Post by: Jeremy on January 24, 2009, 12:54:00 PM
This thread has nothing to do with trad bowhunting ....
.... HOWEVER, the only access to the Trad Gang campfire is via the Internet. If you can't hack the right path through the Internet Woods, you'll miss joining us here at the trad bowhunting rendezvous site.
Toward the end of page 3 of this thread, the discussion begins to talk of using another computer operating system that is totally free - Ubuntu Linux - that virtually eliminates all hacking, virus and bug issues. Check it out.
*****************************************************************
It seems photobucket has been hacked. When I sign in I get redirected to some sort of virus detection site that pretends to be Windows. It'll tell you your system is infected with lots of nasties, then go ahead and infect your computer with lots of nasties!!
Be careful out there!
Post by: adkmountainken on January 24, 2009, 12:56:00 PM
Post by: WESTBROOK on January 24, 2009, 12:56:00 PM
Eric
Post by: Pat B on January 24, 2009, 01:13:00 PM
Post by: snag on January 24, 2009, 02:09:00 PM
Post by: Pat B on January 24, 2009, 02:26:00 PM
Post by: b.glass on January 24, 2009, 02:26:00 PM
Post by: DngrsDan on January 24, 2009, 02:38:00 PM
Post by: razorback on January 24, 2009, 02:47:00 PM
Post by: DngrsDan on January 24, 2009, 03:56:00 PM
bleepingcomputer.com/malware-removal/
Post by: DngrsDan on January 24, 2009, 03:57:00 PM
A quick note of warning to everyone about this program. I mistakenly downloaded it to my Point of Sale system last week. It's a 'malware' program that gets into your system and attempts to steal your identity. It poses as a spyware prevention and cleaning program, but it's merely trying to grab your personal information and use it to establish new credit. We came upon it while researching twill websites. I don't remember which one we were looking at, but the prompt came up asking us if we wanted to download it. I knew enough to hit the "X" but it managed to download itself anyway.
I took my PC to one of my neighbors who is our local "GeekSquad." He said that this is the new thing, and he's been removing this for a bunch of people. He managed to remove the remnants of the program and installed a new program that he recommends I run weekly called "Malwarebytes." He said that if we ever run into a prompt for "Spyware Guard 2008" or anything similar, to UNPLUG YOUR COMPUTER! He said that the hackers have figured out how to download the information by clicking ANYWHERE on the pop up screen, and it's best to just power down and reboot to avoid it from infiltrating your system. If you end up getting it, then get it to an expert to clean the system, because it's not just a virus that some bored teenagers put together, it's malicious software that they're using to steal credit card numbers and other personal data.
Post by: John Nail on January 24, 2009, 04:09:00 PM
Post by: George D. Stout on January 24, 2009, 04:17:00 PM
Post by: trapperDave on January 24, 2009, 04:56:00 PM
Post by: heydeerman on January 24, 2009, 05:34:00 PM
Post by: Dawn Patrol on January 24, 2009, 06:13:00 PM
Post by: highpoint forge on January 24, 2009, 06:17:00 PM
Post by: Tater John on January 24, 2009, 06:24:00 PM
Rusty
Post by: highnoonhunter on January 25, 2009, 12:59:00 AM
hnh
Post by: DngrsDan on January 25, 2009, 02:51:00 AM
It can record your number/information when you make a purchase, or record your banking info when you log into your account.
I totally agree with Dawn Patrol-they need "snuffed"!
Post by: Jmatt1957 on January 25, 2009, 05:42:00 AM
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 25, 2009, 06:29:00 AM
But, don't matter at all to me ... ah, the serenity of running a Linux OS as opposed to an MS OS! :D
Post by: Night Wing on January 25, 2009, 10:19:00 AM
(http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc254/vkirov2950/BlacktailRiserRotated600.jpg)
Post by: Guru on January 25, 2009, 10:26:00 AM
Post by: swp on January 25, 2009, 10:29:00 AM
Post by: bohuntr on January 25, 2009, 12:39:00 PM
Post by: Day Dreamer on January 25, 2009, 01:51:00 PM
Post by: 30coupe on January 25, 2009, 02:18:00 PM
I got that pop-up in explorer too and last week the credit card company called to check a couple of online purchases. They were bogus, so now we have new credit cards. I have a new laptop that came with McAffee. I guess I'm going back to AVG. Even the free version never let this happen.
