Newbie questions and a few guidelines?
Posted: 2. Jun 2015, 11:36
Hello.
I am a newcomer to Linux, coming from Windows, desktop PC user. I already have a few months' experience with Ubuntu and Mint. I can handle some basic terminal commands, but I prefer the GUI whenever possible.
I'm not an IT specialist, far from it. Just a normal average computer user who can read a few things if they are understandable enough, and wants a decent operating system. So please speak to me in simple human terms, I can handle high tech jargon only so much. Thanks.
Wanting to try new distros and enlarge my knowledge of Linux, I've decided to try Salix 14.1 Xfce 64 bit in Virtual Box live. I've also read the Startup Guide. Mostly I'm very impressed with the distro's looks and choice of apps. Still, I have a few questions:
1. Can I safely install Firefox beside Midori in Salix Xfce? Wouldn't they conflict somehow? How would I do that from Gslapt? I mean how would I know which packages are needed from all those listed?
2. I looked in Gslapt for programs I need, like ClamAV, Wine and Playonlinux, but didn't find them. How would I install those, or any other app I might not find in Gslapt for that matter?
3. How should I install video card drivers? I could do it in Mint with Driver Manager, but in Salix?! I have an Nvidia Geforce GT 240.
4. How often is Salix updated and how stable (free of bugs and app hangs) and secure is it, compared to more recent distros, like Ubuntu for example? Can I update anytime without fear of an update breaking the system?
5. I didn't see an option for Suspend/Sleep in the Shutdown menu. I often use Suspend between work sessions for saving power on the PC. Is this option available somewhere?
6. In the end, do you think I would be better with Salix in terms of stability and security (I'm willing to make some effort in configuring a few things, but nothing too complicated, since I don't want to break anything), or should I better stick with a more newbie distro, like Mint?
Thank you.
I am a newcomer to Linux, coming from Windows, desktop PC user. I already have a few months' experience with Ubuntu and Mint. I can handle some basic terminal commands, but I prefer the GUI whenever possible.
I'm not an IT specialist, far from it. Just a normal average computer user who can read a few things if they are understandable enough, and wants a decent operating system. So please speak to me in simple human terms, I can handle high tech jargon only so much. Thanks.
Wanting to try new distros and enlarge my knowledge of Linux, I've decided to try Salix 14.1 Xfce 64 bit in Virtual Box live. I've also read the Startup Guide. Mostly I'm very impressed with the distro's looks and choice of apps. Still, I have a few questions:
1. Can I safely install Firefox beside Midori in Salix Xfce? Wouldn't they conflict somehow? How would I do that from Gslapt? I mean how would I know which packages are needed from all those listed?
2. I looked in Gslapt for programs I need, like ClamAV, Wine and Playonlinux, but didn't find them. How would I install those, or any other app I might not find in Gslapt for that matter?
3. How should I install video card drivers? I could do it in Mint with Driver Manager, but in Salix?! I have an Nvidia Geforce GT 240.
4. How often is Salix updated and how stable (free of bugs and app hangs) and secure is it, compared to more recent distros, like Ubuntu for example? Can I update anytime without fear of an update breaking the system?
5. I didn't see an option for Suspend/Sleep in the Shutdown menu. I often use Suspend between work sessions for saving power on the PC. Is this option available somewhere?
6. In the end, do you think I would be better with Salix in terms of stability and security (I'm willing to make some effort in configuring a few things, but nothing too complicated, since I don't want to break anything), or should I better stick with a more newbie distro, like Mint?
Thank you.