Linux OS

[dueda]

If only the hacker front would forget about exploits and go after source code!

Hacking is like a teenager thing, lots to explore and challenge, no real point. Lacks a transition model to tell them when to move on to productive stuff or how to find constructive (or really de-constructive) venues. See what happened to WikiLeaks, the Code Breakers, etc.

[waregim]

[quote pid='264007' dateline='1549238281']

Now, one more question: if you get the hang of a "beginner" system like Mint, would it be sensible to want to stick with it even if you know "enough" to switch?
[/quote]

Considering Mint for beginners, for a good *stable* system for one willing to move up a notch or two and experiment with scripting and modding, I would probably recommend Magaeia. Its based on RedHat, which is one of the original Linux distros.

Debian is the oldest, but a heavy emphasis (until recently) on avoiding korporate kode. Drivers, especially Nvidia and even ATI could be a dog to install. As an example, on my 32 bit system, Debian decided to deprecate its video drivers, which ran fine on Mint and RedHat. I use it as I need it for my programming languages that do not fare so well under Win, and its 60k+ archive has nearly every library needed. And then some. I recommend Debian Testing/Sid for the fledgling cyber-masochist who is perfectly delighted to find himself booting up to a black screen with a blinking cursor after SystemD snuck in an 'update'. Thats when I say to a poofter named Lennart: "Bring it on!"

As far as the korporate krapola, most distros have adopted RedHats SystemD, which in effect turns them into Win Lite. There are a few holdouts like Devuan, but its an extra layer of pain to update successfully.

[RobertX]

Then I guess I'll be a beginner forever.

[dueda]

Now you know why I never got into Linux after trying like a dozen distros.

[waregim]

One thing to remember is that while Linux has an incredible number of crappy apps, like GUI apps with few or nearly no configuration options - there quite a few very good ones like qBittorrent and vlc, as well as LibreOffice. The problem is that the OS is designed to view a program as TWO components: The app, and its Gui interface. The apps, like Apache and MySQL can be quite powerful, but have their interface components crappy, as they were only programmed for minimal uses.

The nice thing about this method is that you can use the command line to chain apps from one to the other and display the output, hopefully into on with a gui. This is great for scripts.

Most of this *can* be done on Win, but there are usually complications. For example, I have perl scripts that fix etext file names, but on occasion they will choke on files for no discernable reason. Some scripts refuse to compile under Win as there are no ports for the libs needed. So Linux comes to the rescue here.

The problem here is that M$ is planning on killing off Win7, and there is no way in freaking hell I am letting Win10 near my network. I will probably migrate my Win7 machines to Linux, and perhaps run Win8 in a VM.

I keep up with the latest bleeding edge version of Wine, so that nearly all my regular Win apps should run in it. The version of Photoshop we have should also work with it.

Point being: One would do well to start taking baby steps to learn Linux, before one winds up with a required monthly paid subscription plan just to boot into Windoze 11.
Its definitely in the future,

Our enemy is the Cloud.

[dueda]

While I agree with the dark clouds on our horizon, there're other corsairs coming - Google, for one. And who knows what other FOSS usurpers wait to jump on us?

[RobertX]

Wow, dueda, I'm impressed at your English.

How did you learn that well?

OK, back on topic: Too bad, I plan on Windows 7 for years to come despite the "warning." I can't find enough money to buy a system that can go beyond Windows 7.

[dueda]

Wow, dueda, I'm impressed at your English. How did you learn that well?

I don't know what to say. I just rammed into a stone wall of sarcasm and rebounded to the floor, bleeding shock and awe.

I plan on Windows 7 for years to come despite the "warning." I can't find enough money to buy a system that can go beyond.

Not sure I understood that one, any PC running Windows 7 should be able to run 8 and even 10, some drivers don't even need to be replaced; usually the GPU is a problem but a "generic VGA" should do the trick, if it is so old. Unless you're using a 1st gen Celeron CPU or if you're poorer than me, beyond 7 is good to go.

[RobertX]

I'm using a Pentium 4 Prescott CPU, and no, Diablo II does not run on the default driver, or rather, runs very slowly, along with all the DirectX shit. I'd show you myself, but how would I know that you're not a MAFIAA member since I run pirated games?

About the first remark, it was a joke. You are Brazillian, and English is not a lingua franca for Brazil, so I was "surprised" that you can wield English rhetoric akin to a samurai wielding a katana sword. Pay it no mind.

EDIT: In case I didn't make myself clear, my computer is a 32-bit Dell Dimension 3100. It was made in the last decade (I bought it in 2006) and I was very lucky to even have found drivers that can be used in Windows 7.

So it's Windows 7 forever for me - until I build a newer computer.

What's more? My GNU/Linux box is up-to-date, but still crawling on 32-bit.

[waregim]

EDIT: In case I didn't make myself clear, my computer is a 32-bit Dell Dimension 3100. It was made in the last decade (I bought it in 2006) and I was very lucky to even have found drivers that can be used in Windows 7.

So it's Windows 7 forever for me - until I build a newer computer.
What's more? My GNU/Linux box is up-to-date, but still crawling on 32-bit.

I am writing this on a 2006 era 64bit Dell Optiplex. With an e6504 C2D. The mobo is 'new' as I had purchased it used about 6 mo. ago. From Ebay. For $14. I discovered it was entirely backwards, and needed a front panel 'module' to operate: $6.  I used the memory and CPU from a previous mobo, and strapped on my own heatsink and fan.

I should note that I could have gotten a much 'better' and faster setup for not much more - but was determined to keep the 6504 chip as it is one of the last before the NSA spyware was forced through. It does have the option, though. But it can be turned off. This, and my XP machines can survice a full scale cyberattack.

The 32 bit machines are fine for 'normal' use, but may choke on the humongous sizes of files these days. Some of the newer stuff wants newer SSE instruction sets, but I have no need for them yet.

This 6504 runs Debian Sid 64 bit fine. Mebbe not as fast as some new iCrap 18 core wonder, but I am in no hurry.

Next garbage day in your town go trolling for a decent system on the curb. Some places have 'recycling' for machines which should include 64bit by now.

If buying a replacement Dell mobo, just make sure it is consistent with your case!
(I didnt....)