Linux newbie questions

[Gabe_G]

Hey guys I am new to linux in the fact I don't know about why its so secure.l, and better then Windows. So here is a list of questions I have before I conserder switching over

1. Why is linux better then Windows?

2. Do I need antivirus software? And
How can I run Microsoft office in linux?

3. What is the difference between running apt-get-update & apt-get upgrade versus going into the update manager and doing updates that way?

4. How do I write iso images in linux without it being screwed up when I go to boot from the usb drive?

I look forward to to hearing from you thanks.

 

[Rocky Bennett]

1. It is not better, it is different.
2a. No.
2b. You can use WINE to run Office
3. No real difference, some people like it one way and some people like it another way.
4. In Linux there is built in software that allows you to write ISO images.

 

[Grobe]

Answers on 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9trXGOS2WlE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLbUwGI522k

Answer on 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyz-0puebPM

Answer on 3:
Takes less time to typing than navigates through menus. Other than that I don't know.

4. I'll suggest using MultiBootUSB to make bootable usb sticks from iso images.

[edit]
y 2b answer: do get use to use Libre Office. There is very little things you can't do in Libre Office compared to MS office - at least nothing that I miss.
That said: Formula editor in Libre Office is way more powerful than for MS office, once you get to learn the syntax.

 

[USAFRet]

It is "more secure" for two main reasons:

1. Much smaller user base, so why waste efforts?
2. A much more clued in userbase, that is less likely to do stupid things and infect the system.

That said...Linux, in all its variations, is not immune to malware.


And for MS Office? Why bother? Yes, you can do it under WINE. But LibreOffice would serve for the vast majority of uses.

 

[Rocky Bennett]

It is "more secure" for two main reasons:

1. Much smaller user base, so why waste efforts?
2. A much more clued in userbase, that is less likely to do stupid things and infect the system.

That said...Linux, in all its variations, is not immune to malware.


And for MS Office? Why bother? Yes, you can do it under WINE. But LibreOffice would serve for the vast majority of uses.

Every word in this post is 100% correct.

 

[Gabe_G]

I think you guys already answered it but why is linux better i8n privacy then windows?

 

[USAFRet]

I think you guys already answered it but why is linux better i8n privacy then windows?

"privacy"?

Well...iOS is a variant of Unix. As is Linux. No more private than Windows.
Android (google) is a variant of Linux. No more private than Windows.

For actual Linux? That depends on what you mean by "Linux".
But, it simply does not have all the same corporate hooks in it.
However, in a lot of functions, it does not have the same functionality.

Or, for some Linux distros...it is no more 'private' than Windows is.


The basic reason/answer you're looking for is simply $$$$.

 

[Rocky Bennett]

I think you guys already answered it but why is linux better i8n privacy then windows?

Just like USAFRet said, Linux is not more private than Windows. Actually, I have been involved with Linux for several years and I have never heard anyone suggest that.

It is simply not true and no one even claims it.

 

[Gabe_G]

Also are any good forums linux forums that you guys use if you run into any issues besides this forum? I have a galaxy note 8 that came with android largest and greatest, i am wondering is android a version of linux expect that it's for smartphones? I look forward to to hearing from you thanks.

 

[USAFRet]

Also are any good forums linux forums that you guys use if you run into any issues besides this forum? I have a galaxy note 8 that came with android largest and greatest, i am wondering is android a version of linux expect that it's for smartphones? I look forward to to hearing from you thanks.

(same link as above)
Android is Based on Linux, But What Does That Mean?
https://www.howtogeek.com/189036/android-is-based-on-linux-but-what-does-that-mean/

 

[USAFRet]

Different forums for "Linux"?
Various forums dedicated to the specific distro or StackExchange.

 

[Rocky Bennett]

In addition to what USAFRet said there are a whole bunch of general Linux forums that offer great advice and information, I belong to three different Linux forums that are not distro specific.

 

[Dave8671]

I Linux mint uses Ubuntu package infrastructure which is the package manager [ that name sounds cryptic to me] just think program manager sounds better. I use mint cause the GUI reminds me of windows GUI. And its much more stable than Ubuntu cause you can control what is updated on your system. Maybe Ubuntu offers that now

The difference between apt-get and update or package manager is:
If i wanted to install 3 program's I could type in the commadline

Apt-get install k3b xpad xsane

than press enter all these would be installed in a few seconds to minutes. If I were install the same packages manager I have to search click everyone and click apply.
Think of the package manager as a frontend[ meaning GUI] to apt-get. If I am lazy I use GUI.

 

[Gabe_G]

thanks for the help.

 

[failboat]

2. no but it doesn't mean you're safe. most attacks happen from phishing where you unintentionally give up information. you should still learn how to minimize risk. you shouldn't be providing the opportunity for attack, even if chances are high that it's not designed for your system.

downloading software in ubuntu from official repos is one example of minimizing your risk by downloading from a trusted provider.

If you want a free tool to keep, you safer you can get a router with snort on it. it will shut the network off of a computer if it thinks it's network activity is unusual. I run it on my pfsense firewall/router. If snort shuts down something, then you can bust out the virus detection tools.

 

[Gabe_G]

thanks for your help.

2. no but it doesn't mean you're safe. most attacks happen from phishing where you unintentionally give up information. you should still learn how to minimize risk. you shouldn't be providing the opportunity for attack, even if chances are high that it's not designed for your system.

downloading software in ubuntu from official repos is one example of minimizing your risk by downloading from a trusted provider.

If you want a free tool to keep, you safer you can get a router with snort on it. it will shut the network off of a computer if it thinks it's network activity is unusual. I run it on my pfsense firewall/router. If snort shuts down something, then you can bust out the virus detection tools.