I'm new to all this Linux business...

[Wesker1984]

I tried out Linux Mint earlier this year, started with 16 but it was just around the release of 17 and so I quickly went to that, unfortunately it crapped out on me (probably my fault for not waiting a couple of months while issues got ironed out), and so I abandoned the Linux idea for a while.

Yesterday I installed Ubuntu 14.04 LTS, and so I now have a few questions:

1. I liked the cinnamon desktop of Mint, is it compatible with Ubuntu (I read that Mint is Debian/Ubuntu based)? Plus how would I get it if so?

2. I know that malware that is Linux based is rare, but it's out there, are there any good day-zero antimalware apps for Linux out there? I know I'm highly unlikely to become infected but I'd like to make myself even less of a target!

3. I'm not a coder or anyone who likes to try and remember hundreds of CLI commands, my area is hardware/networking (studying for CCNA). Is there a good resource out there for quick reference of commands? Particularly pertaining to SNMP diagnostics.

4. Troubleshooting tools, if I am to start recommending Linux to clients in the future I figure that I better damn well make sure I can troubleshoot and fix common problems, any diagnostic tools around at all?

Also posted on BleepingComputer.com, just covering my bases.

 

[coffee]

The cinnamon desktop seems to have issues. I would recommend using Mint with the mate desktop. If you want cinnamon then you will be running Linux Mint for it. What problem did you have with LInux Mint? All my linux customers run Linux Mint with the Mate desktop. Very few problems if any.

As for anti-virus software you really do not need any. There is clamv that you can install and run. But those that do run it are mainly cleaning up Windows systems or have windows systems sharing files with linux systems and they want to make sure the files are virus free for windows coming from a linux system. Do not worry about infections when using linux.

As for Networking commands and troubleshooting I recommend joining a linux forum and reading alot. Using the command line is actually quicker to get things done then a GUI. I enjoy reading about others problems on linux forums and seeing the solution. Thats how I learned it all. There are alot of Linux "Howto's" available you just have to keep in mind that some are out of date. But they are still good reading as a lot of the information is still relevent. Get comfortable with the command line and things will be a lot easier for you.

As for all the diagnostic tools you might need - Really everything is built into linux flavors for diagnosing problems. One of my favorites that does not come pre installed is Nmap. Nmap will sniff ports on networked systems and is very useful in network connection issues. By all means, Install it. Otherwise, If you experience a problem then others have also. So, Googling it will provide an answer usually.

I will recommend Linux Mint over ubuntu though. My reasons are personal as ubuntu has some not so nice things built into it that I do not appreciate. Im not alone in this thought and you should read about the reasons why ----> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP8CNp-vksc

As I said, Its a personal and ethical thing for me.

Linux Mint with the Mate desktop is a great operating system. The only real problems that you run into is driver issues for hardware and video graphics issues. Cinnamon is prone to graphics issues more than other desktops. If you run into problems with linux mint then you should actually work on solving them instead of trying another flavor. This will add to your knowledge of linux and alot of times the problems you run into will most ikely appear with other flavors of linux. Fire up linux mint 17.1 with the mate desktop and if you have issues you can contact me and I will be very happy to help you out.

My main flavor is fedora linux. However, fedora is bleeding edge and there are going to be issues sooner or later. Sometimes things break when updates are recieved. This is because fedora is Redhats test bed for new features that get incorporated into Redhat when the bugs are worked out.

Hope this helps you a bit. Most important, Join something like the Linux Mint forums and read.

Once I started using linux I actually never looked back to windows as a viable operating system. Things are just a lot easier for me in linux than windows. I will gladly take any issues linux has compared to windows.

Hope this helps you a bit.

coffee
Running linux since kernel 2.0.36

 

[Wesker1984]

Thanks for the reply, when I installed Mint 17 back in the summer when it was released, it was all smooth until I ran the updates, at which point it just crapped out visually, I couldn't see the desktop a nd could barely see that little start menu type menu. Tried a nuke/pave and it just did it again. I see you mentioned 17.1 so I'll probably fire that up.

 

[lcoughey]

I'm biased to Red Hat variants, such as Fedora mostly because I've been using Red Hat linux since the early 90's.

 

[Markverhyden]

I've never liked any of the *buntu stuff. Always been a fan of Redhat/Fedora and SUSE/openSUSE. Also liked Slackware back in the day but too much configuration stuff to do compared to the above.

 

[coffee]

Thanks for the reply, when I installed Mint 17 back in the summer when it was released, it was all smooth until I ran the updates, at which point it just crapped out visually, I couldn't see the desktop a nd could barely see that little start menu type menu. Tried a nuke/pave and it just did it again. I see you mentioned 17.1 so I'll probably fire that up.

When you run into this problem it sounds like a graphics issue. What you do is hold down the shift key on boot up and it will bring up the boot menu. Then just arrow down one line to the last kernel and boot from that.

