Linux distributions

Winsage
December 24, 2024
Windows 10 will reach the end of its life in 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11, purchasing new hardware, or switching to alternatives like Linux. Linux is a strong competitor to Windows and MacOS, offering benefits such as reliability, security, user-friendliness, and being free. Three recommended Linux distributions for users transitioning from Windows are: 1. KDE Neon: Based on Ubuntu, it features the KDE Plasma desktop environment, which can be customized to resemble Windows 10 or 11. It is user-friendly and available for free. 2. Linux Mint: Also based on Ubuntu, it provides a Windows-like experience with a familiar interface through its Cinnamon desktop environment. It is free and has strong community support. 3. Zorin OS: Offers multiple desktop layouts, including options that resemble Windows. The free version includes four layouts, while the Pro edition, costing .99, provides additional configurations. It is built on the GNOME framework and is customizable. All these distributions are open-source and can facilitate a smooth transition for users moving away from Windows.
AppWizard
December 22, 2024
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII will have a native Linux version with the following minimum PC requirements for 1080p at 30 frames per second on low graphics settings: - OS: Ubuntu 22.04 - Processor: Intel i5-4690 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200 - Memory: 8 GB RAM - Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 580 - Storage: 25 GB available space The Windows version has a minimum requirement of an Nvidia GTX 1050, while the Linux version requires a GTX 1060. The Steam Deck's GPUs (GTX 1050Ti or AMD Radeon RX 570) are slightly below the Linux minimum requirements, but the lower resolution of 1280x800 suggests Civ 7 may run well on the device. Users should run Ubuntu 22.04 or higher, but other modern Linux distributions with a contemporary kernel may also suffice. Civilization VII is scheduled for release on February 11, 2025.
Tech Optimizer
December 20, 2024
To install the psql client for PostgreSQL on various operating systems: - **macOS**: Use Homebrew with the command `brew install libpq`. Then link it with `brew link --force libpq`. - **Ubuntu (16.04 and 18.04)**: Run `sudo apt-get install postgresql-client` to install the PostgreSQL 10 client. - **Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL 7)**: First, configure the repository with `sudo yum install https://download.postgresql.org/pub/repos/yum/10/redhat/rhel-7-x86_64/pgdg-redhat10-10-2.noarch.rpm`, then install the client with `sudo yum install postgresql10`. - **Fedora (27 and 28)**: Execute `sudo dnf install postgresql.x86_64` to install the PostgreSQL client. - **Windows 10**: Download the PostgreSQL installer from Enterprise DB, select only the Command Line Tools during installation, and configure the PATH environment variable to include `C:Program FilesPostgreSQL10bin`. These steps allow users to connect to IBM Cloud Databases without needing a full PostgreSQL installation.
Winsage
December 17, 2024
Linux distributions are effective for self-hosting and containerization, allowing users to run containers on Windows 11 after setting up WSL2 and Docker Desktop. Notable self-hosted services include: - Penpot: A free, SVG-based design tool that offers vector image editing and prototyping capabilities, supporting SVG, CSS, and HTML. - Nextcloud: A self-hosted cloud storage solution that ensures data privacy and offers features like file synchronization, mobile apps, and collaboration tools. - Joplin: A note-taking application with markdown support and tagging, allowing users to self-host their own server for syncing notes without privacy concerns. - LibreOffice: A free alternative to Microsoft Office that supports various file formats and can be containerized for optimal performance. - Linux Distros: Users can run full Linux operating systems in lightweight containers, with popular options including Ubuntu and Alpine Linux, and even macOS in Docker containers. Additional Docker images for enhancing home networks and workflows include WireGuard, NetAlertX, Pi-Hole, Immich, Calibre-web, Jellyfin, Gitea, Code Server, and Nginx.
Winsage
December 17, 2024
Users are increasingly favoring Linux over Windows in dual boot setups, often using Windows as a backup. The rise of web-based tools and Software as a Service (SaaS) has diminished the importance of the operating system choice, as essential services can be accessed through web browsers. Linux offers a variety of distributions tailored to different user needs, providing customization options that Windows does not. Gaming on Linux has improved with a growing library available through Steam and the introduction of handheld consoles like the Steam Deck. Many software developers are beginning to support Linux, with notable applications like DaVinci Resolve and Surfshark VPN now available. Electron-based applications have increased the availability of productivity tools for Linux users. Linux is free from intrusive advertisements, unlike Windows 11, which can overwhelm users with promotional content. For containerization and self-hosting, Linux is considered superior due to its built-in tools and extensive documentation, offering more control and flexibility than Windows.
Winsage
December 17, 2024
Linux is generally considered to offer superior security compared to Windows, with the author having experienced only one significant security incident in nearly three decades of use. 1. Windows 10 includes Windows Defender as a default firewall, while many Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu and Fedora, do not have their firewalls enabled by default. Linux firewalls allow for detailed configurations, although default settings are often sufficient for most users. 2. In Windows, administrative tasks can often be performed with a simple confirmation, whereas Linux requires users to enter their password for administrative actions using the sudo command, enhancing security. 3. Windows 10 has limited user-configurable permissions, while Linux provides comprehensive control over file and folder permissions through both command line and GUI options, contributing to its enhanced security reputation. 4. Antivirus and antimalware solutions are essential for Windows users to protect against threats, while Linux does not require such software due to its design prioritizing user permissions and advanced security measures. 5. Linux responds rapidly to vulnerabilities, often releasing patches within hours, unlike Windows, which may take weeks to address vulnerabilities and follows a Patch Tuesday schedule for updates.
Winsage
December 16, 2024
Running Windows applications on Linux can be done using tools like Wine, which is a compatibility layer allowing Windows programs to run without a full Windows installation. Users can utilize Wine through command-line or GUI wrappers such as PlayOnLinux, Bottles, Heroic Launcher, and Lutris. To install Windows applications like Notepad++ using Bottles, users can install Bottles via Flatpak, create a new bottle for the application, and run the installer from within Bottles. For more control, users can install Wine via the command line and execute Windows executables directly. The winecfg command allows users to adjust settings, and Winetricks can be used to install necessary components for certain applications. Virtualization software, such as VirtualBox and VMware Player, can be used to create a virtual Windows environment on Linux, which is beneficial for resource-intensive applications. For gaming, tools like Proton and Lutris can facilitate running Windows games on Linux, with Proton being optimized for Steam. Users can also run a Windows virtual machine for gaming, though it may require more resources. Checking for native Linux versions of games is recommended before using compatibility layers or virtualization.
Winsage
December 16, 2024
Windows 11 can be transformed into a self-hosting and experimentation workstation through various methods: 1. Configure Storage Spaces and Network Shares: Windows 11 can serve as a basic file-sharing and backup server by adjusting network and file-sharing settings. Storage Spaces allows users to combine multiple drives into mirror and parity pools for enhanced storage resilience. 2. Run Type-2 Hypervisors: Users can deploy virtual machines using Type-2 hypervisors like VirtualBox and VMware Workstation Pro on Windows 11, enabling exploration of home server concepts. 3. Enable Hyper-V: Hyper-V can be enabled on Windows 11, including the Home version, providing enhanced performance for virtual machines, although a powerful PC is required. 4. Set Up Docker Desktop: Docker Desktop allows for the deployment of containerized applications on Windows 11, which are less resource-intensive than traditional virtual machines. Proper configuration of Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2) can improve compatibility and performance. Windows 11 has limitations such as higher resource consumption compared to Linux, prevalent security vulnerabilities, and frequent update issues, but it can still be utilized for setting up a home server.
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