Which distro for me? (I know there are gazillions out there...)

[Goatmilk]

Another thought
If you do look at another re-use machine, avoid Atom and celeron CPU's they are not a lot better than you have already

What should I look for? I'm thinking of a desktop computer now, a refurbished one. Probably a HP again, I'm quite happy with the last one, i5-3470 @ 3.20 GHz with 4gb RAM, running the 32bit Windows. Nice graphic card, too, NVidia Geforce gtx 1050.

It's probably vastly out of date, but honestly? If my friend were still, around, I'd ask for some more RAM and a ssd drive and give it a try with 64bits. The biggest hogs it'll have to carry are the VirtualBox and my old game, Anno 1404 with IAAM mod. The game is old, but quite a resource hog.

Other than that? Tons of books in Calibre.

 

[CaffeineAddict]

running the 32bit Windows.

Why would you run 32 bit Windows on a 64 bit CPU? makes no sense to me.

I'd ask for some more RAM and a ssd drive

Yes to both, but note that your CPU knows DDR3 only, shouldn't be too expensive to upgrade, 16GB is now standard but if it's cheap to get and you plan to keep the PC for longer go for 32GB.

You can always keep SSD for the new PC but RAM will have to be thrown away and won't be usable on newer motherboards if you upgrade one day.

 

[GatorsFan]

Why would you run 32 bit Windows on a 64 bit CPU? makes no sense to me.

It may have only came with 2GBs of ram from the factory - so back in the day as they say - this was quite normal for vendors to use 32Bit Windows - which is good to 4GBs of RAM - if you wanted 64Bit you had to buy the upgrade - so it came down to money

 

[Brickwizard]

I'm quite happy with the last one, i5-3470 @ 3.20 GHz with 4gb RAM,

Nothing wrong with that for everyday computing, from 2012, the i5-3470 was one of the faster cpu's of its time, it has the same performance as my 2 yrs younger i5-4590S,
so if its working ok, it would be worth dropping a few bucks to get someone to upgraded it , Increase the ram to min 8gb, 16 or more would be better, and if it still has the old plate spinner main drive either swap it out or keep it as storage, and install either an SSD to make it noticeably faster or a M2 NVMe on a PCI expansion board, and it will boot like lightning

 

[Battledoge21]

Thank you all so much!

As for the distro, I have installed MX Linux 23.3 64bit yesterday and I'm loving it. Much more that the LMDE6 before, and not just because it is faster and feels lighter. This time, I used gparted to split the hdd in two (I'm used to have all my stuff far away from the os partition), and this probably helped it to be quicker than LMDE. Either way, I think it's mine. Now the question is not to get a new laptop but a new main computer - can't wait to change!

But of course, some little problems, even though up to now I've only installed Vivaldi and moved the vertical panel from one side of the screen to the other. Oh, and changed that Conky thingy...

1. Is it okay for the os to go online the moment it's loaded? I'd never let Windows do that before I hadn't my protection up.
(@ Condobloke - with protection I mean Shadow Defender or before that, TimeFreeze. They will virtualize the c: drive, put it in some kind of sandbox, so you can go online, do loads of nonsense, and then when you shut down the computer, everything is back to how it was before. Nice to have when trying out programs, too. I didn't run an antivirus ever since I figured out they were mere resource hogs. I trot out the on-demand scanners every other week or so, visit Eset or TrendMicro once in a while, and that's it. And my system is fine).

2. As for security, the integrated firewall is good enough? I left it on its default settings.

3. I noticed there seemed to be no portable programs. With Windows, I'm used to go for portables whenever possible. Anything that doesn't touch the registry is good. I usually install them under SD, save the resulting folder on another partition, reboot, and if they won't run, I won't use them. However, Linux seems to install everything, right into its root. Is that safe?

4. Another Windows damage is the horror of updates. If you let Windows updates run wild, the system blows up like a balloon. That's why I used WSUS Offline where smarter folks than me had figured out what was safe and actually required, ran it and that was it. Never had a Windows update again.

Now I did run a full upgrade on MX Linux because some guy on YouTube said so, but would I really need every one? This morning, it had found six new updates it wanted to have.

5. Windows damage again - what about services? I left them alone, of course - but are they something where people go and tweak? To make it faster, or leaner, or safer? Or just a bit lighter for an old machine?

6. When the system comes up (could still be a little faster...) it stops a while with these messages:
[ 0.185594] x86/cpu: VMX (outside TXT) disabled by BIOS
[ 2.942197] 1801_smbus 000:00:1f.3: Transaction timeout
[ 3.146190] 1801_smbus 000:00:1f.3: Transaction timeout

Could that be something that needs looking after?

