Linux: an alternative to Windows 10

I have used Linux for quite some time.
Its free.
The way it manages files makes itso easy to find what you want effortlessly.
Software is free.
Libre Office is as good as the Windows expensive word

You can use it alongside Windows in a separate partition
All done for you.
I like it

Chris

Linux Mint 19 For Windows Users

https://youtube.com/watch?v=eI7QQqnV1P8&t=378s

Linux Mint 19 Tara Cinnamon - A Perfect Blend Of Beauty & Spice

https://youtube.com/watch?v=zJyFrVBzx8M&t=296s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI7QQqnV1P8&t=378s


https://youtube.com/watch?v=kSIvq9KvPp0

I use the laptop for Word Processing, @mail, downloading u tube videos --surfing the net.
Im not into games.
So Linux out of the box so to speak meets all my requirements at no expense to me.
The first video posted is possibly the best advice as is the third one.

Chris

Thank you Chris, this is interesting and timely. I was recently worrying about the impending end to Win 7 support, which effectively forces an upgrade to Win 10. No thanks. I already have Win 10 on my laptop, and it is top to bottom inside out hideous. That's just the user experience, forget the terrible privacy issues.

I've been a Windows user since 3.1. The idea of moving to another platform is a bit scary. But I'm liking the look of Linux Mint 19, probably because the general nuts and bolts of it looks so familiar. That's a big selling point for me. My one concern is the compatibility of my software, particularly with how Libre handles MS Office documents. I need to look into that.

See this post (<---) for some comparisons between various OSes.

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Posted by Star Mariner

Thank you Chris, this is interesting and timely. I was recently worrying about the impending end to Win 7 support, which effectively forces an upgrade to Win 10. No thanks. I already have Win 10 on my laptop, and it is top to bottom inside out hideous. That's just the user experience, forget the terrible privacy issues.

I've been a Windows user since 3.1. The idea of moving to another platform is a bit scary. But I'm liking the look of Linux Mint 19, probably because the general nuts and bolts of it looks so familiar. That's a big selling point for me. My one concern is the compatibility of my software, particularly with how Libre handles MS Office documents. I need to look into that.

---

Like you I used Windows since the very first one came out.
The latest really sucks--It trys to be helpful but it hides my files in the most unlikely places.

You dont need to be an expert with Linux--everything is very logical.
As far as handling MS Office documents I cant give you and answer but the font can be modified in Libre --I think that is mentioned in the first video.

I downloaded Linux Mint from the same source as on the first video--put the ISO on a usb stick. inserted that into the laptop, turned it on an followed the simple instructions--trouble free install and relatively quick.

If you have reservation you are given the choice to try it --then decide--you can then install without removing Windows--or go the whole way and windows and all files will be deleted--for safety sake I put everything I needed on a separate device.

I was going from an earlier version of Linux--which I removed completely by choice--all done by the Linux software ion the USB stick.
I have the older version on another USB stick so if I did not like it I could reinstall that.

Have no fear Linux is the real deal--It does the job effortlessly--its simple--anyone can use it.

Chris

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Posted by Hervé

See this post (<---) for some comparisons between various OSes.

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Hi Herve
That post is virtually a year old--valid then.
The latest Mint runs cool--a big step up from earlier versions.

Chris

I use Linux, Ubuntu, I know you're focusing on Mint, greybeard. :)
Been using it for about 10 years now.

I tried Windows 10 once, lasted about an hour. It's been completely removed from my computer.

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The latest Mint runs cool--a big step up from earlier versions.

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Well, then, check it out: https://linuxmint.com/


:)

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Posted by Hervé

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The latest Mint runs cool--a big step up from earlier versions.

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Well, then, check it out: https://linuxmint.com/


:)

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This is the latest edition but its a different system.
I would not recommend this---yet.
The one I am promoting is an evolution of tried and tested---safe bet so to speak.
It has regular updates and i fully supported.
Chris

LMDE 3 Cindy

LMDE is a Linux Mint project and it stands for “Linux Mint Debian Edition”. Its main goal is for the Linux Mint team to see how viable our distribution would be and how much work would be necessary if Ubuntu was ever to disappear. LMDE aims to be as similar as possible to Linux Mint, but without using Ubuntu. The package base is provided by Debian instead.

