Even NEW computers can be infected with malware!

[cweinstein]

how do i get a Linux system? And how does one secure their computer?

Linux is very easy to install, and there are many versions of Linux to choose from.

There is no operating system which is 100% virus proof, and there is no way to make a computer 100% secure.
Having said that, there are measures you can take to make your computer more secure:
1. Have 1, and only one, good anti virus program installed and running at all times. Good choices are Kaspersky, Trend Micro, and Vipre.
Not so great is Norton - it slows down the computer and can let some malware through that the above mentioned can stop.
There is no perfect, 100% effective anti virus program, but a good AV is better than no AV.
2. Keep Java and Flash up to date, and keep Windows up to date.
3. Do not open every attachment you get in an email, even if it's from someone you know. If you don't feel comfortable opening the attachment, if you suspect it in any way, if it's an attachment that person would not normally send, don't open it.
4. Avoid file sharing sites (like torrent sites) and file sharing software like Frostwire.
5. Even following these steps, there are viruses that can get through any anti virus software. If that happens call someone for help. System restore doesn't always work.

 

[cutekittycat]

do not use IE....

imo, i find plugins to block ads useful. eg: ghostery, do not track, ad block plus, disconnect (note, some of these plug-ins will actually block an entier page or link, so know what you are doing before using them)

modify your HOST file to protect yourself from websites.

 

[cweinstein]

do not use IE....

imo, i find plugins to block ads useful. eg: ghostery, do not track, ad block plus, disconnect (note, some of these plug-ins will actually block an entier page or link, so know what you are doing before using them)

modify your HOST file to protect yourself from websites.

Good ideas, though be careful when modifying the HOSTS file.

 

[cutekittycat]

plz elaborate, i only know if it and go to sites that does it for me.
i am not too sure on the technical details....

 

[EphesiaNZ]

Thanks. Is there a way to get a new computer with Linux already installed?

If you are looking for a new system then System76 may be a good starting point as they specialise in computers with Linux.

Also look at Puget Systems too as they are Linux friendly too.

 

[cutekittycat]

i just delete change my system32 * file name right? XD





* that was a joke! please do not do this!

 

[elytron]

I was thinking about Apple recently, because I want to buy a MacBook Pro. Should I worry about malware being installed on a Mac? Apple manufactures their products in China.

 

[C-Man]

Probably not. You might find some rice stuck to it though. :3

 

[cutekittycat]

Probably not. You might find some rice stuck to it though. :3

seriously?

it is pronounced Lice, not with a R. if you want to be fraken racist-stereotype. at least get the word right. mmmkay?

 

[C-Man]

<.<
Touchy...

 

[brinny]

LOL! you guys don't know how much yer all blessed to know as much as you do about computers...the rest of us are just sitting ducks...

and thanks for all the suggestions and links...it is appreciated more than you may realize.

 

[cutekittycat]

<.<
Touchy...

touché
FTFY

@brinny: sometimes there is actually not much to it. i by no means no expert. i am just extra careful on what to put out online.
take some time out and do some reading and adequate research (ie not believe all you read for it can be a scare tactic) and you will be fine.
welcome to the internets!

 

[brinny]

LOL! thanks...there's a lot of scare tactics then....kinda' makes ya leery of almost anything

 

[cweinstein]

plz elaborate, i only know if it and go to sites that does it for me.
i am not too sure on the technical details....

The HOSTS file determines how the computer connects to the internet. Doing it incorrectly could keep you out of the internet completely.

 

[Calvinist Dark Lord]

Thanks. Is there a way to get a new computer with Linux already installed?

Need to stop you right there kid.

i am a Linux user. Right now i'm on a very old HP Pavilion computer running OpenSUSE 12.2 Linux, so i don't have any bones to pick against Linux. It's kept this computer alive longer than is normal.

HOWEVER: Realise this: ANY operating system has a learning curve. Some are steeper than others.

Linux and Mac OSX does things differently than Windows, because they're not Windows.

If you run into trouble with Linux or don't understand something, you're not going to get help as easily as you would with Windows or OSX.

Many Linux users are do-it-yourself computer geeks, me included. You actually have to know something about how a computer works to use Linux in your day-to-day life.

If you're still curious about it, there are alternatives that will allow you to use Linux WITHOUT changing your computer at all.

There exists a CD/DVD version called Knoppixthat you can use on your computer. Simply download it, Burn an ISO to a blank CD or DVD (depending on what version you want to use) and reboot your computer with the disk.

Knoppix has been very useful to me when i have to fix a Windows system that is buggy because i can still operate the computer, and look at the Windows system for problems.

For the novice user, it's a good way to learn Linux without committing to making any changes to your computer.

You don't want to commit to Linux until you have some idea what you're doing with it. Many schools now offer course in Linux, and it would be advisable to take one of those.

 

[brinny]

I agree. I think a course is a good idea, cuz i definitely need one. Thank you.

 

[EphesiaNZ]

I agree. I think a course is a good idea, cuz i definitely need one. Thank you.

No reason why we couldn't drum up a quick guide/course on here...

 

[Calvinist Dark Lord]

No reason why we couldn't drum up a quick guide/course on here...

That would probably be useful, but i'd advise wider circulation than just this board. Besides, there are some books out that that explain things pretty well for the novice. Marcel Gagne has a pretty good book out.

Still, you and i would take things for granted that are the mysteries of the universe to the basic computer user.

Example: i just had a problem upgrading from OpenSUSE 12.1 to 12.2. i couldn't get my video card resolution (1600 x 900, 32 bit colour) correct. Turned out that i had a conflict because i had two separate drivers installed.

That's not something that the average Windows 7 user is going to have to deal with, and how on earth would you advise a novice to configure Grub2 or edit a file in the /etc folder?

i think the best way to get somebody used to Linux is to run a DVD or USB version until they're comfortable taking on the nuts and bolts of Linux.

i agree, it's very rewarding --this ancient system does things with Linux that Microsoft can't hope to match-- but you have to admit that the learning curve is pretty steep at first.

 

[Cute Tink]

Ubuntu lets you use a CD or DVD version before installing too, and it is not too difficult to get used to for most of the day to day stuff (like getting on the internet).

Also, with all of the forums and tutorials out there, it is not that difficult to find help, but you do have to have some idea of how Linux is set up. However, I don't know that it is that different than Windows on that front (or any other OS).

 

[NiobiumTragedy]

Worth mentioning that you don't need to install virus protection on Windows 8 as it already has one as part of Defender now. They merged Security Essentials into it which so far is working good.