On Tue, 12 Oct 2010 22:06:56 -0500 Richard Owlett <[email protected]> dijo:
>I have Ubuntu 10.10 up and running in test mode from a USB drive. > >My first impression is that the default installation suffers from >the same problems as Windows - trying to be "all things to all >people" while NOT supplying some specific tools that I want. > >Question 1. >While keeping the default configuration available, can I have a >massively pruned configuration be my typical boot? Ubuntu doesn't try so much to be "all things to all people" as it tries to support all hardware and provide GUI tools for configuration. That does tend to take more resources. While I generally recommend Ubuntu for beginners (because most things "just work"), in your case I would suggest experimenting with other distros. Some that come to mind that are leaner include Damn Small Linux, Puppy Linux, and Lubuntu. You can't really boot to a "massively pruned configuration" yet have the "default configuration" available. That is, you can boot to a slim configuration, but adding the "default configuration" can't be done with a simple mouse click. >Question 2. >While browsing files available thru the default desktop, one >seemed to say that internet access via an external RS-232 dial up >modem was not available with standard drivers. BUT when browsing >the descriptions of installed software it appeared that pppcfg >(IIRC) handled that. I'm confused. I'll let others address this, as I have little experience with dial-up modems under Linux. >Question 2a. >I didn't spot any reference to firewalls or ant-virus tools. Is >that accomplished in a different manner in the Linux world? Most distros install a default security system that, for most users, requires little attention. I have been using Linux for four years, have never installed anything special for security, have been connected 24/7 to the internet, and have never had a problem. On the other hand, I am behind a router, not on dial-up. Also, be aware that viruses for Linux do exist, but are rare compared to the Windows world. If you keep your distro up to date you should be pretty well protected. >Am I on the appropriate list? >Recommended sites other than www.pdxlinux.org? You are in the right place, although Google will turn up lots more help. When using Ubuntu I strongly recommend the Ubuntu forums. Ubuntu has more users than any other distro and tens of thousands participate in its forums. I can also suggest the PLUG Linux Clinic, which meets on the third Sunday of every month from 1-5 at Free Geek. 1741 SE 10th Avenue, Portland 97214. There are lots of gurus, plus we have distros, mice, keyboards, monitors, and lots of other stuff. The next one will be Sunday, October 17 (this Sunday). And above all, welcome to Linux! _______________________________________________ PLUG mailing list [email protected] http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