Thanks for the heads-up!
Post by: Aeronut on January 25, 2009, 06:31:00 PM
I did have a nasty bug get into my laptop last spring while I was looking at a You-tube video. A window showed up saying it was 'Antivirus XP 2008', ran an extremely fast 'scan' and claimed I had over 2,000 virus/malware/trojans etc. I knew I was screwed. I wound up backing up everything and doing a complete recovery and started over. I have been able to pick things out of the backup files without unleashing the beast again.
If you do find the culprit that sets these things loose on the net I will gladly furnish the Snuffer.
Dennis
Post by: JL on January 26, 2009, 09:14:00 AM
[email protected]
Thanks!
Post by: Jim's Mom on January 26, 2009, 12:15:00 PM
Post by: Dave Bulla on January 26, 2009, 01:24:00 PM
I'm betting that this is what's been wrong with my computer for several weeks now. Thinking back on it, it all started about the time we had our KC area trad bunny hunt and I used photobucket to upload pictures for the hunt thread. At some point I got the same pop up BS saying I had been infected with trojans and needed to do a spyware sweep only it wasn't MY spyware program telling me this. I tried to X it out and another block popped up saying if I did so my computer would be unprotected and would likely be damaged. X THAT out and the other one popped back up. Started battling "boxes" and in seconds had the bottom toolbar filled up with boxes that wouldn't X out. Finally just shut down manually but it's been messed up ever since. I have spyware that seems to be working at least partway correct but my virus protection will not perform a sucessful update.
Sadly, I know almost nothing about this stuff and will probably need professional help.
The worst part is this.... My wife just made an online purchase of plane tickets for a trip back home to AZ next month and of course entered her credit card number. THAT could be trouble eh?
Oh yea, it also wiped out ALL of the folders in My Documents except the ones that came on the computer. I had hundreds of pics stored in folders. I have them all on disc, but it was so much easier to find them already in a folder than to have to re upload them. Got my job resume's too.
Post by: ber643 on January 26, 2009, 07:51:00 PM
Post by: adkmountainken on January 26, 2009, 08:35:00 PM
check you recycle bin and see if you can recover them from there.
Post by: Jeff Strubberg on January 26, 2009, 08:52:00 PM
If you happen to get infected by this this, Malwarebytes anti malware cleans it up easily and is a free download.
Post by: Dave Bulla on January 27, 2009, 01:55:00 AM
Post by: joe skipp on January 27, 2009, 02:19:00 AM
Rottin Bastids.....
Post by: DngrsDan on January 27, 2009, 12:20:00 PM
In the Links below you will find a list of rogue/malware(BAD) softwares (NOT TO DOWNLOAD)
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
http://siri-urz.blogspot.com/search/label/ScreenShots
Some common (BAD SOFTWARE)malwares:
NOT TO DOWNLOAD
Advanced Antivirus, AdwarePunisher, AdwareSheriff, AlphaCleaner, AntiSpyCheck, AntiSpyware Expert, Antispyware Soldier, AntiVermeans, AntiVermins, AntiVerminser, AntiVirGear, Antivirus 2009, Antivirus 2010, Antivirus 360, AntiVirus Lab 2009, Antivirus Master, Antivirus Sentry, Antivirus XP 2008, AntivirusGolden, AVGold, Awola, BraveSentry, IE Defender, Internet Antivirus, MalwareCrush, MalwareWipe, MalwareWiped, MalwaresWipeds, MalwareWipePro, MalwareWiper, Micro Antivirus 2009, MS Antivirus, PC Protection Center 2008, Personal Defender 2009, PestCapture, PestTrap, Power Antivirus, Power-Antivirus-2009, PSGuard, quicknavigate.com, Registry Cleaner, Security iGuard, Smart Antivirus 2009, Smitfraud, Spy Protector, SpyAxe, SpyCrush, SpyDown, SpyFalcon, SpyGuard, SpyHeal, SpyHeals, SpyLocked, SpyMarshal, SpySheriff, SpySoldier, Spyware Guard 2008, Spyware Vanisher, Spyware Soft Stop, SpywareLocked, SpywareQuake, SpywareKnight, SpywareRemover, SpywareSheriff, SpywareStrike, Startsearches.net, System Antivirus 2008, TheSpyBot, TitanShield Antispyware, Total Protect 2009, Total Secure 2009, Trust Cleaner, Ultimate Antivirus 2008, UpdateSearches.com, Virtual Maid, Virus Heat, Virus