There are no point releases in LMDE. Other than bug fixes and security fixes Debian base packages stay the same, but Mint and desktop components are updated continuously. When ready, newly developed features get directly into LMDE, whereas they are staged for inclusion on the next upcoming Linux Mint point release.

As said Im not into games but for those who are--there is a multitude of free games available on Linux and its possible to use Windows related software and games within the system. I haven't but here is a video and loads of other Linux Mint videos on u tube.

Chris

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Wb9RupIkhQ8

Good informative thread.

I've used linux since 1996, starting with Slackware by downloading 54 5.25 floppy images at 9600 baud and dual booting with window 3.11. Slackware quickly bit me in the butt due to 3 unacknowledged and automatically installed no-password root accounts.

Windows XP is the last one I had as part of dual boot system. I'm not sure exactly when I went exclusively linux, but what held me back was the lack of a music notation program sufficiently useful for even the very simple tunes I occasionally write. I've tried about 20 distributions and eventually settled on Debian as the one most useful for me. I may eventually putter around with Linux Mint Debian Edition "because it's there"

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Posted by gord

Good informative thread.

I've used linux since 1996, starting with Slackware by downloading 54 5.25 floppy images at 9600 baud and dual booting with window 3.11. Slackware quickly bit me in the butt due to 3 unacknowledged and automatically installed no-password root accounts.

Windows XP is the last one I had as part of dual boot system. I'm not sure exactly when I went exclusively linux, but what held me back was the lack of a music notation program sufficiently useful for even the very simple tunes I occasionally write. I've tried about 20 distributions and eventually settled on Debian as the one most useful for me. I may eventually putter around with Linux Mint Debian Edition "because it's there"

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Im going off topic
As a Musician I use the Presonus Studio One 4 professional DAW they have a chord track which is helpful for those who write their own music--I dont--also an additional purchase of Notation to write music--unfortunately it only works on Windows or Mac.

Chris

Running Windows Programs on Linux

This not something I have done but its nice to know its possible
Chris

ExplainingComputers
Published on 5 Nov 2017
Running Windows software on Linux using Wine, PlayOnLinux, Winetricks and CrossOver, and demonstrated on the distros Zorin OS and Linux Mint.

The Wine website is at: https://www.winehq.org/

The PlayOnLinux website is at: https://www.playonlinux.com/en/

The Winetricks website is at: https://wiki.winehq.org/Winetricks

The Codeweavers CrossOver web pages are at: https://www.codeweavers.com/

If you are interested in the free Windows programs I ran in this video, they were:

NoteTab: https://www.notetab.com/ -- the free version is NoteTab Light

Sculptris: http://pixologic.com/sculptris/

Sketchup: https://www.sketchup.com/ -- the free version is Sketchup Make.

You may also be interested in videos:

Seven Linux Distros: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYFcT...

Embracing Linux: Mint Week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EAes...

Embracing Linux: Bootable USB Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Vq_v...
More videos on computing and related topics can be found at: https://youtube.com/explainingcomp...


https://youtube.com/watch?v=dqZDuKB949U

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Posted by greybeard

Im going off topic
As a Musician I use the Presonus Studio One 4 professional DAW they have a chord track which is helpful for those who write their own music--I dont--also an additional purchase of Notation to write music--unfortunately it only works on Windows or Mac.

Chris

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Needing to do some serious gaming, and serious multi-media work, are two of the use cases in which I might power up my Windows box that has been sitting unused on my floor for the last few years. LibreOffice, formerly called Open Office, provides high quality (well, good enough for my modest needs) handling of Microsoft Office documents, spreadsheets and presentations on Linux.

I've used and done serious programming on Unix, then Linux, since I was getting it on 9-track tapes from Ken Thompson, inside Bell Labs, in the 1970's. I've used DOS, then Windows, since I was my company's DOS networking guru in the 1980's.

I deeply prefer Unix/Linux over Windows. All the computers I regularly use are running some variant of Linux: my desktop PC (runs Gentoo), the Avalon server (runs CentOS), my own web servers (run Ubuntu), and my tablets (run Android).

