I did read all your posts, but not all answers you got from them.Newbie221 wrote: ⤴Mon Feb 12, 2024 4:27 pmThis article gets right to the heart of my original post !!!This is always a good read: https://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm
I only referenced one aspect of it but it certainly hits the overall gist of my confusion.
Thanks for your time
Newbie221
as for Linux being about privacy, then you are misinformed.
Linux is more about opensource and is mainly for server usage.. But there is the Desktop/Laptop world too, that most people/users refers to when using the word Linux, Those distros is mostly community driven as Mint is, but there is a few company's that is behind a few distros out there as Ubuntu, Redhat, Suse etc.
I'm guessing what you mean about spying is telemetry?
You should know there is some Linux software that uses telemetry too... you still have to read the fine print before installing some types of software
and Canonical that is behind Ubuntu do use some telemetry too in Ubuntu.. (if i remember right) ... I think(i do not know) but i think the Mint team has removed that crap before they built Mint.
Best way to watch if you have undesired network traffic that you dont like, is to install Wireshark.. But Wireshark can be a bit much to bite in to in the beginning.... So easiest way is to install the firewall OpenSnitch and you will get a popup for every app that is trying to go online, and the log will show what app connects to what IP.
If you is new to Linux, i strongly recommend that you still have one computer or dualboot with what Operating system you are coming from while learning Linux.
Linux will give you more then one day of frustration if i use soft words. *LOL*
So it is good to have one computer you still can use, just in case you tweak something and yous system dies.. and then you really need to go online and do something important as paying bills or whatever.. Then downtime is not so good so to speak. *smiling*
Linux as a desktop/laptop usage works well.. Not as good as Mac-OS or windows, but it still works well and it will become even better, as Linux for Desktop/laptop usage have made big steps over the soon to be 6years i have been using Linux..
It will give you some headache and frustration while you learn how it works, But that is general in life. We dont learn new things over night so to speak.
and as a last word.
Linux is not Windows as Mac-OS is not windows... Use the right tool for the right job.. You dont use a spoon to fix a roof leak so to speak.
So if you have need of some software that is designed for Mac or Windows usage.. use a VM or a second computer for that stuff instead of trying to make it run on Linux.. it will only give you pain and headache and hate in the end of trying to make those things run well in Linux.