Protect, Virus Protect Pro, VirusBlast, VirusBurst, VirusRay, Virus Remover 2008, VirusResponse Lab 2009, VirusTrigger, Win32.puper, WinHound, Vista Antivirus 2008, WinDefender 2009, XLG Security Center, XP Security Center, XPert Antivirus, Brain Codec, ChristmasPorn, DirectAccess, DirectVideo, EliteCodec, eMedia Codec, EZVideo, FreeVideo, Gold Codec, HQ Codec, iCodecPack, IECodec, iMediaCodec, Image ActiveX Object, Image Add-on, IntCodec, iVideoCodec, JPEG Encoder, Key Generator, LookForPorn, Media-Codec, MediaCodec, MMediaCodec, MovieCommander, MPCODEC, My Pass Generator, NetProject, Online Image Add-on, Online Video Add-on, PCODEC, Perfect Codec, PowerCodec, PornPass Manager, PornMag Pass, Pornovid, PrivateVideo, QualityCodec, Silver Codec, SearchPorn, SexVid, SiteEntry, SiteTicket, SoftCodec, strCodec, Super Codec, TrueCodec, VideoAccess, VideoBox, VidCodecs, Video Access ActiveX Object, Video ActiveX Object, Video Add-on, VideoCompressionCodec, VideoKeyCodec, VideosCodec, WinAntiSpyPro, WinMediaCodec, X Password Generator, X Password Manager, ZipCodec.....
Post by: DngrsDan on January 27, 2009, 12:38:00 PM
I got hit with one of those that you can't shut off too, but, I think, I've managed to get rid of it through my antivirus program (Kapersky).
Post by: 30coupe on January 27, 2009, 01:05:00 PM
!["[dntthnk]"]("graemlins/dntthnk.gif" "\"\"")
AVG still has free (really) antivirus/antispy software for download. They hide the free stuff a bit, but if you are dilligent, you can find it and it does work. Of course, they sell a version that does more, but this will do the basics.
Post by: Jeff Strubberg on January 27, 2009, 03:14:00 PM
I've used Malware to clean up several machines here at work that were infected. I didn't have to pay any fee.
AVG is great virus protection, unfortunately their spyware/malware stuff is only included in the pay version. Having said that, I've run AVG on every computer I own for 3+ years now.
***Correction. I just pulled their licensing, and the spyware engine is now part of the standard AVG download.
I wish it stopped this bug, but it doesn't.
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 27, 2009, 03:56:00 PM
You run any Linux?
Post by: Jeff Strubberg on January 27, 2009, 03:59:00 PM
We have too much proprietary software to make that move, more's the pity.
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 27, 2009, 04:27:00 PM
As you may know, Ubuntu Linux is THE way to go these dayze - totally free, and with a fair share of killer apps. I've got 5 machines and all run Linux, with 2 machines dual booting into XP for those one-of-a-kind apps I need sometimes.
IMO, Most PC folks would be much better off running Linux, either standalone or dual boot along with MS XP.
Do all yer internet/email stuff via Linux and not hafta worry about intrusions and other nasties. Of course, spam can't be stopped no matter what the OS.
Post by: Jeff Strubberg on January 27, 2009, 04:34:00 PM
Ubuntu is dirt simple to install, very hard to break and a small enough portion of the market that noone bothers trying to write bugs for it.
It's a good idea to run throough your list of required software before you convert, though. I had to go dual boot because of some issues with running ESRI and New World software on a linux box.
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 27, 2009, 04:45:00 PM
For folks not well versed with computers, or who just need the Net and email and Office (IMO OpenOffice is better than MSOffice - and it's ALL free), just load Ubuntu and don't look back.
For those who still need MS apps or like playing games, dual boot into XP and you'll have the best of all worlds ... and no PC nasties!
Post by: HATCHCHASER on January 27, 2009, 09:45:00 PM
Post by: razorsharptokill on January 28, 2009, 01:51:00 AM
Post by: Buemaker on January 28, 2009, 04:28:00 AM
Thanks for the warning and advice. Bue--.
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 28, 2009, 05:29:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by razorsharptokill:Just a hint of advice - don't use MS Outlook, it's a prime target for hackers. There are far better free PC email MS OS apps to use such as Eudora.