For someone who is more familiar with Windows and considering moving to Linux, the following three Linux distributions (distros) look interesting. I generated this list of distros just now by doing a Google search for "best linux distribution for windows users", and then matching up some of the distros mentioned in the first few Google hits with which distros are currently most popular, according to Distrowatch.com:

• Mint
• Elementary
• Zorin

These three distros are three of the top ten most popular distros listed in Distrowatch.com. Migrating from Windows to Linux is a very popular activity these days.

The distro that I currently prefer to use in my home PC, Gentoo, is way down that Distrowatch.com list, at number 48. I use Gentoo because I can avoid systemd, and because Gentoo is deeply customizable. This would be rather like an old car buff saying that he only uses custom built engines in his car so that he can use Weber carburetors and avoid the overly computerized ignition and injection systems found in most cars these days.

How complex would it be to get my new laptop that is running Windows 8.1 to move to Linux (distro)?

Also, what are the advantages? And how big of a learning curve would it be?

I only used Linux briefly in the 90s.

I did use to use DOS back in the day!

Thanks in advance. :)

MM

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Posted by Michelle Marie

How complex would it be to get my new laptop that is running Windows 8.1 to move to Linux (distro)?

Also, what are the advantages? And how big of a learning curve would it be?

I only used Linux briefly in the 90s.

I did use to use DOS back in the day!

Thanks in advance. :)

MM

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Dear Michelle
Watch the first video it all in that.
I installed Mint 19 two days ago and it was so easy and relatively quick.
No big learning curve--its so logical you dont need any instructions--the opening page gives you all you need.
Just check out the first video.

Chris

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Posted by greybeard

Quote:

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Posted by Michelle Marie

How complex would it be to get my new laptop that is running Windows 8.1 to move to Linux (distro)?

Also, what are the advantages? And how big of a learning curve would it be?

I only used Linux briefly in the 90s.

I did use to use DOS back in the day!

Thanks in advance. :)

MM

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Dear Michelle
Watch the first video it all in that.
I installed Mint 19 two days ago and it was so easy and relatively quick.
No big learning curve--its so logical you dont need any instructions--the opening page gives you all you need.
Just check out the first video.

Chris

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Ok, I will. I started at the last post first, and I'm catching up on the other posts right now.

Just found this thread. Thank you!

MM

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Posted by Michelle Marie

Ok, I will. I started at the last post first, and ...

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Ah - if by "last post" you mean my Post #14, above, then that is probably the "last post" you should read on this thread. My perspective is, shall we say, not the same as that of those who will most appreciate greybeard's starting this discussion.

:) :cow: :)

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Posted by Paul

getting it on 9-track tapes from Ken Thompson, inside Bell Labs, in the 1970's.

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As an amateur geek who didn't get very far, and really doesn't know much, I'm still going to say "Wow!"

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Posted by Paul

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Posted by Michelle Marie

Ok, I will. I started at the last post first, and ...

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Ah - if by "last post" you mean my Post #14, above, then that is probably the "last post" you should read on this thread. My perspective is, shall we say, not the same as that of those who will most appreciate greybeard's starting this discussion.

:) :cow: :)

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Well, what interested me is that you said LibreOffoce can handle Microsoft Office documents, AND that you prefer Linux over Windows.

I really didn't want Windows 8.1, and since I just got it yesterday, this is very timely information. I don't have any files on the laptop yet.

However, I have a desktop which I run Windows 7. It is NEVER on the Internet. But I do often create things that I transfer onto a thumb drive, then send over the Internet. My laptop with Vista just went haywire, and that's what I've replaced.

It might be good to create a partition and run it alongside Windows. I'll have to decide about that.

I did see the first video. It definitely seems easy enough to set up.

I'll learn a bit more and pick up an extra thumb drive before I load it. But Linux seems safer; more private.
Windows 8.1 doesn't feel quite right, and Windows 10 definitely creeps me out!

I do like Windows 7 the best.

MM

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Posted by Star Mariner

Thank you Chris, this is interesting and timely. I was recently worrying about the impending end to Win 7 support, which effectively forces an upgrade to Win 10. No thanks. I already have Win 10 on my laptop, and it is top to bottom inside out hideous. That's just the user experience, forget the terrible privacy issues.

