I don't know what keeps happening, but I wonder if it could be your computer and not the operating system? Maybe you've got a trojan virus: that's another possibility. I know my parents had to reboot the whole system last week.
But I suppose you probably don't want to hear this any more.
I just went to an Apple convention thing with Logan in Winnipeg today. Ohhh Baby am I sold on Mac. I hope to get one this summer. They are just like a kajillion times better.
The software choices are more limited than Windows -- but more than adequate to function in most areas-- especially if you havea broadband connection (e.g. so that you can do all of your Bible research online rather than with software on your machine). Find an old machine to try it out on first -- to decide if you'd really like it. Or if you've got room on your current hard-drive set it up to dual boot (run either Windows or Xandros). This is Linux for us mortals. I've got it set-up on my desktop as the only operating system for that machine (I haven't made the leap with my laptop, yet).
I've long been wanting to move to Linux, but despite all that's said about how easy it is to use, I find it a complete and obstructive pain.
Mount/demount - Why dammit?
Install packages not on the distro - a game of silly beggars.
Having to use shell commands - er, anyone remember the bad days of DOS?
Add new hardware - run in circles endlessly.
Driver availability - Pardon?
The interface is lovely. I've had mandrake 10 installed dual boot for a long time, but got so hacked off with it's non-inuitive 'under the bonnet' operation for an experienced windows user that I've lost interest. Now some of this is laziness for not researching properly, but give me a windoze machine and I can do quite a lot, even when M$ have hidden the commands in a different place from the last version. I had a mini-book "Linux for dummies" which had a teeny bit of info, then concluded with "if you want help, ask a usegroup".
My conclusion is that Linux isn't fit for general desktop use, and won't be until it's as easy to use as Win95.
Ours windows was pretty well shut down - would just simply freeze. Our virus scans didn't pick anything up. Got a different virus scan installed and wiped off about 10 viruses. It is back up and running fine now.
But what do I know that counts when it comes to computers? I'm sure you've thought of this.
There are only like 6 viruses for Mac's, out of all the people I have met with Mac's I haven't heard of anyone having a virus. Which is a nice benefit.
It's important to not only have virus detection software, but also have a firewall. My firewall regularly reports blocking intrusion attempts. BTW, I'm using Norton's internet security suite, which includes their firewall and virus detection. However my one-year subscription has expired, so I need to make a decision either to renew it or switch to one of the competitors. Does anyone have experience with McAfee's firewall? (before Norton, I used a firewall called AtGuard together with McAfee VirusScan).
I have used Zone Alarm's free version of a fire wall for a while now. I've found it to be much more useful than Windows XP's version. And it's very effective.
Now that I have a router, I use that as well, as a physical firewall. So with the both of them I'm pretty well covered.
I use AVG for my main virus protection, and Trend Micro for regular checkups. These two have given me safe coverage, no problems. If or when there are problems, they are caught right away.
Then I use Spybot and Ad-Aware SE Personal edition for watching and cleaning the everyday garbage.
Randall - I've heard lots of rude things said about Zone alarm. Currently I'm using Sygate, and it *seems* to be working well. Available as a free download. AA and Spybot are essential too, I agree.
Really? Zone Alarm is awesome. I read from several sources that people who were testing firewalls found that all of the major ones were just lacking in some of the basic areas, except for Zone Alarm, even Norton and McAfee. To check with what you've got download LeakTest and see what your firewall can do.
I've read that Zone Alarm may slow down you're internet a bit though mine's fine, but just get an connection optimizer and that should help. Zone Alarm is the shizzle.
Make the switch, my friend. You won't regret it.
ReplyDeleteTo Linux?
ReplyDelete:-) I know what you meant, Darryl.
I don't know what keeps happening, but I wonder if it could be your computer and not the operating system? Maybe you've got a trojan virus: that's another possibility. I know my parents had to reboot the whole system last week.
ReplyDeleteBut I suppose you probably don't want to hear this any more.
I just went to an Apple convention thing with Logan in Winnipeg today. Ohhh Baby am I sold on Mac. I hope to get one this summer. They are just like a kajillion times better.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.xandros.com/
ReplyDeleteThe software choices are more limited than Windows -- but more than adequate to function in most areas-- especially if you havea broadband connection (e.g. so that you can do all of your Bible research online rather than with software on your machine). Find an old machine to try it out on first -- to decide if you'd really like it. Or if you've got room on your current hard-drive set it up to dual boot (run either Windows or Xandros). This is Linux for us mortals. I've got it set-up on my desktop as the only operating system for that machine (I haven't made the leap with my laptop, yet).
I've long been wanting to move to Linux, but despite all that's said about how easy it is to use, I find it a complete and obstructive pain.
ReplyDeleteMount/demount - Why dammit?
Install packages not on the distro - a game of silly beggars.
Having to use shell commands - er, anyone remember the bad days of DOS?
Add new hardware - run in circles endlessly.
Driver availability - Pardon?
The interface is lovely. I've had mandrake 10 installed dual boot for a long time, but got so hacked off with it's non-inuitive 'under the bonnet' operation for an experienced windows user that I've lost interest. Now some of this is laziness for not researching properly, but give me a windoze machine and I can do quite a lot, even when M$ have hidden the commands in a different place from the last version. I had a mini-book "Linux for dummies" which had a teeny bit of info, then concluded with "if you want help, ask a usegroup".
My conclusion is that Linux isn't fit for general desktop use, and won't be until it's as easy to use as Win95.
Sorry to rant.
Ours windows was pretty well shut down - would just simply freeze. Our virus scans didn't pick anything up. Got a different virus scan installed and wiped off about 10 viruses. It is back up and running fine now.
ReplyDeleteBut what do I know that counts when it comes to computers? I'm sure you've thought of this.
There are only like 6 viruses for Mac's, out of all the people I have met with Mac's I haven't heard of anyone having a virus. Which is a nice benefit.
ReplyDeleteIt's important to not only have virus detection software, but also have a firewall. My firewall regularly reports blocking intrusion attempts. BTW, I'm using Norton's internet security suite, which includes their firewall and virus detection. However my one-year subscription has expired, so I need to make a decision either to renew it or switch to one of the competitors. Does anyone have experience with McAfee's firewall? (before Norton, I used a firewall called AtGuard together with McAfee VirusScan).
ReplyDeletePhil;
ReplyDeleteI have used Zone Alarm's free version of a fire wall for a while now. I've found it to be much more useful than Windows XP's version. And it's very effective.
Now that I have a router, I use that as well, as a physical firewall. So with the both of them I'm pretty well covered.
I use AVG for my main virus protection, and Trend Micro for regular checkups. These two have given me safe coverage, no problems. If or when there are problems, they are caught right away.
Then I use Spybot and Ad-Aware SE Personal edition for watching and cleaning the everyday garbage.
Randall - I've heard lots of rude things said about Zone alarm. Currently I'm using Sygate, and it *seems* to be working well. Available as a free download. AA and Spybot are essential too, I agree.
ReplyDeleteReally? Zone Alarm is awesome. I read from several sources that people who were testing firewalls found that all of the major ones were just lacking in some of the basic areas, except for Zone Alarm, even Norton and McAfee. To check with what you've got download LeakTest and see what your firewall can do.
ReplyDeleteI've read that Zone Alarm may slow down you're internet a bit though mine's fine, but just get an connection optimizer and that should help. Zone Alarm is the shizzle.