I thought I was home free, nothing on trendmicro, spybot or a malware scan. Now my media player won't work, some times my outlook email will just close and if I try to click on a link in the text of a web page it gives me some error. AHHHHHWWGG!!!!!!!
Again, folks - look to change over to Ubuntu Linux (totally free and supported daily worldwide) for all your Internet/email use and yer only concern will be the annoying email spam we all hafta tolerate. Using Linux, there is no need for running any virus, bug, hacker, spyware, malware, etc. apps.
It'll make yer Trad Gang experience all the more better. I promise.
www.ubuntu.com (http://www.ubuntu.com)
Post by: Whip on January 28, 2009, 06:03:00 AM
If using Ubuntu for a mail server, I assume you keep the same addresses? Do addresses books transfer over? Any other differences in how I would use email?
I use MS Office for a lot of things and transfer files to others frequently. Could I continue using MS for Office apps and just use Ubuntu for internet browsing and email?
I know one of the benefits is that Ubuntu users are such a small group that hackers don't bother with it. But what if one did? Wouldn't machines running it be unprotected? Maybe Ubuntu has its own protections built in somehow.
I guess the main question is after making the switch would I need to do anything differently than I do now to interact with any other people, either through email, online business, file creation and sharing, etc.? Would anyone interacting with me ever know the difference and be required to do anything to read files that I send them?
Last but not least, how the heck would I do a "dual boot" with two operating systems? I barely understand one - trying to run two different systems at the same time seems like it is way over my head???
Thanks for your help and advice. There are very few places I really trust when getting advice on this kind of stuff.
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 28, 2009, 06:45:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Whip:
You've almost got me Rob. But I am so illiterite on this stuff that I don't know if I completely understand. Do you mind a bunch of questions?
Surely, be glad to try to answer yer questions.
If using Ubuntu for a mail server, I assume you keep the same addresses? Do addresses books transfer over? Any other differences in how I would use email?
I don't think you mean "mail server", I think you mean "for sending and receiving emails". A mail server is a very special routing machine.
Ubuntu Linux is an operating system, just like Microsoft XP is an operating system. Ubuntu already comes loaded with more Internet apps the average Net surfer will ever need. The Linux email app of choice for me is Evolution, and it handles all 9 of the email addresses I had before using Linux. I'm not sure if I recall that you can pull over your email addresses - they certainly can't be pulled over directly since when you run Linux you'll have no direct access to MS XP at the same time (that's not entirely true, but I don't wanna bog down in technical details). If I remember correctly, I had my MS XP email app (Eudora) export my saved contacts to a file and then used that file as a lookup to create a new email contact file in the Linux Evolution email app. It can all sound way more complicated that it really is.
I use MS Office for a lot of things and transfer files to others frequently. Could I continue using MS for Office apps and just use Ubuntu for internet browsing and email?
ABSOLUTELY! But NOT MS Office! Ubuntu comes already bundled with Sun MicroSystems OpenOffice - a full suite of office apps that, IMO, is even better than MS Office. OpenOffice and MS Office are compatible! Just save all yer MS Office docs and spreadsheets and whatnot to a flash drive or CD and load 'em all back to Ubuntu OpenOffice.
Ubuntu also has a killer graphics app (Gimp) that I use for image editing here at Trad Gang, a neat HTML helper app (Bluefish), FTP file transfer app (GFTP), data archiving app (Lx) - and not just one app for each function, sometimes lotsa apps to choose from, more and more software engineers are coding apps for Linux.
It also comes loaded with the latest release of the FireFox browser! Cool!
Down with corporate "Billy Boy" Microsoft, up with open source Ubuntu Linux! Free the people! :D
I know one of the benefits is that Ubuntu users are such a small group that hackers don't bother with it. But what if one did? Wouldn't machines running it be unprotected? Maybe Ubuntu has its own protections built in somehow.
Ubuntu Linux is UNIX. It don't get safer than the UNIX Shell Kernal. I worked with Bell Labs and Belcore on UNIX systems and there's a reason why it's the defacto OS for governments and businesses around the globe. You just ain't gonna have problems. Period. ALL GOOD computing practices include backing up DATA - not just in case of getting hacked, but for hardware failures. I routinely back up data - it's a good practice to observe no matter what computer or OS yer using.
I guess the main question is after making the switch would I need to do anything differently than I do now to interact with any other people, either through email, online business, file creation and sharing, etc.? Would anyone interacting with me ever know the difference and be required to do anything to read files that I send them?
