# Setting up Linux.

**URL:** <https://community.unix.com/t/setting-up-linux/263160>\
**Category:** UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers\
**Created:** [April 5, 2010, 8:04am UTC](https://community.unix.com/t/setting-up-linux/263160 "2010-04-05T08:04:27Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![kesari](https://community.unix.com/letter_avatar/kesari/32/6_449c533f586939b6e5f246632a46421f.png) [@kesari](https://community.unix.com/u/kesari)\
**Post date:** [April 5, 2010, 8:04am UTC](https://community.unix.com/t/setting-up-linux/263160/1 "2010-04-05T08:04:27Z")

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Dear Administrators and Moderators,

Normally I use Windows for browsing net, but few days back my pc was affected with virus.  
One of my friend suggested me to use Linux for safe browsing.

I would like to know

1. I have Mandrake 8.2(HDD) and Obuntu 9.x(CD) - which one is better (have limited knowledge in Unix)?

2. Is it ok, if i access sites with "http://" instead of "https://" using Linux?

- I used to type "https" with IE6 but from lynux I am getting a message that the certificate is not matching or ip address is different!

I am a Unix user with zero knowledge in security and net working areas,  
so could you please confirm

1. If i use Linux, do i need to set up firewall / proxy settings etc., for safe secure net transactions ?

Regards,  
KS

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**Author:** ![dday](https://community.unix.com/letter_avatar/dday/32/6_449c533f586939b6e5f246632a46421f.png) [@dday](https://community.unix.com/u/dday)\
**Post date:** [April 5, 2010, 11:22am UTC](https://community.unix.com/t/setting-up-linux/263160/2 "2010-04-05T11:22:24Z")

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For a newbie, I'd go with Ubuntu. It is easier to install and maintain. I haven't had any problems accessing secure sites with Firefox on Ubuntu so I'm not sure about your other question. The secure transaction and SSL certificates act the same as far as I can tell.

Others can chime in and give you some more pointers.