Linux |OT| One Penguin To Rule Them All
- Thread starter HariSeldon
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Thread: Linux |OT| One Penguin To Rule Them All
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yeah at least linux is slowly becoming more viable for the average consumer. Can't wait to see what'll happen.
It is, for a couple of reasons.
1. Not many viruses. Indeed I've never encountered one.
2. Linux users are generally more technical so they're less likely to do stupid shit.
3. Hackers targetting linux do so to go after servers, not individuals, and they generally target things that run on linux as a result - ie tomcat, httpd, php or mysql or whatever - rather than more consumer-grade stuff.
4. Software repositories - people generally install stuff from repos, and provided those repos are well maintained, viruses won't happen. Note that if a repo is compromised though, bad actors can go after a LOT of users.
5. SELinux and some pretty hardcore firewall tools do a pretty decent job.
- Platforms
but what if a linux user isn't very technical like say a steam deck user for instance?
Then there is a vulnerability. A user stupid enough to go to a website that says "Download this for free porn - and don't forget to run it as administrator, oh and here are some instructions" and do what they're told can still break shit. Hell if you're stupid I could tell you to open your terminal and type "sudo rm -rf /" and you'd wipe your system and I'd be laughing my arse off. Nothing the OS can do about idiot users.
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I do find it worrying when something isn't available on the snap store and talks about ppa's and things requiring the terminal. Now that I know of your reset command I will stay weary of that code.
PPAs come with some risk in that you have to trust the person running it, though tbh if something malicious was posted it'd be noticed and taken down pretty quickly. In terms of other terminal instructions, there's lots of ways to fuck things up in the terminal, you need to make sure you know what you're doing. Be particularly wary of curl statements grabbing a file remotely and running it - at least go read the file being grabbed to give it a once over. Some common sense will help though. If the code is obviously overly obfuscated don't trust it. Also go through line by line to see what's going on. A quick google for each command you don't recognise to see what it does ought to give you a rough idea of what it might be doing, etc.
Been a bit lazy of late - had been using my linux in a VirtualBox after years of using it on bare metal for work. Basically working from home it was just the easier lazier option for me. Now my work is done on a company laptop so the linux vms weren't getting as much use and got a bit out of date and horrible, and Ubuntu 22.04 came along and didn't seem to get on with the VM too well. Was getting fed up with slow loading and poor general performance on my windows machines and decided to dual boot linux on them. Laptop was pretty straightforward, they've done wonders ironing out issues with the switching GPUs between Intel and Nvidia - but the desktop took a bit more work due to secure boot and uefi bollocks. Still, both are done and running sweet as a nut. Super smooth. I ended up going with KDE and it's absolutely glorious tbh, I've not even bothered customising it yet, it's just a good solid UX without bullshit. The defaults are quite close to Windows 7 in some ways which was always the best Windows, but with some of its own modern visual flair to make it cooler.
It's been super easy to sort it out with NVM for my node development shenanigans, java dev environment, docker, etc. Very easy, very straightforward, and just lovely to use. Icing on the cake is having Steam perform so well. Lovely lovely stuff.
It's been super easy to sort it out with NVM for my node development shenanigans, java dev environment, docker, etc. Very easy, very straightforward, and just lovely to use. Icing on the cake is having Steam perform so well. Lovely lovely stuff.
Did it take a long time to fix the problem? For linux distros I really need some sort of manual with a list of commands.installed arch in a vm finally figured out that if you want a gui you have to do systemctl start graphical.Interface was stuck for a while with that because I was expecting to install it and it would just work.
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Took me a few hours to figure it out turns out all I had to do was just google how to install a gui in arch and apparently they want it to be special. What threw me was that in ubuntu you just install and go arch you have to tell it to start the process. So now I got xfce working but for whatever reason I can't load any web browsers. lol.
No Kali Linux love???
I got into using Kali after watching the first season of Mr Robot and when I was hoping to go into the Security side of IT. For a few years I always kept a usb with the latest version on my key chain. I wanted to be Hackermans so bad lol.