I've been a Windows user since 3.1. The idea of moving to another platform is a bit scary. But I'm liking the look of Linux Mint 19, probably because the general nuts and bolts of it looks so familiar. That's a big selling point for me. My one concern is the compatibility of my software, particularly with how Libre handles MS Office documents. I need to look into that.

---

You'll probably like Linux Mint Cinnamon, which is a GUI similar to WinXP. I like the Cinnamon GUI better than any other, by far, but it does crash once in awhile on bootup. I used Mint for years till I recently switched to Debian Cinnamon which runs more slowly and surely. Although this post is being written on a Mac -- in my opinion Mac has the worst GUI around. But it's also possibly the most stable OS out there, system-wise.

Quote:

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Posted by Michelle Marie

How complex would it be to get my new laptop that is running Windows 8.1 to move to Linux (distro)?

Also, what are the advantages? And how big of a learning curve would it be?

I only used Linux briefly in the 90s.

I did use to use DOS back in the day!

Thanks in advance. :)

MM

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Most painless way to switch to Linux is dual boot -- Linux Mint DVD give you that option. Eventually, you'll find you're booting to Windows less and less.

¤=[Post Update]=¤

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Posted by Michelle Marie

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Posted by Paul

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Posted by Michelle Marie

Ok, I will. I started at the last post first, and ...

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Ah - if by "last post" you mean my Post #14, above, then that is probably the "last post" you should read on this thread. My perspective is, shall we say, not the same as that of those who will most appreciate greybeard's starting this discussion.

:) :cow: :)

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I do like Windows 7 the best.

MM

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then go with linux mint cinnamon

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Posted by TomKat

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Posted by Star Mariner

Thank you Chris, this is interesting and timely. I was recently worrying about the impending end to Win 7 support, which effectively forces an upgrade to Win 10. No thanks. I already have Win 10 on my laptop, and it is top to bottom inside out hideous. That's just the user experience, forget the terrible privacy issues.

I've been a Windows user since 3.1. The idea of moving to another platform is a bit scary. But I'm liking the look of Linux Mint 19, probably because the general nuts and bolts of it looks so familiar. That's a big selling point for me. My one concern is the compatibility of my software, particularly with how Libre handles MS Office documents. I need to look into that.

---

You'll probably like Linux Mint Cinnamon, which is a GUI similar to WinXP. I like the Cinnamon GUI better than any other, by far, but it does crash once in awhile on bootup. I used Mint for years till I recently switched to Debian Cinnamon which runs more slowly and surely. Although this post is being written on a Mac -- in my opinion Mac has the worst GUI around. But it's also possibly the most stable OS out there, system-wise.

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this is a good and timely thread for me, Mozilla have stopped firefox support for XP a few weeks ago and its really time for me to move on. I have bought a win 10 laptop but it hasnt seen much use yet. I will try the Cinnamon route....

It would be helpful if anyone who has recently moved from Windows to Linux Mint shares their experience on this thread.

Chris

TOP 5 Reasons Why I ONLY Use Linux Mint (Best Linux Distro Ever?) Geekoutdoors.com EP698

Linux Mint has been my go to Linux Distro and quite simply, is the best operating system out there for this Geek! So what are my Top 5 reasons why I only use Linux Mint versus other Linux distributions or even Microsoft Windows or Apple's Mac?

https://youtube.com/watch?v=yIfEKnxD3Nk

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Posted by greybeard

TOP 5 Reasons Why I ONLY Use Linux Mint (Best Linux Distro Ever?) Geekoutdoors.com EP698

Linux Mint has been my go to Linux Distro and quite simply, is the best operating system out there for this Geek! So what are my Top 5 reasons why I only use Linux Mint versus other Linux distributions or even Microsoft Windows or Apple's Mac?

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For everyday use (email, internet mostly) I use Linux. For digital audio workstation, I use Mac. For my employment, I use Windows.

Most of the people I hear singing the praise of Linux don't seem to do much more than browse the internet and manage a few files their gadgets produce. If my needs were so simple I'd be a linux convert in a heartbeat.


