Hello everyone! I'm now a Linux user FOR LIFE!

[ecosvaldo]

I have been an avid Windows user for almost 20 years. I had dabbled with the Mac OS before but found that type of environment not suited for me. So you can say I've had my fair share of dissapointments and frustrations with Microsoft over the years, regarding driver issues and getting programs to install correctly. Well, everything is about to change ...

After reading up on the features of Windows 8 and seeing it run on a friend's computer (don't like the Metro UI at all which fits perfectly for phones and tablets though), I'm seriously dissapointed in Microsoft's newest OS. STRIKE ONE! Then I come across some information that the SmartScreen system is implemented fully into Windows 8 (which tells Microsoft about every program you install and run, as well as every website you visit and records every file you download). I don't like that all! STRIKE TWO! Even though SmartScreen is only available in IE, I read somewhere that Microsoft might implement the feature into Windows 7 with the next service pack. If this is true, then STRIKE THREE!

So the only other option I have for an OS ... Linux! I had an old computer that I used to install and test out several distributions. After trying them out, my favorite is Linux Mint. What I like about Linux in general is that I can forget about viruses (it can protect my computer more securely than Windows), I don't have to worry about fragmented disks or incorrect drivers, I can update all my software with a single click, and I can fully customize the desktop to my liking. But the best thing about Linux is that the OS, applications and most, if not all, the games are completely free!

This means that the main OS on my computer will now be Linux. I'll still leave Windows 7 installed for my games only (until Steam has their client up and running in Linux then it's BYE BYE MICROSOFT) so a dual boot will be the option I'll go with.

I"M NOW A LINUX USER FOR LIFE!

[caerolle]

Hi ecosvaldo!

Welcome to the Mint Forums, to Linux, and to Mint Linux!

I am glad you are trying Linux, and are having a good experience! I hope your Linux experience continues to be positive and painless, but if you run into issues, the Forums are a great place to find answers and get help.

Great to have you here!

Caerolle

[The-Wizard]

Welcome to the Mint family forums

wizard

[paw]

Welcome, you will never look back

[DrHu]

Then I come across some information that the SmartScreen system is implemented fully into Windows 8 (which tells Microsoft about every program you install and run, as well as every website you visit and records every file you download).

• Of course we use Linux and don't find it wanting!
  Welcome to the community of users..

http://www.c-sharpcorner.com/UploadFile ... windows-8/
Turn smartscreen filter OFF

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/08/25 ... en_spying/
http://www.howtogeek.com/123938/htg-exp ... windows-8/
That is probably a necessary function of Internet/cloud computing with a few advantages, but of course you should do whatever you wish to protect your privacy..
--I expect all cloud devices or OSs' to use some central server based logging to enable the reload of apps or the central storehouse to sync your data to, other OS's may offer less logging/data retention, but that is to be seen..

• Jolicloud
  Google
  Apple ICloud
  Win8 smartscreen..

[caerolle]

Ubuntu One?

[xenopeek]

Hi ecosvaldo, welcome to the Linux Mint forums Thanks for joining the forums! Your computing won't be spied upon with Linux Mint. If you find you enjoy Linux Mint, consider a donation to keep the developers fed and the servers purring while they work on the next release (http://www.linuxmint.com/donors.php).

Be sure also to check out the Community website (tutorials, hardware and software reviews, ideas), and the Cinnamon Spices website for adding even more themes, applets and extensions to Cinnamon (if you have picked the Cinnamon edition of Linux Mint ).

You can also chat in real-time with other Linux Mint users. In the Mint Menu, in the Internet section, start the application XChat IRC. You will automatically get connected to #linuxmint-chat for general chat and #linuxmint-help for support with other Linux Mint users.

Have fun with Linux Mint.