If you installed a precompiled driver for video you can hit <alt-F2> when you get to the blank screen and login from the command line. Then install your video driver and reboot normally. Currently I have this issue on my fedora box but Im too busy right now to deal with it. I just boot to the older kernel instead.

coffee

 

[Krynn72]

If you installed a precompiled driver for video you can hit <alt-F2> when you get to the blank screen and login from the command line. Then install your video driver and reboot normally. Currently I have this issue on my fedora box but Im too busy right now to deal with it. I just boot to the older kernel instead.

coffee

I've been having an issue with this at home with mint 17 and 17.1. I install the Nvidia drivers for my 660ti, and after rebooting is just a black screen. Is that what you're talking about? I was trying to figure out what was happening to cause that, because it happened on both versions of mint and Ubuntu. Judging by what I was able to Google, it was an issue with noveau (sp?) not disabling itself to let the Nvidia one take over. I tried some modeset alterations in grub I found online but they didn't help.

 

[coffee]

I've been having an issue with this at home with mint 17 and 17.1. I install the Nvidia drivers for my 660ti, and after rebooting is just a black screen. Is that what you're talking about? I was trying to figure out what was happening to cause that, because it happened on both versions of mint and Ubuntu. Judging by what I was able to Google, it was an issue with noveau (sp?) not disabling itself to let the Nvidia one take over. I tried some modeset alterations in grub I found online but they didn't help.

yes, noveau has to be 'blacklisted' and then the nvidia driver will take over on the boot up. I had a terrible problem with this on fedora. Have you read this ---> http://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/176

coffee

 

[SilverLeaf]

Actually, I've found Nouveau to be quite functional, and your chipset is supported outside of a few power management features that have not yet been implemented. http://nouveau.freedesktop.org/wiki/FeatureMatrix/

Now, if gaming performance is your goal, then you will likely get better 3D performance from the proprietary Nvidia driver.

 

[Krynn72]

Actually, I've found Nouveau to be quite functional, and your chipset is supported outside of a few power management features that have not yet been implemented. http://nouveau.freedesktop.org/wiki/FeatureMatrix/

Now, if gaming performance is your goal, then you will likely get better 3D performance from the proprietary Nvidia driver.

I mainly wanted it to try and solve some terrible screen tearing issue I had. Will try your link Coffee, thanks.

 

[Trinham Technologies]

1. I liked the cinnamon desktop of Mint, is it compatible with Ubuntu (I read that Mint is Debian/Ubuntu based)? Plus how would I get it if so?

Yes. However I would recommend that as a beginner you avoid trying to do so. Keep your install as simple as possible until you get more familiar with it and become more confident and playing round with it. If you don't like the Unity interface you could try Kubuntu or Xunbtu for example. Try some different options until you find one that feels right for you. Or go back and give Mint another try, Mint has alot going for it.

2. I know that malware that is Linux based is rare, but it's out there, are there any good day-zero antimalware apps for Linux out there? I know I'm highly unlikely to become infected but I'd like to make myself even less of a target!

If you really insist on having an AV on linux then look into ClamAV. But I can tell you really don't need it. Clam is more for making sure you don't have an infected file that you could pass onto a M$ Window$ machine. Firewall yes!! Look into UFW - Uncomplicated FireWall (command line), GUFW (graphical). AV? Really not needed. I have never used and AV on linux and don't know of anyone that does.

3. I'm not a coder or anyone who likes to try and remember hundreds of CLI commands, my area is hardware/networking (studying for CCNA). Is there a good resource out there for quick reference of commands? Particularly pertaining to SNMP diagnostics.

I believe that the best way to learn is hands on. Set linux up on a spare computer just for practice and testing or install it into VirtualBox. Have a play. Google for what you want to do in CLI. Almost every command comes with detailed manual pages. just type "man " in front of the command you want to know more about. For example try

man cp

or

man tar

. There is also THIS site that has the man page online. As for not remembering hundreds of commands, just start using them and practicing them, you'll be surprised how many you start to remember if your using regularly.

4. Troubleshooting tools, if I am to start recommending Linux to clients in the future I figure that I better damn well make sure I can troubleshoot and fix common problems, any diagnostic tools around at all?

The first thing I recomend is Google then the Forums. All the main distros have their own forum for support. Then there's LinuxForums which is more general. And of course Technibble. Next after that is your own experience. Try and work though issues and find the solution. That may mean you need set up a dual boot with Linux and windows or even a slightly older more stable Linux, so you have a fallback to keep working on stuff while you fix the problem.
If you plan on recommending it to clients, then make sure you know and understand what ever distro you decide to go with. Do some research on hardware compatibility so you can try and limit some potential issues. And gather some info on your client, what are they using it for? What printer do they have? Not all printers will work in Linux. And use the same distro as you give your clients whether that be Mint, Ubuntu, Kubutu, Xubuntu, or whatever.

Hope this helps set you on the right track. If you get stuck feel free shout out.

 

[Trinham Technologies]

I will recommend Linux Mint over ubuntu though. My reasons are personal as ubuntu has some not so nice things built into it that I do not appreciate. Im not alone in this thought and you should read about the reasons why ---->

This was a good video, thanks for sharing. One of the many reasons I've been moving more and more away from Ubuntu myself. Though I have to wonder, is Mint being based on Ubuntu really much better?
Is Fedora/Redhat any better? whats your opinion?

