoughts when I began with 8.10. Kicking myself that I didn't jump on Ubuntu earlier but I had tried Red Hat many years earlier and had determined it was strictly for enthusiasts and not for regular folk who just want to get things done.

I was updating every six months but I'm happing with 10.04 (an LTS release) so unless Cannonical comes out with a reason to update, I will be on the every 24 months schedule.

[catabryna]

6. Ah, yes... Red Hat

That was my last experience with Linux. My husband (now deceased) had a dual boot system with Red Hat on it. I fiddled around with it for quite a while and I, too, came to the conclusion that it was for enthusiasts and waaaaaay over my head! He liked that kind of stuff... I know just enough to be dangerous. B-)