Top Windows news

RV_ · January 18, 2017

Rather than comment here are articles I read today I found might be of use on the road and off.

Microsoft: Windows 7 in 2017 is so outdated that patches can't keep it secure

http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-windows-7-in-2017-is-so-outdated-that-patches-cant-keep-it-secure/?loc=newsletter_large_thumb_featured&ftag=TRE17cfd61&bhid=19724681974700635514865380622813

Windows 10 security: 'So good, it can block zero-days without being patched'

http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-security-so-good-it-can-block-zero-days-without-being-patched/?loc=newsletter_large_thumb_featured&ftag=TRE17cfd61&bhid=19724681974700635514865380622813

Windows 10 privacy changes appease watchdogs, but still no data "off-switch"

Analysis: Microsoft favors the "just enough" approach to appease privacy regulators, but it ignores a fundamental customer complaint.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-appease-watchdogs-still-no-privacy-off-switch/?loc=newsletter_large_thumb_featured&ftag=TRE17cfd61&bhid=19724681974700635514865380622813

rvrev2 · February 6, 2017

I'm so put out with Windows. Anybody using Linux? If so, what version? Any downside?

RV_ · February 6, 2017

There are a few here. Perhaps if you start a new topic asking that. I've not messed with it since I built a Raspberry system with Raspberry Debian.

k4rs · February 6, 2017

I'm so put out with Windows. Anybody using Linux? If so, what version? Any downside?

Yes, indeed! I have been using Linux since the mid 1990's. Up until Windows 10, I used both Linux and Windows equally but now I no longer trust Microsoft and use Linux for about 95% of my computing needs. Due to Microsoft's bone headed policies, I REFUSE to use Windows 10. Anything I need to do in Windows is either Windows 8.1 or Windows 7.

The downside to Linux is that it has a much smaller user base and some application categories cannot compete with Windows. Mapping software is one such category. There is nothing in the Linux world that compares with Streets and Trips or Street Atlas USA. Unfortunately these applications have been discontinued in Windows as things migrate to the mobile market. There is also some hardware that lacks Linux support. In most cases, that is a minor problem.

There is a bit of a learning curve when moving to a new operating system, but in my experience, it is not nearly as bad as some make it out to be. You frequently hear that to use Linux, you must master the command prompt. Nothing could be further from the truth. I admit that the command line is very powerful and many experts prefer to use it but most everything can be done from a Graphical User Interface. Many of my friends and neighbors have moved to Linux at my suggestion and none have expressed any regrets.

Over the years I have tried literally hundreds of Linux distributions. There are many distributions and desktops to choose from. In fact, there are so many that picking one may be overwhelming. For my personal use I prefer something based on Debian using the Cinnamon desktop. For older, less powerful computers the Mate and Xfce desktops are a good choice. Both Ubuntu and Linux Mint are very popular and have great support. OpenSuse and Fedora (based on Red Hat) are also popular. I have seen so many smaller projects come and go that I would suggest staying with one of the larger, mainstream projects.

I am typing this post on my desktop computer running Linux Mint 17.3 with the Cinnamon desktop while my laptops have Mint 18.1 installed. Eventually I'll update the desktop to 18.x but I am in no rush as it works very well and will be supported a few more years.

Safe Travels...

RV_ · February 11, 2017

Rvrev,

Roger is the man here now with Linux, afaik. I was going to use the mint and cinnamon combo too. It isn't really a tough learning curve.

The reason I suggested you start a thread of your own is not because this one is hijacked, but because the Linux folks and others like you do not know Linux info is hidden in a Windows thread. If you are serious, start another and you should find good advice but no better than you get from Roger. Trust me, he goes out of his way to help without letting his ego get in the way.

Also, you can chronicle your progress and questions for others to learn or help.

Your OS is only important if you like it, and it works for you. I just made a temporary switch from my Windows 10 mobile phones to two new Moto Z Droid we got free from Verizon over the holidays and BOGO on all mods for them. We just got the battery mods because they make them able to charge wirelessly like our Lumia 735s do. Android is OK, but Windows mobile 10, when they come out with Surface phones, is still our preference.

I have an old perfect condition XP Computer system with monitor etc. I am going to load up with mint/cinnamon. But I have three tablets to sell and am reconfiguring my main system as a refresh, and I have half of my battery wireless security system done ahead of the Linux project. I want to dual boot it with XP only off line to load and run Outlook Express and archive my old emails back to 1996 in it. I prefer air gap security on old Windows systems.

Good luck.