7. Is there a way to get that Tuna Commander to keep the double pane view? Every time it comes up, it has a single pane again. It's a tidbit, really, as it takes just a click to have split view - but I'm just a Free Commander freak.

8. Where do I find network connection properties, that is the spot where I can change the dns server address to 1.1.1.1?
Cloudflare website says, "Go to Show Applications > Settings > Network" - but there is none in MX.

9. What exactly is the name of that start menu thing that looks like a Windows start menu? The first thing I ALWAYS install in a new Windows ever since XP reared its ugly head was Classic Shell - to get rid of that start menu... lol

10. Should I take the trouble and move or copy the Thunderbird data or should I wait until the 'real' MX Linux machine gets installed? I do have a row of web based email programs, so it's not that I couldn't get any emails. Not even sure if the Linux Thunderbird could read the data folder of the Windows Thunderbird. They're different versions, too, 52.6.0 (32-bit) vs whatever the new one is. It won't let me look without going through the whole setup process.

10. That's another thing - is there a program, like Free Commander, where you can look up everything that actually is on the hard drive, including programs, so you could go there and check, "Aha, Thunderbird, here's the readme.txt, it's version so and so". I did find Thunderbird in Tuna, but found no read me, could see no version info, couldn't make heads or tails from it all and went out before I broke something.

I'm aware it's beginner's blindness, but maybe there is just the program I need and just haven't found yet. I must admit it's a bit confusing as to what is installed, or what's merely a suggestion for the download center.

11. I wish I hadn't set a password. I swear that thing asks for authorization every time the cat walks by. Is there a way I can change that so it just asks for the log in or maybe the most utterly important things? I'm the only user here.

Again, thank you all so much, just for being there.

I'm sure it won't be long until the next row of questions and problems comes up...

I'm glad you love it! I haven't ever used MX Linux so I won't be able to answer everything, but I have used Debian so I sorta know what I'm talking about lol.

First off, most applications in Linux are already sandboxed, so no need to worry about that. The default network settings are much better than windows and Linux handles connections much more securely. The only thing I usually do is change my DNS when using Linux. Hopefully that should alleviate your security concerns. Just remember to keep your system up to date.

Secondly, as for portable programs, you can use applications like Flatpak and Snap to install portable versions. I usually don't run them as installed versions are usually perfectly fine. If you are interested in Flatpak or Snap however, you might have to ask people smarter than me or do a quick google to get them working. It shouldn't be very difficult however.

As for updates, they usually never add bloat in Linux, and are pretty important to keeping your system secure. If your system uses apt, you can run "sudo apt autoremove" in a terminal after an update to remove the old versions of files. Other package managers have similar commands.

For the random crap it spits out while booting, that's just Linux for ya, nothing to worry about lol.

Everything else should be pretty simple to fix but I couldn't give you an answer for most of that stuff. I'll leave that to everyone on this forum.

 

[Goatmilk]

Why would you run 32 bit Windows on a 64 bit CPU? makes no sense to me.

Had a couple of old 32bit programs that wouldn't run on 64bit. Still have them, but now they can go in a VirtualBox. Windows 7 or even XP. Heck, some might go with Win98, would save me the hassle of registering. My current Windows 7 does have Advanced Token Manager, but I'm not sure it'll work on a vastly different system

@ Brickwizard, it does have a hdd. I will look around at prices and options of an upgrade and compare.

 

[Brickwizard]

I will look around at prices and options of an upgrade and compare.

The cheapest new/new to you option would be the SSD. The NVMe have dropped in price in the last year but are still comparatively expensive, what I did was install a 120gb NVMe to run the day-to-day machine & OS, and left the old plate spinner which is where I store all my doc's,music/vid's & Picts

 

[Goatmilk]

The only thing I usually do is change my DNS when using Linux.

You mean dns servers for ipv4 and ipv6? Where did you do that? I couldn't find it in MX Linux

I think for now I do stick to the 'Popular Applications'. Running after the portable versions of everything was a necessity to keep Windows lean, or so I learned. Also, if you didn't use a thing anymore, you could just throw it out and not worry about its remains in the registry.

 

[CaffeineAddict]

Also, if you didn't use a thing anymore, you could just throw it out and not worry about its remains in the registry.

There is no registry in Linux so enjoy your clean system by default

The only possible leftover is configuration files of programs you uninstall, but it's easy to remove these config files either with apt purge instead of apt remove or by removing config files afterwards, there is command workaround for that too.