NO ONE will even know yer using Linux. It's totally and completely transparent. In fact, it's so much like MS XP that even you won't know the difference for the very most part. All the office files you create will cross platform without a ripple. Been there, done that - I still work in the corporate computing world. :D
Last but not least, how the heck would I do a "dual boot" with two operating systems? I barely understand one - trying to run two different systems at the same time seems like it is way over my head???
So let's say yer running with MS XP (it could be ANY MS operating system). You begin the loading of Ubuntu right on your MS XP machine, and during the process it will ask you if you wish to dual boot into MS XP, and you agree (as you should!). What happens is that your hard drive segregates a separate area for MS XP and a totally other separate area for Ubuntu Linux. All this means is that whenever you turn on your PC you will be given the choice of booting into MS XP or Ubuntu Linux. If you boot into MS XP, it's the same exact precise old PC you've been using all along - NOTHING CHANGES. If you elect to boot into Linux, well, yer into Ubuntu Linux. It's really all that easy.
DISCLAIMER: (everything comes with one of these things, these dayze!) I'm not gonna espouse that Ubuntu Linux is foolproof for everyone. There's always the possibility that there'll be something screwy with yer PC and that adding Linux to yer XP machine will have a "bump" or two. There have been over a dozen folks I know that have added Ubuntu to their PC, on their own with no other help, and all but two needed support from their teenage sons. :D
Thanks for your help and advice. There are very few places I really trust when getting advice on this kind of stuff.
Post by: Whip on January 28, 2009, 07:21:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Rob DiStefano:The other stuff doesn't sound too bad, but this statement is scary! :scared: I don't have a teenage son!
There have been over a dozen folks I know that have added Ubuntu to their PC, on their own with no other help, and all but two needed support from their teenage sons.
Actually, you make it sound like something I could probalby handle if I put my mind to it. The next few weeks are going to be crazy for me so I think I will give it a try after that.
Thanks for your help!
Post by: Jeremy on January 28, 2009, 08:28:00 AM
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 28, 2009, 08:53:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Jeremy:Personally, I highly recommend ditching Vista completely. Load MS XP first, then load Ubuntu Linux.
Rob, my head hurts now, thanks! I have Vista on my laptop (aka: a memory-hoggin POS!) Sounds like I might try Linux in the future and hopefully get rid of Vista!!
Post by: IB on January 28, 2009, 12:22:00 PM
Joe wanna borrow a Grandson or Granddaughter :biglaugh:
Post by: Whip on January 28, 2009, 12:32:00 PM
Post by: Jeff Strubberg on January 28, 2009, 01:15:00 PM
http://ubuntuforums.org/
Post by: Fritz on January 28, 2009, 06:20:00 PM
Post by: Jeremy on January 28, 2009, 08:55:00 PM
Post by: wihill on January 28, 2009, 11:31:00 PM
Ubuntu really is the cream of the crop - great stability from the Debian tree, great compatibility for devices, and best of all - active development! People are still working and refining it daily.
Hop on to Ubuntu's websight and download the "live CD", you can try it out and never install it on your computer.
Enough, this is a trad bow site, not an alt OS site - back to sticks and strings!
:thumbsup: :campfire: :archer:
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 29, 2009, 05:24:00 AM
.... HOWEVER, the only access to the Trad Gang campfire is via the Internet. If you can't hack the right path through the Internet Woods, you'll miss joining us here at the trad bowhunting rendezvous site.
Toward the end of page 3 of this thread, the discussion begins to talk of using another computer operating system that is totally free - Ubuntu Linux - that virtually eliminates all spyware, malware, virus and bug issues. Check it out.
www.ubuntu.com (http://www.ubuntu.com)
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 29, 2009, 06:05:00 AM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I can't give enuf praise to Ubuntu Linux - it has literally saved my computing life, as I'm working from my machines from 5am-10pm 7 days a week.
I absolutely recommend NOT getting completely rid of Microsoft, because there are some applications you may still want to use that aren't Linux based (such as proprietary applications, and games).
If your machine is already bug ridden, save any and all DATA - word docs & spreadsheets, emails and email addresses, images, videos, anything and everything of importance - this may take quite a bit of thinking and doing time, but it's time well spent.
DOWNLOAD Unbuntu Linux and save it on a CD or flashdrive.