I've installed a couple of distros in the past and found them to be quite likable to use but I soon abandon linux when I need to get on with something serious because even if there are linux apps that sort of cover the same territory I work in, the steep learning curve would cripple my productivity and drive me nuts.


If I could do it all over again, I'd have gone straight from MS DOS 6.22 to Unix/Linux and invested my whole 25 year journey time in that open source world and, hopefully, have a decent linux software landscape I was up to speed and productive with.

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Posted by norman

Most of the people I hear singing the praise of Linux don't seem to do much more than browse the internet and manage a few files their gadgets produce. If my needs were so simple I'd be a linux convert in a heartbeat.


I've installed a couple of distros in the past and found them to be quite likable to use but I soon abandon linux when I need to get on with something serious because even if there are linux apps that sort of cover the same territory I work in, the steep learning curve would cripple my productivity and drive me nuts.


If I could do it all over again, I'd have gone straight from MS DOS 6.22 to Unix/Linux and invested my whole 25 year journey time in that open source world and, hopefully, have a decent linux software landscape I was up to speed and productive with.

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What ever woks for you norman.
Have you had a look at Pauls post here?
Chris
https://projectavalon.net/forum4/show...=1#post1245901

I use it next to windows and installing went perfect ... but somehow Linux Mint fused the dependencies of 2 Hard Drives during booting ... I made a shadow copy of 1 of the 2 from SATA Drives to Super Fast SSD Drive (Same Size) Both 500Gb ... now I can NOT boot anymore :( ... So I had to use the old 500Gb SATA-Hard Drive Again :/ ... Not Sure why I can not replace 1 in to SSD HD Drive With Same Size!



But Linux Mint is by FAR the Best FREE Linux Out There!

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Posted by ExomatrixTV

I use it next to windows and installing went perfect ... but somehow Linux Mint fused the dependencies of 2 Hard Drives during booting ... I made a shadow copy of 1 of the 2 from SATA Drives to Super Fast SSD Drive (Same Size) Both 500Gb ... now I can NOT boot anymore :( ... So I had to use the old 500Gb SATA-Hard Drive Again :/ ... Not Sure why I can not replace 1 in to SSD HD Drive With Same Size!



But Linux Mint is by FAR the Best FREE Linux Out There!

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Im not an expert so I havent clue why What happened perhaps Paul would have an answer or the Linux community
help with his
I have never had a challenge with the Linux OS.

Chris

I dont know why that post went coloured.
At least its not mint coloured
Not intentional.
Half asleep--smiling.

Chris

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Posted by ExomatrixTV

I use it next to windows and installing went perfect ... but somehow Linux Mint fused the dependencies of 2 Hard Drives during booting

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Dual booting installations can get tricky, as the second installer might not decide to do with your disks what you expected.

I usually avoid them, or at least I physically remove the disk with the first installation, before even starting the second installation.

It has taken me hours, hands on, to debug such problems. The last time I did that was probably 10 or 20 years ago, and I've long forgotten the details ... which is just as well, as the details have no doubt changed anyway.

Usually I just use different PC's for different OS's ... which is easy for me, as I have several PC's laying around somewhere here. One of my hobbies ... building PC's, whether I need them or not.

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Posted by greybeard

Im not an expert so I havent clue why What happened perhaps Paul would have an answer

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Sorry ... no useful answer.

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Posted by greybeard

I dont know why that post went coloured.

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Color removed - you had managed to mark your comment as PHP code :).

Recovery boot drive
If you type this into the bottom left panel on windows 10 it will make a full recovery USB drive --you need 16GB of space on the USB stick or drive.
Its sensible to do this before making a major change like a dual install.
However most times it goes just fine.

One another thing I like about Linux is that its maintenance free.
It does not get slower over time--no de-frag necessary--it has a firewall but tends not to attract mischief makers.

Chris

Best way to install dual boot with linux is to physically remove any other hdds other than your C drive with windows on it. Linux will ask you if you want to keep windows and do a dual boot. After you're successfully dual booting, you can put your other hdds back in

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Posted by TomKat

Best way to install dual boot with linux is to physically remove any other hdds other than your C drive with windows on it. Linux will ask you if you want to keep windows and do a dual boot. After you're successfully dual booting, you can put your other hdds back in

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That really makes sense Tom Kat.
If you only have C drive then there is no problem and thats true for most.
Its only if you have more than one drive in the PC there might be a challenge.