 

[Condobloke]

READ NUMBER 10 FIRST, before doing/changing anything

So when I say I want something to look like my old Windows 7, it's probably a wee bit misleading...

lol....understood !

your questions:

1. Yes....straight online....with one condition. There will be a firewall already installed. I am not so familkiar with MX so I dont know if it is ENABLED. ...UPDATE....I just searched that and the firewall IS enabled. You are all set....go for it !

MX 23 - Uncomplicated Firewall Configuration - MX Linux Forum

2.oops.....just read your number two...all good !
3.However, Linux seems to install everything, right into its root. Is that safe?....YES....it is also why you get to practise (LOL) typing your password so many times. You do get used to it. I can now type my password in blindfolded. Yes, I actually did try it !
I cannot emphasis this enough....the manner in which Linux works is inherently safe. It is a tried and trusted approach which has more than stood the test of time. (time to turn off your windows mindset !...lol)

4. Now I did run a full upgrade on MX Linux because some guy on YouTube said so, but would I really need every one? This morning, it had found six new updates it wanted to have.
LOL...only six ??!!....when you see an update available.....Install it. You do not have to second guess anything. Never again.
The only "condition" necessary here is to get Timeshift set up. Save the 'snapshots to an external drive. Then if either you or the os screws something up....you then reboot to the usb stick you installed from (so it is running Live....that is what it is called)....you access Timeshift there and the Location of the snapshots you have....choose one....click on Restore...follow the couple of prompts through....it will fill a screen with gobbledegook and then reboot. DONE. You are now back to a point in time prior to the screw up
I can tell you now....that if you had 10 "needs" to restore from Timeshift, a minimum of 9 would be because of the user .....not because of faulty updates. They are that rare.

5. No need to fiddle....doing that usually ends up giving you practise with Timeshift.
Linux is an oddity, because ut actually cleans itself. No more going looking for a boatload of temp files etc etc.
There are a few commands you can use to tidy up, but it is more like use them once a fortnight or monthly.....definitely not daily etc
Here you go....your first terminal experience.
COPY AND PASTE this into the terminal (Store this command somewhere, it is invaluable....it is supplied by @wizardfromoz, who is our Admin.

When you have copied and pasted it into Terminal....hit Enter....then your password.....it will do its thing....and that's the end of that.

#!/bin/bash
sudo apt-get update
#sudo apt-get -y upgrade
sudo apt-get -y dist-upgrade
sudo apt-get -y autoremove

You have searched for any updates, Also any upgrades, any distro upgrades, and then cleaned out any left over cruft......all in a couple of clicks. Welcome to Linux. Life is actually good.

6. No need to panic over that....all par for the course. I get that sort of thing...plus a screen or two full of crapola......the machine boots every single time...dont disturb it, allow it to do its thing.
7. No clue...someone here will run MX and is sure to be able to tell you

8. Again.....I dont really know....but......in the System Tray....right hand end of the panel (task bar)...near the clock...there may be a 'connected to the network' icon ?....click on that and take a gander.
I spend 99% of my time in my browser (brave browser) so I set my dns provider in there
OR....click on menu, and type in network...see what comes up.
Don't be afraid to explore to your hearts content (Timeshift time again )

9. Start menu...i believe there is something or other that will take its place, but you will need to wait for someone who does that with MX.

10......I just spotted this.... Should I take the trouble and move or copy the Thunderbird data or should I wait until the 'real' MX Linux machine gets installed?
Are you still running MX in live mode ???..... not actually installed?....this is important..... only because any changes you make while it is in Live mode will NOT carry over to when the MX is actually fully installed.

I may have misinterpreted what you mean here, but better we clear that up now. It may save you a ton of redoing stuff (which is really good practise, but you likely have enough on your plate !)

 

[MikeRocor]

Had a couple of old 32bit programs that wouldn't run on 64bit. Still have them, but now they can go in a VirtualBox. Windows 7 or even XP. Heck, some might go with Win98, would save me the hassle of registering. My current Windows 7 does have Advanced Token Manager, but I'm not sure it'll work on a vastly different system

@ Brickwizard, it does have a hdd. I will look around at prices and options of an upgrade and compare.

Same deal for me - in 2010 I ordered a new PC for my work - had some 32 bit programs that I wanted to be sure would still work but also the company wouldn't spring for more than 4 GB of RAM and I knew it would never see an upgrade so I just selected 32 bit Win7 Pro and never regretted it...

... until the system was "retired" and became my own personal machine. Oh well.

 

[bob466]

Only you can decide what Distro is best for you...forget 32bit it's a thing of the distant past.