If you have special applications on yer PC that you haven't got saved, save them as well. Save everything to a CD, DVD, or flash drive.
Now, you need to get a copy of the Microsoft Windows XP operating system (NOT VISTA!!!) along with Service Pack 2. These go for cheap these days, do an online search.
Put the MS XP disk in yer CD drive and install it. During the initial part of the installation, make sure to completely reformat your entire hard drive - this destroys EVERYTHING on your machine, including ALL of the nasty stuff!
After XP loads, install Service Pack 2. Boot up and check out yer new Windows XP system. DO NOT GO TO THE INTERNET and DO NOT USE EMAIL!
You'll use Windows XP for non-Internet applications.
You'll use Ubuntu Linux for the Internet and email and all the other apps that come bundled with Ubuntu such as the OpenOffice suite, graphics, CD/DVD burning, videos, etc.
Now, get out that CD or flashdrive with Ubuntu Linux OS on it and install it ALONG with XP - the directions are very clear during the installation on how to create a dual OS boot situation.
A this point, whenever you turn on your PC, you will have a choice to boot into Windows XP or Ubuntu Linux.
USE UBUNTU LINUX FOR ALL INTERNET AND EMAIL ACTIVITIES!
With Linux, there is NO NEED for any anti-virus/spy/mal/bug/whatever applications.
Yes, email spam will still be there, as it is for any email, anywhere in the world - but any email bugs or virus won't be of concern in a Linux environment,
CAVEATS -
If yer PC is old, you've had it for the last 5 years or more, the CPU speed is on the slow side, the RAM is low, just plain older hardware, etc, it's really time to seriously consider a new PC. Seriously. Doesn't mean you can't load Ubuntu - there's a version that's made for older, slower machines.
If any of this Windows to Linux conversion seems too daunting, too cornfusing, too much like pioneering - don't try to be a hero, seek help - most high school kids can do this stuff with ease. :D
Or, seek out a computer savvy friend or a local tech pro.
Or just take yer machine to a qualified computer store and just pay the $50-$100 and get it done once and for all.
DOWN WITH MICROSOFT! :mad:
UP WITH LINUX! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I hope that you try out Linux and enhance yer daily Trad Gang visitation experience!
Post by: Jason Lester on January 29, 2009, 08:14:00 AM
The only question I had that I didn't see that you had answered was if it will dual boot with Vista. My laptop has vista home premium. I'm goona poke around on their site to see but I figured I'd ask.
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 29, 2009, 08:22:00 AM
Post by: Jason Lester on January 29, 2009, 08:37:00 AM
Post by: Whip on January 29, 2009, 08:58:00 AM
Even the simpliest of things seem very complicated to me. Like the suggestion to switch to MS XP from Vista, but then DO NOT GO TO THE INTERNET OR USE EMAIL!! Then download Ubuntu. How the heck do you do that without going to the internet??? See where I could get myself in trouble? I'm sure there is a simple answer, but there are bound to be a hundred little things like that where I won't know the answer. Better to pay a pro I guess.
Also the thought of purposely destroying everything I have on my hard drive scares the heck out of me. I do have an external hard drive back up, but I'm just not sure I trust myself to do this. I know just enough to be dangerous.
I might give Ubuntu a try, but really worry about converting to MS XP. Other than the massive memory required to run Vista it really hasn't been a problem for me so far. I already bought and paid for the memory required to run it.
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 29, 2009, 09:17:00 AM
Truthfully, if all you use yer newly Windows loaded PC for is to download Ubuntu, no problem.
As to the actual cost of having someone convert yer PC to a new operating system, that's my best guess.
Most PC's have writable CD drives. Invest in a few writable DVD's and you can load 4 gigs worth of data, docs, images, vids, etc. per disk. I just bought a 16gig flashdrive for $24 - this PC stuff is getting cheaper by the week (probably even cheaper as our economy sinks further into the bottomless pit).
Ubuntu could care less what Windows PC operating yer using, so no problem with dual booting into Ubuntu or Vista. I say "NOT VISTA" because I don't think it's as good or as stable or as easy to use as XP. But by all means, if you like Vista, don't change!
Another consideration is, do you have the Windows Vista or XP operating system disks? Too many PCs are sold without the OS disks! If so, an XP disk will be lots cheaper than Vista.