I've messed with almost all the Linux OS mentioned in the OT but I have fallen off over the past two years. I believe I got rid of my dual boot partition when I rebuilt my gaming pc.
It can't be stressed enough how shit Windows is compared to Linux. I really wish my company was a Linux shop so I could use my skills that sit doing nothing…. Oh well.
Great OT OP…. I'm a rapper btw
I got into using Kali after watching the first season of Mr Robot and when I was hoping to go into the Security side of IT. For a few years I always kept a usb with the latest version on my key chain. I wanted to be Hackermans so bad lol.
I've messed with almost all the Linux OS mentioned in the OT but I have fallen off over the past two years. I believe I got rid of my dual boot partition when I rebuilt my gaming pc.
It can't be stressed enough how shit Windows is compared to Linux. I really wish my company was a Linux shop so I could use my skills that sit doing nothing…. Oh well.
Great OT OP…. I'm a rapper btw
I've been using Mint for years now, been trying out some Distros the last few days:
Best picks:
Pop OS! from System76, based on Ubuntu, has a modified GNOME desktop (while I don't like GNOME, their modified version of it felt very natural to use) and felt as stable as Mint. Should Mint
pop.system76.com
Manjaro: Based on Arch. Tried out the ARM/Raspberry Pi 64bit version and stayed with it, feels lighter than the other releases for the Pi. Raspberry Pi OS couldn't read my external soundcard so that was a no-go. Ubuntu 22.04LTS was ok but a bit on the sluggish side.
Didn't like:
Fedora: Barebones GNOME desktop, horrible boot loader, slow to start. When I was still using a notebook my fans spin like an airplane turbine and adding and external monitor didn't work. I've been trying this so many times and performance was always bad. How can this be marketed as a workstation OS?
getfedora.org
Solus: Had some favorable reviews but couldn't even get the installer running. Just goes to a black screen.
getsol.us
Biggest surprise:
Peppermint OS: A nicely themed and beginner friendly Debian based distribution. Hardly any bloatware. Should work fine on older PCs as well, it's designed to be lightweight but doesn't look as cheap a most lightweight releases do.
peppermintos.com
Best picks:
Pop OS! from System76, based on Ubuntu, has a modified GNOME desktop (while I don't like GNOME, their modified version of it felt very natural to use) and felt as stable as Mint. Should Mint
Pop!_OS by System76
Imagine an OS for the software developer, maker and computer science professional who uses their computer as a tool to discover and create. Welcome to Pop!_OS
pop.system76.com
Manjaro: Based on Arch. Tried out the ARM/Raspberry Pi 64bit version and stayed with it, feels lighter than the other releases for the Pi. Raspberry Pi OS couldn't read my external soundcard so that was a no-go. Ubuntu 22.04LTS was ok but a bit on the sluggish side.
Manjaro Linux Official
This page provides an overview of Manjaro Linux, an open source operating system designed for ease of use. Learn about its features, installation, and support options. Get the most out of Manjaro Linux with the latest news, downloads, and tips from our helpful community.
manjaro.org
Didn't like:
Fedora: Barebones GNOME desktop, horrible boot loader, slow to start. When I was still using a notebook my fans spin like an airplane turbine and adding and external monitor didn't work. I've been trying this so many times and performance was always bad. How can this be marketed as a workstation OS?
Fedora Linux
An innovative platform for hardware, clouds, and containers, built with love by you.
Solus: Had some favorable reviews but couldn't even get the installer running. Just goes to a black screen.
Home | Solus
Biggest surprise:
Peppermint OS: A nicely themed and beginner friendly Debian based distribution. Hardly any bloatware. Should work fine on older PCs as well, it's designed to be lightweight but doesn't look as cheap a most lightweight releases do.
Peppermint OS – The Linux Desktop OS
peppermintos.com
Didn't even know that existed. Based on Arch (which I've used, but needed guides to install, my command line konwledge wasn't, and still isn't, there yet) advertised to by systemd-free, seems aimed at more advanced users.
Is there any specific reason you want to use?
