Getting fake emails from friends

http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php
You need to download the iso file and burn a dvd from it.
Then you can try it out as a live cd before installing it/commiting to it.
You can also install it to dual boot so you can choose windows or linux when you start your pc.
I use the live dvd for internet banking because there is zero chance of a virus.
Mint comes with its own firewall and if you're really paranoid you can install a free anti virus prog, but most people think its unnecessary with linux.

the thing is that I just updated it yesterday & all of a sudden it asks me to download a new version,as in dowload it again
Did you get the same thing when you click on the red icon?

I was just wondering what mint is like. I tried ubuntu but it drove me up the wall when I tried to install programs.

Is linux safe?

I run mint instead of ubuntu mainly because it looks prettier and runs a bit quicker. Essentially its just a skinned copy of Ubuntu with a ton of architecture tweaks, but it is just as good if not better than ubuntu for a beginner (not saying you are one). Installing programs will be pretty similar, however I don't understand what you were having trouble with? Did you use the package manager or try to do things manually?

I was just wondering what mint is like. I tried ubuntu but it drove me up the wall when I tried to install programs.

I installed mint 9 on a five year old Dell desktop and everything worked straight away-sound, graphics card everything.
No need to download codecs for music, it all just works.
It comes with open office, which is compatible with word, adobe pdf's open no OK etc.
I downloaded Chrome browser - it's not too hard to install progs if you just check out some online tutorials.
I find everything works faster than windows.

I run mint instead of ubuntu mainly because it looks prettier and runs a bit quicker. Essentially its just a skinned copy of Ubuntu with a ton of architecture tweaks, but it is just as good if not better than ubuntu for a beginner (not saying you are one). Installing programs will be pretty similar, however I don't understand what you were having trouble with? Did you use the package manager or try to do things manually?



Very, however you will have to use open source (i.e free) alternatives to things such as:

iTunes
MSN
Microsoft Office
Photoshop
Some other things

Thanks for all the feedback everybody.
Do yopu think this site is safe to download Malwarebytes from?
http://www.techspot.com/downloads/4716-malwarebytes-anti-malware.html
thanks

I am pretty much a novice when it comes to linux to be fair. I used a bit of both; the package manager and manually, then again it might have been my old laptop: it wasn't exactly in top condition. When I have the use for a new OS I'll dl it. It can be run off a flash drive or portable hard drive, right? I might make a partition and give it a try there rather than wait now I come to think of it..

The package manager is much easier, and usually has everything released up to date. Give it another go Yeah you can run it off any USB device really, just has to be formatted to FAT if I remember correctly then edited slightly - there are tons of tutorials for this and it took me a few minutes when I did it. Linux is a bit tricky to dualboot if you don't know what you're doing, however recent versions of mint have been very good for automating it. Traditionally to dualboot it you'd need to make several new partitions (swap etc), however I think you can do it pretty easily if you just make one new partition aside from your current OS and shove the CD/USB in. PM me if you have any trouble.

EDIT: Crunchbang, Slax or Puppy Linux (WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY MOTHERFRICKIN' TINY) are probably the best bet for those wanting to run linux on an ancient set up. Mint will still run though if you cba to check them out.

How big should the flash drive be? I have a feeling I'll need to run it off a portable hard drive because the only two flash drives I have, that I've seen recently; are a 2GB one with porn on it(which can be moved obv) and a 4GB encrypted one with a 30 character password so neither of them will be useful I figure.

I might ask you about the partition bit to be sure I'm doing it right. The hard drive I use isn't on me right now but when I do have it I will.

Not entirely sure, but you basically just need the modded iso file which is ~700mb and a bit more to work off... 800mb maybe? As for the partitioning, when I last installed I just made a second partition and mint did the rest for me (split it up during the installation etc). This will make the installation considerably longer so don't think its bugged out or whatever

Oh right, so the 2GB one would probably do it, but I need to decide how much space I'll need for file storage and program installation. :/ Could always try the 2GB and install it elsewhere if I change mind..... Does it come across that I'm disorganised? Because I'm not sure where the 2GB one is.

Not like you need to install linux imminently is it?

To be honest, running linux 'live' is never going to be as smooth and nippy as installing it properly. Every time you use it you're using your USB connection which is limited to a crappy speed compared to your hdd's super quick transfter speeds. It runs ok, just saying you won't find it too quick if you constantly run it off a USB. However, what I've done in the past is run it off the live CD and save the files I've worked with onto my PC's hdd Up to you really mate.