Tech Notes from the Field

A couple of months ago I posted on Goggle+ for suggestions on how to enter the world of Linux.  I was enlightened on the responses and jumped in.  I installed VirtualBox virtual machine software on my Windows 7 desktop and had at it.

First I downloaded Ubuntu.  The 64-bit stable release 12 did not take too well, so I went with version 13.  Install went well.  My impression after starting to use it was a feel between Mac OS and Windows.  A mash up, if you will.  The package came with LibreOffice, so I briefly poked through that.  I found the standard games.  I used the standard browser.  All worked.  I when decided to download the Chrome browser as a test.  No problem there.  I still have much to explore as Ubuntu provides a lot of stuff in their package.

One thing stood out that annoyed me.  The scroll wheel on the most does not work.  At this point I did not know if it was a VM issue or Ubuntu.  I guess I’m used to that particular mouse feature, so it stood out.

After this quick study I looked for the other suggested Linux build, Debian.  There were two routes to take on this, and being a noob (yes I just used that word), I downloaded some full ISO image.  Thinking I did not need this running on a virtual machine I looked at the options again and found a network build/install.  I downloaded that and installed it.  While Ubuntu has links to apps like a Windows desktop, Debian gave me a blank desktop with a drop down menu.  I poked around and was getting comfortable very quickly, though I still have tons to learn.

Thinking I know enough to cause trouble I began to surf the web using the default browsers.  Ubuntu’s seemed a bit clunky and I decided to jump to Chrome.  The Google browser installed automatically and ran well.  In Debian the default browser was just like Firefox but with a different name.  (I’m now sitting at my machine, the browser is Iceweasle.)  It was quick and easy to use.  To be fair on the comparisons I downloaded Chrome.  Debian did not install automatically.  It downloaded an install package which made me learn how to install the package, which I did figure out after one false start.  That was not all, I had to find where it was installed and it did not add a shortcut or link in the menu.  I poked around the file system and quickly found the file to run.  I learned how to add it to the menu list which was satisfying.  Performance was similar to the default browser, so the jury is still out on which one I like best.

I plan on looking for the best or proper antivirus software to run next. I don’t want to assume all is safe like Apple does.  More research needs to be done as I continue on.  Both versions of Linux came with Libre Office, so I get to play with that.  I want to search for more applications that may be useful, too.  Any suggestions are welcome.  I will follow up on this post add I continue my journey into the Linux world.

Cheers!