Have a look here...https://distrowatch.com/ plenty to look at.

It's always best to look at well supported Distros when asking for help too.

 

[Goatmilk]

10......I just spotted this.... Should I take the trouble and move or copy the Thunderbird data or should I wait until the 'real' MX Linux machine gets installed?
Are you still running MX in live mode ???..... not actually installed?....this is important..... only because any changes you make while it is in Live mode will NOT carry over to when the MX is actually fully installed.

I may have misinterpreted what you mean here, but better we clear that up now. It may save you a ton of redoing stuff (which is really good practise, but you likely have enough on your plate !)

No, it's installed on the old laptop, whereas the 'real' machine - that would be my desktop computer - still runs Windows 7.
(I still call my rotary phone the 'real telephone'; while that Huawawa mobile never made it past the 'that thing' status...

As for Linux, the plan is to run it on the laptop to learn how to get around with it, and then make it my main system on the 'real' computer.

I also have to figure out whether to upgrade the old machine or get a new one.

 

[Condobloke]

ok....moving along then

10. Should I take the trouble and move or copy the Thunderbird data ...No. That will introduce complexities that you don't need.

Does Thunderbird draw the emails from a webmail....like Gmail ?
if it does then when you set T'bird up it can download everything at that time. T'bird will be on MX...set it up and allow the webmail to populate it after you have finished. k.i.s.s.
I found this::

How to use install/manage programs in Linux - MX Linux Forum

11. Does MX have a 'menu' or a software centre?....If a menu, it probably has a space where you can type in an apps name......if so type in Thunderbird....similar approach in repositort/software/app place/centre/manager...

That authorisation is crucial. There are members here who can probably tell you how to sidestep that constant password typing.

That should keep you out of strife for a short while !

 

[Goatmilk]

Yay! Just installed my first repo package - a screensaver pack! It even works...

Thunderbird is already installed, and I guess I'd just have to set it up. These days, it gets its mail from Titan email. I don't really use gmail, never liked it that it was forced on me for the stupid mobile phone. Well, at least I have a Google drive account now.

But - red alarm - what is a parsing error?

Got this note when I tried to sniff my way through the whiskers menu settings:

Invalid desktop files detected! Please see details:

The following desktop files have failed parsing by the underlying library. and will therefore not show up in MenuLibre. Please investigate these problems with the associated package maintainer.

/home/xxx/.local/share/applications/userapp-PaleMoon-ACURR2.desktop
Exec program '/usr/yadda yadda %u has not been found in the PATH

/usr/share/applications/kcm_trash.desktop
Exec program 'kcmshell5 ksm_trash' has not been found in the PATH

Okay, I've installed Palemoon today and then uninstalled it because the brandnew version wasn't as nice as the old portable legacy one I have on windows 7. Got myself Brave instead and made it the new default. I also have Firefox and Vivaldi, but I usually like something lighter as the default. Never heard about kcmshell.

The Tuna commander (that finally agrees to stay on split view) churned out five line in /home/yaddayadda/local/share/applications/ when double-klicking, one of which has something with 'Pale Moon' in it, but I don't dare deleting them. When double-klicking the second one, nothing happens. It asks for authenticication, gets it, and sits there doing nothing.

I'm supposed to 'investigate'. What on earth is a 'package maintainer'? Where's CCleaner when you need it?

I've used MX Cleanup and did a restart but nothing helped. It's certainly not much and everything works so far, but I hate errors on my system.

Any ideas what I could do about it?

 

[Brickwizard]

CCleaner

we don't have IT, there are some similar Linux apps... https://www.fosslinux.com/134058/cc...ntu-a-fresh-look-at-system-cleaning-tools.htm

 

[Goatmilk]

I just downloaded Bleachbit for Debian 12, it apparently installed, shows up in the menu in two versions (one for administrator, one normal) - but it does nothing. The administrator one asks for authenticication, but that's it.

And it's not that it's just ultrafast and working under the hood. I've found the Task Manager and had it on display when trying Bleachbit again, and it didn't show up.

 

[Condobloke]

be careful, bleachbit can be a disaster waiting for a place and time to happen.

It can be said that bleachbit is not for the faint hearted nor the inexperienced

 

[Goatmilk]

Guess I'll delete it again, as I cannot get it to work anyway and I'm too much of a noob to start any risky adventures. And yeah, I don't feel too safe without Shadow Defender.

So Bleachbit will probably be the next 'parsing error' then...

Any idea what I can do about those?

 

[Condobloke]

How are you going about deleting those apps ?