Q&A for How to Use Linux

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Is it better to install Kali Linux instead of Ubuntu?

Community Answer

Kali Linux is a distribution for penetration testing with tools for this. If you just want to learn how Linux works, these tools are not relevant, so you could just install Ubuntu.

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Question

How can I shutdown a Linux operating system?

Community Answer

It depends which desktop environment you've chosen. The Unity desktop has a gear at the top right which you can click for shut down options. The Gnome desktop also has a pop-up you can open from the top right which offers a shutdown button. If you're not sure what desktop environment you even have, you can still shut it down using the terminal command: "shutdown 0" which will shutdown the computer immediately.

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Question

How can I get Linux?

Community Answer

Download an ISO file for your distribution of choice, burn it to a live CD, and boot then onto it.

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Question

What can replace Adobe Flash Player?

Community Answer

DivX Plus Web Player is the first alternative to Adobe's Flash Player. It promises better performance, battery life, and video quality, all in one shot.

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Question

I backed up files on an external hard drive with Windows 10. I formatted the computer's drive and installed Ubuntu 16.04., and now I'm unable to access the files. I installed SMB4k, and I can see files on a USB stick, but not on the external drive. The system shows nothing on the drive. Why does it not show the files?

Community Answer

It depends on if your files were 'backed up' using the Windows back up program if you just copied them onto the drive. If you backed them up using the Windows program, those files may be 'locked ' to your Windows setup and log on, and thus you are not able to access them without Windows.

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Question

Can I run Linux on a 32 bit computer?

Community Answer

Linux can run on many different architectures including 32-bit. You will have to download a 32-bit image from the website of the distribution you are planning on using.

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Question

Are Linux and Ubuntu the same?

Community Answer

Ubuntu was created by people that had been involved with Debian and Ubuntu is officially proud of its Debian roots. It's all ultimately GNU/Linux, but Ubuntu is a flavor, in the same way that you can have different dialects of English. The source is open so anyone can create their own version of it.

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Question

Can you provide some examples of commands that are used in Linux?

Community Answer

sudo = super user rm = remove ls = list files/folders cd = jump into path apt-install xxx = install package which is included in the repositories

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Question

What is the difference between the Window OS and Linux OS, and what problems may be generated if I use Linux OS for the first time?

Community Answer

Microsoft Windows is developed by Microsoft, and only Microsoft knows the source code, while Linux/GNU distributions are mostly developed by a community of developers, so they are free and its source code is publicly visible. (This is called "open source.") Your possible problems depend a lot on the distribution you choose and the language you use; some distributions are not fully translated to some languages, so if you don't speak English and want to use it, you will have problems understanding the content. That being said, I recommend beginner-oriented distributions, such as the highly popular Linux Mint.

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Question

Can I install Linux on a different disk drive and do a dual boot system?

Community Answer

If I'm understanding the question right, if you've installed Linux on a different disk drive, you are already dual booting. Simply choose the disk drive from the menu. You'll have to tell the BIOS to show the menu to choose from.

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Question

How will I acquire the necessary drivers for the Linux OS? Are they automated on the OS?

Community Answer

You might have to download the Linux drivers from the manufacturer if your device doesn't work immediately. If it works as usual, then drivers were probably automatically installed during installation.

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Question

How can I run Linux on the same Windows system?

Community Answer

Just get a Linux ISO file and install that on a USB-Drive or burn it onto a DVD. Then, boot from it and install.

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Question

Can I run Kali Linux, Ubuntu and Windows all on one computer?

Community Answer

It is possible. You could install Windows first, then Ubuntu on the same drive and then just take another drive or create another partition and install Kali there.

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Question

Can I install Linux on my computer without a virtual machine?

Community Answer

You can, a virtual machine is completely optional for installing Linux. However, if you're installing Linux for the first time, you should use a virtual machine to gain some experience and avoid making a mistake that could damage your computer.

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Question

Can I hack linux with a cellphone?

Community Answer

No, you cannot. To hack a GNU/Linux system, you need a physical connection with the computer or malware installed in it.

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Question

How can I open a picture or a directory of pictures from the command line? I am writing bash scripts and I want to show a program off to my girlfriend, and I need it to show some pics of us when running.

Community Answer

You can add this line of code to your bash script: shotwell /path/to/image.jpg

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Question

What does this error message mean: "RC4-SHA:AES128-SHA:HIGH:!aNULL:!MD5"?

Community Answer

It means that you need to reinstall the OS because something went wrong during the installation process.

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Question

How do I view a photo on Linux?

Community Answer

Download the gimp photo editor by running "sudo apt-get install gimp".

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Question

Can Linux be used offline with no internet?

Community Answer

Yes, but you will have some problems, like it will run super slow. When you try to install it offline, you have to do a bunch of crazy things that are too hard for beginners.

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Question

Is it possible to install Linux on an Android phone?

Community Answer

Actually, Android itself is already Linux-based. However, there are other Linux-based systems for other smartphones.

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Question

Which operating system is better for hacking, Linux or Windows?

Community Answer

Both operating systems have many security holes that are exploited. If you mean to use as a offensive hacking platform, Linux would be the answer; Kali Linux comes with many hacking and testing tools.

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Question

Can I download movies from Ubuntu Linux?

Pingu

Top Answerer

Yes, you can. If the movie is on YouTube, you can use the program youtube-dl. You need to install it first. If the movie is a video file, you can right-click on it in your browser and select "Save File As ..." in the menu that appears. If there is a "Download" button on the page with the movie, you can click it and download in the same way as on Windows or Mac.

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Question

What OS is really needed to be an ethical hacker?

Somone

Community Answer

There is no specific OS that automatically makes you a hacker. You can learn different hacks no matter what operating system and really, knowing different systems might be your best bet.

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Question

Can I install Linux in Android tab?

Community Answer

You could install Termux and AnLinux from F-droid to have Linux on top of Android. F-droid is an alternative appstore to the Google Play Store.

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Question

When I restart my windows 10, I can't manage to get into the boot process for Linux, how do I do it?

BlueIceBird

Community Answer

When your your PC starts, you have to get into the boot menu first (mostly it is either F2, F8 or F10). Also, check out how to do it with Windows here: Get to the Boot Menu on Windows .

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Question

Linux supported is not listed on high end gaming motherboards, will they still work?

BlueIceBird

Community Answer

It depends from board to board but they'll very likely work. But sometimes you have to edit your BIOS config so Linux can start.

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