Thanks Chris

I am a classic computer clutz. I want point and click, not typing some command to use it. I am used to Windows but want to go to Mint. I want a book, not a video, to instruct me. How do I configure favorites/bookmarks? How do I manage pictures and files? Can I use Avast to clean my Mint computer? Does TOR run smoothly? I only do basic things. The book has to tell me those things. Please, you computer knowledgeable Avalonians, recommend a book that will make the migration easy. I should add - I tried this about a year ago and did not find ANY book that was helpful.

One basic thingy going on with me is that I want to remain anonymous, even down to my user name. I am aware that DARPA knows how to access a computer even if it is turned off. You may have a computer in your home that is not plugged into the internet but plugged into your home electrical grid. They can access that computer using another computer in your home that IS attached to the internet. And both computers may be turned off. Anyways, I would be concerned that if I were running Windows and Linux Mint on the same computer I could be tracked based on the Windows program. So I will only migrate to Mint on a new computer devoid of Windows. Therefore, said migration must be easy enough for a computer beginner like me to follow using a book. Then I will set the computer up like Bill Ryan does. Linux Mint using a VPN and TOR to surf the internet. I go all over the place. That would be about as anonymous as a person could get.

Quote:

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Posted by enigma3

I am a classic computer clutz. I want point and click, not typing some command to use it. I am used to Windows but want to go to Mint. I want a book, not a video, to instruct me. How do I configure favorites/bookmarks? How do I manage pictures and files? Can I use Avast to clean my Mint computer? Does TOR run smoothly? I only do basic things. The book has to tell me those things. Please, you computer knowledgeable Avalonians, recommend a book that will make the migration easy. I should add - I tried this about a year ago and did not find ANY book that was helpful.

One basic thingy going on with me is that I want to remain anonymous, even down to my user name. I am aware that DARPA knows how to access a computer even if it is turned off. You may have a computer in your home that is not plugged into the internet but plugged into your home electrical grid. They can access that computer using another computer in your home that IS attached to the internet. And both computers may be turned off. Anyways, I would be concerned that if I were running Windows and Linux Mint on the same computer I could be tracked based on the Windows program. So I will only migrate to Mint on a new computer devoid of Windows. Therefore, said migration must be easy enough for a computer beginner like me to follow using a book. Then I will set the computer up like Bill Ryan does. Linux Mint using a VPN and TOR to surf the internet. I go all over the place. That would be about as anonymous as a person could get.

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Hi enigma3
I dont think you will find a book because it is so easy.
The system is self cleaning --no additional software required.
When it is set up there is a Home folder on the desktop--click that and you have access to folders for documents, pictures, downloads., music, videos and desktop.
Its all drag and drop --no need to type anything--experts do but not necessary for me and many others.
There is a menu at the bottom for installed software --that really has all you need installed already.
If you can cope with Windows you will find Mint so easy..
No complex questions to get started--one pass word and that's it.

As said im no expert--others may have better advice, but really its simple.

Chris

I got myself recently a new PC which is smaller and faster than my old one. (I like small and fast computers).
It came with Windoze :p
But as I am an old-timer Linux enthusiast I set it up with CentOS 7 (my favored choice) with a simple and clean look.
Linux is often not plug-and-play - well at least not my distro - especially when it comes setting up a DVB-C stick (a TV USB stick) but I like the challenge and always find a solution. For me it's like a play ground for grown-ups. :happy dog:

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Posted by devplan

(I like small and fast computers)

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I generally like big and expandable, so I can fit high quality components into them, like a soundcard with a high quality DAC. USB audio interfaces can be good but I tend to have problems integrating them into the windows mixer to get full duplex functionality. It's partly to do with the age/generation of software app I use and partly because until a rework in Win 10 the windows mixer hadn't been updated since before there was such a thing a USB audio interface. But of course, Win 10 is a horribly stupid OS, so that defeats the whole point, for me.

One of the things I like about Avalon is the sharing of experience on a multitude of subjects.
Thanks to all who posted.

Chris