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I see. Well I haven't used it, but with it being based on Arch pretty much every modification should be possible, given one doesn't mind reading the documentation and Arch Wiki.
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arch wiki can be a absolute catacomb to me sometimes. Idk if its me but the instructions can be somewhat hard to follow.
- Platforms
Well I got arch installed on a old laptop someone gave me runnin' pretty nicely. As far as the ui goes I'm just going with i3.
Eneru
Member
Im happy there is a Linux OT. Why im reopening this thread is that I thought for a long while about installing Linux / Unix (what's the difference - still have to read the opening post) and finally the time has come. During the Black Friday weeks I ordered myself a Lenovo mini pc. To be precise this one Lenovo ThinkCentre M715q Tiny - AMD Ryzen 5 35W TDP 8GB RAM. Not sure if it's good or not but for Linux emulation Steam games I think it's gonna be enough. Whatever.
So what would you guys recommend? I'd love to experience some good Linux OS that's good for gaming but still has that Linux feeling where I have to use the terminal and shit. (I have a windows pc and a mbp). But at the same time I don't want to have that ultra hardcore version - if there is one - where I have to read thousands of blogs to just get an emulator running.
In conclusion I want a distribution for:
- tinkering with Linux and learning the OS
- emulation
- maybe implement/install server shit. At the moment I have no idea how it works. Server to put my files on. Pictures and so on
- maybe maybe for smart home shit.
Is there a version you guys can recommend?
So what would you guys recommend? I'd love to experience some good Linux OS that's good for gaming but still has that Linux feeling where I have to use the terminal and shit. (I have a windows pc and a mbp). But at the same time I don't want to have that ultra hardcore version - if there is one - where I have to read thousands of blogs to just get an emulator running.
In conclusion I want a distribution for:
- tinkering with Linux and learning the OS
- emulation
- maybe implement/install server shit. At the moment I have no idea how it works. Server to put my files on. Pictures and so on
- maybe maybe for smart home shit.
Is there a version you guys can recommend?
Bazzite - The next generation of Linux gaming
Bazzite makes gaming and everyday use smoother and simpler across desktop PCs, handhelds, tablets, and home theater PCs.
Or just regular Fedora (KDE is what I use) if you don't want something too focused on gaming (it'll just mean setting up the gaming related stuff yourself, which could be a good thing for you since you want to learn).
Eneru
Member
Bazzite - The next generation of Linux gaming
Bazzite makes gaming and everyday use smoother and simpler across desktop PCs, handhelds, tablets, and home theater PCs.bazzite.gg
Or just regular Fedora (KDE is what I use) if you don't want something too focused on gaming (it'll just mean setting up the gaming related stuff yourself, which could be a good thing for you since you want to learn).
Thank you for the reply. I'd rather go with Fedora and set up everything myself as I want to learn.
Can you tell me why you recommend fedora over others?
Because I think it hit the perfect balance of incentivising me to "learn" Linux (by not being %1000 setup out of the box, so that made me learn basic stuff like package management early on which I absolutely love now) and at the same time, not be a barebones mess that'll waste my time because it's missing too many things or needs excessive tinkering.
And when I say "learn" I just mean basic but important things that one should (imo) know about what runs on your computer, not low-level IT stuff that won't be of use to most people. What I'm trying to say here is if you're not tech illiterate like most people in my age group are, you'll be fine, you already want to learn so %90 of the challenge is already done here.
Another thing is it's a really up to date distro, and it also strikes a balance there by not being ancient like Debian, and not too up to date/untested like Arch. Being an up to date distro is really important I think for gaming, as that part of the OS gets improvements every other week I feel.
After reading your comment again, yeah I agree you shouldn't use Bazzite as it's made almost specifically to 'just work' and won't push you to learn some important stuff.
Just felt compelled to share this here. I'm just so impressed by this video; a massive youtuber getting so into Linux he started spouting stuff even I don't know about, lol.