Post by: Jeff Strubberg on January 29, 2009, 09:49:00 AM
Whip, is your computer a laptop or desktop unit? Desktops convert extremely easily. I've seen the occasional laptop be more of a pain, but not anything I would call difficult.
The safest, easiest route is to download or order the CD, put it in the drive and reboot the machine. It will reboot into Ubuntu without changing a thing on your computer. You can then spend a day or two deciding if you can get things done on Ubuntu. If everything seems fine, just click the "Install" button on the desktop. If you find things you can't live with, just remove the CD and reboot again.
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 29, 2009, 09:59:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Jeff Strubberg:Paid $43.32 shipped with a $20 rebate. Not bad.
16 gig flash drive for $24....I paid $80 for mine a few months back! ..
The Ubuntu CD is a good way to get a feel for Linux, but you can do any writes since it's CD based.
Post by: Whip on January 29, 2009, 10:24:00 AM
Post by: limbow on January 29, 2009, 10:29:00 AM
Post by: Jeff Strubberg on January 29, 2009, 12:11:00 PM
Sorry, Jobs "We know what's best for you" approach really bugs me.
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 29, 2009, 12:40:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by limbow:Because, aside from what Jeff posted above, Ubuntu Linux and all its apps are FREE, forever ongoing development and support. And it really works just great. On ANY PC. Oh, and it's FREE.
Why not just buy a Mac and be free from ALL of this virus business?
Post by: Gator1 on January 29, 2009, 02:05:00 PM
We just got a Laptop with Vista, do I need to reinstall the Windows XP with Service Pack 2?
I have heard of more troubles with hacking, and with the state of the economy, it iwll get worse. I agree although not truly a "Traditional" topic, I think it is a good one to keep going. I am afraid to use photobucket at this point... I hope I don't have to sell a bow..
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 29, 2009, 02:14:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Gator1:No worries. Ubuntu Linux doesn't care what Windows OS is on yer machine.
...
We just got a Laptop with Vista, do I need to reinstall the Windows XP with Service Pack 2?
...
Post by: Jeremy on January 29, 2009, 03:07:00 PM
Post by: jack benson on January 29, 2009, 03:51:00 PM
The latest version, Gutsy Gibbon will also allow one to install it within Windows using Wubi. You then have Ubuntu on your hard drive and still access Windows.
Dual booting is a good way to learn to love Linux and transition away from Windows. I have found that in many ways, Ubuntu is much better behaved than Windows when it comes to uninstalling unwanted software. The MS OS tends to leave unwanted "junk" behind when a program is removed, which often causes problems.
Linux has a program called Wine, which will run many Windows programs whose equivalent is not available in open source or program specific for ones needs. It handles many Windows programs so that going Linux does not mean giving up your games ;o)
For those of you who are still stuck with slow internet speeds (dial up), you can request a free CD with the latest version of Ubuntu by going to their site. In my experience, the disk will come fairly fast.
I've switched to a version of Ubuntu called Mint. It is a distribution based upon Ubuntu, but a little more media friendly.
Rob...great that you allowed a little enlightenment to the wonderful world of Linux!
jack
Post by: SFB on January 30, 2009, 06:50:00 AM
Post by: Downsouth on January 30, 2009, 07:49:00 AM
http://en-us.www.mozilla.com/en-US/
It'll even import your bookmarks from internet explorer! I set my home page in internet options to Microsoft's home page and only use it to download updates, etc. Microsoft also has a useful, free virus scanner and removal tool on their website. Other than that, stay away, lol!
Ubuntu is a great operating system, and it's comes with Firefox built in! I've tried running it and couldn't get the drivers needed for my various gadgets, so a dual boot setup is the key to a happy ending!
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 30, 2009, 08:00:00 AM
Stay away from as many Internet related Microsoft products as possible - this includes the Internet Explorer browser, and the Outlook email application.
Use FireFox for your browser and pick any one of many free Windows based email applications such as Eudora.
Post by: Jeremy on January 30, 2009, 08:01:00 AM
The Ubuntu install went well and the difference (for me) is amazing. Thanks! :)
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 30, 2009, 08:07:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Jeremy:
DS, even with 2 gigs of ram and much of the annoying stuff disabled, Vista still runs like a narcoleptic dog on my laptop; anytime it gets excited it passes out for a few seconds.
FIRST thing I did with my daughter's new Vaio notebook was to kill Vista and install XP/Ubuntu in dual boot. Ditto's for my two granddaughter's machines, Vista is THAT bad. Yeesh.