 

[SilverLeaf]

This was a good video, thanks for sharing. One of the many reasons I've been moving more and more away from Ubuntu myself. Though I have to wonder, is Mint being based on Ubuntu really much better?
Is Fedora/Redhat any better? whats your opinion?

One of the main reasons that I like Arch Linux so much is that the do very little to adulterate upstream packages. From the "Arch Way"

The Arch Linux system places precedence upon elegance of design as well as clean, correct, simple code, rather than unnecessary patching, automation, eye candy or "newbie-friendliness." Software patches are therefore kept to an absolute minimum; ideally, never. Simple design and implementation shall always trump simple user interface.

An investment is required with Arch. You will have to work "under the hood", but the elegance, openness, and control are well worth it to me.

 

[Markverhyden]

My preference these days is for FC and CentOS for both server and desktop. I used to be a big fan of openSUSE for desktop but I really hate the new desktop environment that defaults for laptop installations. I've never liked any of the Debian based distro's. Back in the day I started with Slackware but have not looked at that in ages.

 

[coffee]

This was a good video, thanks for sharing. One of the many reasons I've been moving more and more away from Ubuntu myself. Though I have to wonder, is Mint being based on Ubuntu really much better?
Is Fedora/Redhat any better? whats your opinion?

Fedora is the testing grounds for Redhat. Thus, Redhat is better if your looking for stability and working programs. If your looking for cutting edge stuff (device drivers ect...) then fedora is good.

The reason Mint is better than ubuntu is that Mint understands what the user needs and provides it. ubuntu on the other hand, Their developers (devs) only care about themselves. I also think that Mint is much more polished.

I have used linux since Redhat 4.0 came out. That would be around kernel 2.0.36. When they decided to go enterprise and pay support they spun off Fedora. I followed with fedora from "Fedora Core One" thru the current release. However, My needs have changed. No longer was I looking to tinker with an O/S. I needed a "Business Stable" O/S. So, I chose Mint.

Now, As far as Desktops are concerned, I prefer the Mate desktop because I am focused on getting things done - work wise. A lot of people go for the cinnamon desktop. With cinnamon your basic problems will center around your graphics card. Besides, I do not care for the layout of cinnamon. Im not saying its bad. I am just saying its not for me.

Ive been running Mint Mate as a server (Router, Firewall,Fileserver)now for about a month and it is working fine. Most of the time I ssh into it to do any work and its now my firewall (shorewall installed) and my file server (nfs, samba). I am happy with it.

Anything else I can do for you just ask,

 

[Trinham Technologies]

Ive been running Mint Mate as a server (Router, Firewall,Fileserver)now for about a month and it is working fine. Most of the time I ssh into it to do any work and its now my firewall (shorewall installed) and my file server (nfs, samba). I am happy with it.

Anything else I can do for you just ask,

This may be getting off topic for the thread and has probably over whelmed the OP, but while we're here we may as well discuss it.
I'm just concerned about Mint being based on Ubuntu having the same junk Ubuntu has intertwined into it. Can the Mint developer be trusted to leave that stuff out?
I have bounced around a bit trying to find that distro that was right for me. Though I have mostly dealt with the Ubuntu line as it is what I knew. I've been with Ubuntu since about 9.10, so not as long as some, but long enough to see a change that has been disturbing. I felt that since the introduction of Unity, they have been becoming more MS orientated. While I like a system that is stable and just works, I also like the ability to customize it and make it feel like a brand new setup. Since unity that has become harder to do on the main line Ubuntu.

Just a thought Coffee. I just remembered that there is two lines of Mint. when you say that you use Mint are you referring to the Debian or Ubuntu line?
Also on a private line sometime when you have time, I'd like to know more about your router/firewall setup.

 

[coffee]

I use the ubuntu version of Mint. The main reason mint is so popular is because A LOT of people didnt like what ubuntu has been pulling off. Thats how Mint got so popular.

No worries on Mint. Clem and those with him are not going to let happen what happened with ubuntu. You can feel safe with Mint.

You will like Mint. Just start off with Mint and the Mate desktop.

 

[Trinham Technologies]

You will like Mint. Just start off with Mint and the Mate desktop.

Yea I like Mint have used it before. In fact I started with mint before I went to Ubuntu. Mate reminds me of the old Gnome2 DE. I enjoyed that old DE. Though I must admit while I know simple and stable is best I'm a sucker for the eye candy. I like a DE that is that has some nice style.

 

[SilverLeaf]

Yea I like Mint have used it before. In fact I started with mint before I went to Ubuntu. Mate reminds me of the old Gnome2 DE. I enjoyed that old DE. Though I must admit while I know simple and stable is best I'm a sucker for the eye candy. I like a DE that is that has some nice style.

XFCE is the DE of choice for many a Gnome refugee. Simple, lightweight, stable, and attractive. It has been my daily DE for several years. Might be worth a look.