Bug found in IE

[Lazarus]

Yet another reason to try Linux......I notice on one of the expat forums I subscribe to, Mint has been suggested as an alternate. I think that to the average end user, the word Linux conjures up images of geeks entering lines of code just to get it to run.

Absolutely agree, Pete.

Although you can get under the bonnet of Mint if you want (and I've had a go a couple of times), it is actually as high-level in terms of appearance, menu structure, instinctive use etc. as anything Microsoft have ever come up with and the Desktop can even be themed to look like XP, Win 7 etc.

So, for no cost at all, you get a stable, almost (!) bullet-proof system which requires no user intervention to fight off anything nasty, has access to a very wide range of programmes which either substitute for or improve upon MS offerings and which can even be tried by potential new users from a Bootable USB Stick, so there's no risk of bu**ering up the original Windows installation.

All positive.

But (and I'm sure you'll agree, Pete) I can fully understand why so many people fight shy of it. Like VHS, Windows was a resounding Marketing success despite its limitations and MS has become a kind of Religion. It took a failed HDD to give me the courage to convert and in retrospect I've no regrets whatsoever.

My buddy up the lane has got Mint on an old Laptop and Windows 8 on his new one. He has already asked me to install Mint once his Warranty expires.

 

[sonnetpete]

Plain fact is that to the average user there is no alternate other than Windows, so brainwashed have they become. Faced with a hard drive failure 99 times out of 100 they will just buy another computer, which almost exclusively will come supplied with the MS product. I've just done a quick check on Amazon UK and of the 1,932 laptops listed only 3 are available with Linux.

 

[Channel Hopper]

Just think, if Microsoft branched out into Firmware for Satellite Receivers ................

They would give Pace a run for their money....

 

[Vipersan]

ok ...you guys have convinced me to try mint on one of my old Toshiba tecra lappies ..
link to a downloadable iso would be appreciated..
rgds
VS

 

[Lazarus]

Hoorah!

Latest is Mint 16

Download here

(Personally, I use the Cinnamon Edition, but Mate is supposed to be pretty good too)


If you like it, be aware that Mint 17 is due in a few weeks and that (unlike 16) is a Lifetime Support Release.

Destructions for doing the CheckSum thing and creating a Bootable Disc or USB stick are all navigable from either of those links.

Suggest you use a 2GB or 4GB USB stick, if that's the route you want to go. 1GB is too small and 8GB and above suffer File System issues. Any Recordable DVD should do, however.

 

[Vipersan]

Followed the link but don't see a freestanding iso download ..
I'll need this to install on a lappy with no OS ..
ie blank hard drive..

 

[skomedal]

Is there a mobile/usb version for those not not willing to commit yet, just to try it?

 

[sonnetpete]

Tivu is the one to ask, VS but can't you download to a USB stick, boot from that and then download onto the hard drive.....I may be talking out of my derriere of course.....as usual LOL

 

[sonnetpete]

Is there a mobile/usb version for those not not willing to commit yet, just to try it?

Puppy Linux boots from a USB stick without the need to install....

 

[Lazarus]

Followed the link but don't see a freestanding iso download ..
I'll need this to install on a lappy with no OS ..
ie blank hard drive..

Second of my links >>> Scroll down to Cinnamon 32 Bit, click then select a Mirror. That's the .iso

 

[Vipersan]

Ok think I have navigated to what I need ,..
currently downloading 'linuxmint-16-cinnamon-dvd-32bit.iso'
I guess this is the one ?

 

[Lazarus]

Is there a mobile/usb version for those not not willing to commit yet, just to try it?

You can create a Bootable USB stick and run it direct from that, as a trial.

 

[Lazarus]

Ok think I have navigated to what I need ,..
currently downloading 'linuxmint-16-cinnamon-dvd-32bit.iso'
I guess this is the one ?

Yep! (You found it while I was replying earlier)

 

[Vipersan]

Puppy Linux boots from a USB stick without the need to install....

Sounds like a useful extra (tool)Pete ..
Got a link ?
and what size usb stick required ?

 

[Lazarus]

Tivu is the one to ask, VS but can't you download to a USB stick, boot from that and then download onto the hard drive.....I may be talking out of my derriere of course.....as usual LOL

The Download isn't Bootable, whatever medium you put it on: Needs a Checksum then use of a freely available utility to create a Bootable device of your choice.

 

[Vipersan]

You can create a Bootable USB stick and run it direct from that, as a trial.

I have so many redundant lappys and blank drives lying around doing nowt ..I'm happy to commit one for a trail..
;)

 

[Lazarus]

Sounds like a useful extra (tool)Pete ..
Got a link ?
and what size usb stick required ?

Same with the full Mint (as per previous Posts) .... once the iso is downloaded find the destructions for creating a Live USB stick and just bung it in the desired PC (Having altered your BIOS Boot Order, of course).

No need to install until and unless you're happy.

 

[Vipersan]

The Download isn't Bootable, whatever medium you put it on: Needs a Checksum then use of a freely available utility to create a Bootable device of your choice.

and this friendly available tool/checksum app is .....?????
..and why make it so convoluted ..?
A simple bootable ISO would get more peeps on board I think.

 

[Lazarus]

The reason it's done that way is to ensure any corruption in the download process is caught: A fine mess in the offing if one got a Bootable Download that was corrupt and installed it ..............!

The Checksum procedure is given somewhere in the links or can be found on the web. PCs running mainstream Linux Distros have it in the Context Menu, but for Windows I think the Tool is "md5" or summat like that. For creating the Live Device, again Linux machines do it via Context Menu but for Windows there are any number off Apps on the WEb "Live USB Creator" is one, IIRC.

That said, I've never had any corruption, but there's always a first time!

It is possible to buy a Live DVD but really the effort in creating your own is minimal.

 

[Vipersan]

The reason it's done that way is to ensure any corruption in the download process is caught: A fine mess in the offing if one got a Bootable Download that was corrupt and installed it ..............!

The Checksum procedure is given somewhere in the links or can be found on the web.

That said, I've never had any corruption, but there's always a first time!

It is possible to buy a Live DVD but really the effort in creating your own is minimal.

I get that G and I agree it's a good safe method ..but in the interests of shedding the Linux/Geek Stigma ..
I can see it having greater appeal to those less 'techy' to have less hoops to jump through..
Of course there is always the - buy a disc - option I guess.
rgds