This publicity benefits us users so I'm also grateful he made it a whole video, it's just not something you'd expect of someone of his calibur dedicating a full video for the topic.
teezzy
Let me have my wanks
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Been dicking around with my little handheld devices, having fun setting em up, running emulators - cool. Steam Deck has Linux, my first proper exposure beyond "oh, look at the cute penguin!" Or pretending to absorb random Wendell videos
With that said, what's the benefit of switching? I get its sorta like a wild west without any of the windows 11 bloat - but i also dig how most things on windows just sorta work
I have a secondary pc in my basement i intend to dick around with. Might be fun to make that my linux pc... but to what end? I hate all this cloud shit and think id appreciate what linux has to offer
Does linux have an equivalent of windows defender or should i be careful of connecting a linux device online?
Im an Android guy who can slap a PC together or jailbreak a console with the help of youtube videos etc and i post here, but i dont know dick about coding etc... i think i just like the idea of it all more than anything. Is it worth it? I wanna go rogue
Lets talk about Linux!
With that said, what's the benefit of switching? I get its sorta like a wild west without any of the windows 11 bloat - but i also dig how most things on windows just sorta work
I have a secondary pc in my basement i intend to dick around with. Might be fun to make that my linux pc... but to what end? I hate all this cloud shit and think id appreciate what linux has to offer
Does linux have an equivalent of windows defender or should i be careful of connecting a linux device online?
Im an Android guy who can slap a PC together or jailbreak a console with the help of youtube videos etc and i post here, but i dont know dick about coding etc... i think i just like the idea of it all more than anything. Is it worth it? I wanna go rogue
Lets talk about Linux!
teezzy
Let me have my wanks
- Platforms
yeah thats sorta what im curious about
like can i just have like an old school Windows experience where if im searching for a file on my computer its not pulling up fucking Bing results or whatever, or where right-clicking actually lets me do what i want in a simple menu without clicking "show more options"
like wtf microsoft, ive been loyal bro
hi!
Polden
Member
- Platforms
XP was peak. Vista and 7 was when they started doing that Windows Media Center bs and the product placement only got worst from there.
Windows 11 might as well be named Windows OneDrive. There's no escaping it.
The equivalent is called being only %5 of the market. No hacker will waste time making malware for that and ignore the rest of the %95. You'll be safe on Linux. There's firewall built-in for most distros so really you don't need to worry about any of this.
About your questions on whether you should go ahead and experiment with it: you're already not terrified that PC's exist outside of Windows so yes, just go for it. You might get dissapointed at how not scary and how simple it has become though, be warned.
If you're planning to game on the system, there could be better options than Mint. Mint is fantastic but the way they do things is they're slow and stable, as in not changing often, and gaming is a sector on Linux where new improvements are made every week, as I said in a message months ago above. So for gaming you'd want to use something more up to date, I use Fedora, do recommend it, you can look at other up to date options as well like Arch (Expert difficulty) or OpenSUSE Tumbleweed. There's also baby mode gaming distros like Bazzite, which I might switch to myself when I'm on holiday.
More important than choosing distros, is choosing the Desktop Environment, this is the part that is everything you'd see on screen, and without it the system is just a terminal you input commands in. There are many choices, just go KDE Plasma, it's windows-like but Windows themselves steal some features from time to time. Also it's what you see in the Steam Deck's desktop mode.
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File search on Linux puts Windows to shame. It's instant no matter how deep or obscure the file you're looking for is. You can even (for example) type in words that are written inside a PDF file that you don't remember the filename of, and it'll pull the file for you, also instantly.
@teezzy Also just to be clear, I've been on Linux for just over a year now and so far I can't code for shit, don't know how to program or how to hack into the mainframe, just like I how I was on Windows.
You don't become a supercomputer nuclear engineer when you switch, you simply don't hate your computer anymore.
You don't become a supercomputer nuclear engineer when you switch, you simply don't hate your computer anymore.
teezzy
Let me have my wanks
- Platforms
Nothing. All the software I use and all the games I play work.
I think it helped that I was already using open source software whenever possible for years now.
All my games on Steam, GOG and the free games from Epic work as well, I stopped playing the cancerous competitive games my friends are still into shortly after the pandemic, after wasting too much time on them at that time.