The Ubuntu install went well and the difference (for me) is amazing. Thanks! :)
Another convert, welcome to the Linux club! :D
Post by: Downsouth on January 30, 2009, 10:14:00 AM
Post by: SCATTERSHOT on January 30, 2009, 10:58:00 AM
Vista seems to get "confused" and stops, starts, and slows down until it gets frustrating. Several times I have restarted my computer and started over. I'm going to try for a dual boot, wish me luck!
Post by: jack benson on January 30, 2009, 11:26:00 AM
Revived a old Millenium (remember that?!)running computer for a friend with some minor upgrades and Ubuntu. His kids now have their own computer which they can use for some (low end games)and school work. Total cost was way cheaper than purchasing an entire new system.
I got one of those Asus EEE netbooks to play with and see if my mother would like it (the clubhouse at her park has wireless)for email and internet since she only has dialup at home. Nice set up of Linux on it and works great. Amazing thing was that unless you knew it, you would not realize that this ran a non-Windows OS.
Freedom from Microsoft is a joy!
Post by: razorsharptokill on January 30, 2009, 11:40:00 AM
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 30, 2009, 12:10:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by razorsharptokill:It's your PC that's asking that question. It sees a .iso file and knows you have a CD burner. It's yer call to either burn directly to a CD or save the file and burn it later.
When you download ubuntu does it prompt you to burn it to a disk? ...
Once the CD has been created, pop it in a CD drive and reboot yer system and you can test drive Ubuntu Linux without changing anything. You can also install Ubuntu from that CD, in a dual boot mode (highly recommended).
Post by: TRB on January 30, 2009, 01:18:00 PM
The only thing I use a computer for is emails and coming to Trad Gang. I guess I might be what the kids call old school.
I ordered the Ubuntu cd. Can`t download, dial-up. (My niece keeps telling me that I need to step into the 21st century.) I hope they have instructions with the cd. Maybe I had better let my niece install it.
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 30, 2009, 01:51:00 PM
And as y'all can see, this has been an interesting and important topic.
Hence, it's now nestled in its own forum.
We expect this forum to be the place to talk specifically about accessing and using Trad Gang.
Thanx!
Post by: razorsharptokill on January 31, 2009, 02:01:00 AM
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 31, 2009, 06:49:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by razorsharptokill:Sounds right.
It saved an icon to my desktop that says roxio and that is what prompts me to burn a cd. Does that sound right?
Post by: LoneWolf on February 06, 2009, 03:39:00 PM
Vista must be Latin for Virus. Haven't cared for it since my first dealings with it. MS hasn't released anything worth using since Windows 3.11 in my opinion. And yes I have been working on Computers since 3.1 came out.
Post by: raghorn on February 15, 2009, 10:20:00 PM
Post by: Li'L Jon on February 16, 2009, 06:17:00 AM
I got that a while back, and there was just no way to shake it out.That is, short of burying the PC in the back yard. I was told by local geek that there was no patch for it yet.
I dumped the operating system and did a re-install, and spent the next couple days finding drivers and all that happy stuff.
Post by: Rob DiStefano on February 16, 2009, 06:37:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by raghorn:Is your PC working right now?
Maybe someone can help here. I started to install Ubuntu and it was doing the drive partition when it seemed that it locked up. Nothing changed for hours and I couldn't hear a drive running so I shut it down. Now when I try to install Ubuntu it appears that Ubuntu wants to use 100% of a drive. I just don't know if this is the new partition or the main drive.
What is your original operating system?
Do you have your original operating system disk?
DID YOU BACK UP ALL YOUR DATA?
Post by: Jeremy on February 16, 2009, 09:57:00 AM
The Ubuntu partitioning page shows all drive partitions, so if it's only showing one something is up.
Post by: Killdeer on February 18, 2009, 07:31:00 PM
Killdeer :scared:
Post by: Rob DiStefano on February 18, 2009, 07:45:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Killdeer:Personally, a Mac is simply way superior to any MS/OS PC ... but a Linux/OS PC is better yet still (well, at least for me!).
I just got a Mac, and feel naked. I am wandering about alone, with no MacAfee to clothe me, no Spybot at my side. How does one live without right-clicking?
Killdeer :scared:
Post by: JEFF B on February 18, 2009, 07:47:00 PM