Hi, I am a complete newbie to this forum and nor sure if this is posted in the right place… Hopefully someone will say if not. I have an Acer Aspire 4280 travel mate with windows xp, yes it’s old but does all it should or I say did all that I needed it to. I have discovered that it has 2 rootkits… I have been told that they are nearly impossible to get rid of :-[ The computer would need to be wiped, and the hard drive scrambled 4 or 5 times may work… I am not a computer techie so this seems serious, I may have to trash the laptop :-\ It has been suggested that I could install Linux and that would clear the problem. I would like to know if this is the case? If anyone has had the same issue with rootkits and if I need to do anything else before installing Linux? I would be grateful for any advice… Thanks
Hi Millie-may, and welcome to the forum 
Yes, installing Linux will overwrite the whole n hard drive (including the master boot record) so any nasties will be gone.
No, you don’t need to do anything else.
But so would wiping the drive and reinstalling Windows.
Can I ask if you understand what Linux is, and what you generally use your PC for ?
Hi Mark, Thanks for the reply… My understanding is that Linux is the operation system/platform that Microsoft etc use to write all their programs on,.so installing this OS will mean that I should be able to open up all my MS docs etc. I could use openoffice with Linux or install cross over or wine if I want to install MSOffice which I prefer using. I mainly email with thunderbird, use ms office, photoshop, firefox, itunes. My husband uses a program called Smart, a program used by schools for interactive whiteboard, not sure if this will run on Linux? I think I am just really concerned that the root kits don’t reappear as I have heard horror stories that just when you think you have got rid of it it starts up somewhere else ‘a difficult root that goes through everything’ I have been told that wiping the drive doesn’t always work and that it needs to be encrypted several times with special software or replacing the hard drive would sort it… I just want something that will run the above sort of programs quickly and safely. There are files on the computer that I moved to a hard drive as I thought it was running slowly due to too many big files… Then I discovered the rootkits. I would like to know is there a chance that the files, mainly word docs, photos and smart files could be contaminated? How do I deal with that? If I were to sort out the rootkits and put windows back on the computer with an Internet security, this would check for viruses, root kits etc. I would like to use Linux and know that I don’t need to to worry about anti virus, but if I have infected files on external hard drive, how would Linux deal with this?
My understanding is that Linux is the operation system/platform that Microsoft etc use to write all their programs on
Somehow I doubt that … that would make them a bigger laughing stock than they already are
so installing this OS will mean that I should be able to open up all my MS docs etc
Generally LibreOffice (new variant of OpenOffice) will open MS Office documents, but there may be slight formatting issues, like a picture may appear to move position slightly in a .docx … though I understand LibreOffice 4 has improved this … it also has support for Publisher documents (.pub).
I could use openoffice with Linux or install cross over or wine if I want to install MSOffice which I prefer using
I’d advise you use LibreOffice 4, but yes AFAIK MS office can be made to work in WINE
I mainly email with thunderbird, use ms office, photoshop, firefox, itunes. My husband uses a program called Smart
Photoshop and iTunes may be problematic … there is currently NO Linux version of iTunes but depending on the iDevice there may be alternatives … some versions of Photoshop can be made to work under WINE but it isn’t a trivial task, again there are alternatives (GIMP) but they would have a re-learning curve attached.
Smart … let’s have a look and see what the WINE application database says …
Hmm … as I suspected, if you mean this:
https://www.smarttech.com/Solutions/Education+Solutions/Products+for+education/Software/SMART+Classroom+Suite+interactive+learning+software
I can find nothing about it in the WINE appdb … doesn’t mean it won’t run under WINE, but it does mean you’re on your own configuring it … take t from me, that’s unlikely to be easy even if possible.
I think I am just really concerned that the root kits don't reappear as I have heard horror stories that just when you think you have got rid of it it starts up somewhere else 'a difficult root that goes through everything' I have been told that replacing the hard drive would sort it.
Formatting the hard drive (including the master boot record) then reinstalling Windows would do the trick (no need to buy a new HDD) … that said, Windows security sucks so there’s always the chance that you could catch it again through the same security hole.
Linux would be FAR more proof against such nasties … but if you NEED specialist software such as your husbands “Smart”, I hate to say it but you may be better off sticking with Windows.
For what it’s worth, my advice would be to transfer off any documents you may want to keep, then use a Linux LiveCD to completely format the hard drive (including rewriting the master boot record) then to reinstall Windows.
But if your PC can boot from USB … Why not take Linux for a test drive on a USB stick or an external USB hard drive … neither of which will make any changes to your Windows drive (unless you tell it to) … that way you can see if Linux is for you or not.
No matter what you choose to do, a Linux LiveCD or LiveUSB is going to come in handy … so why not use it to first evaluate Linux
For advice on which Linux distribution may best suit your needs … can you tell us a little about the hardware … eg. is it a new or quite old PC ?, do you know what CPU it’s running and how much RAM ?, and your printer make/model ?
Any other questions … feel free to ask
I hate to say it but you may be better off sticking with Windows.
WHAT! Have you been drinking? 
I moved over to Linux due to exactly the same problems. There is a learning curve but it is worth it in the the end. Much safer and great support from places like this.
It’s the fact that there quite possible is no alternative to the “Smart” software her husband requires that made me say that.
Linux doesn’t suit everyone, and pushing them towards something that won’t fulfil their needs is counter-productive.
I certainly agree Linux is more proof against rootkits, viruses, and malware in the long term … but that isn’t always the ONLY consideration.
I did say why not check it out on a LiveUSB … then she can make up her own mind
If security is an overriding factor … yes, of course Linux wipes the floor with Windows
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I did say why not check it out on a LiveUSB .. then she can make up her own mind
Good advice, and also why not have a dual boot system for when you have to use Windows. That way you can learn to use Linux at the same time. Unless you are into high end graphics or Using RAW photo files The Gimp graphics program will do most things very well. At some point Windows as we know it will dwindle into nowhere (IMHO) so it may be good policy to start learning now at your own pace.
I’d agree, a dual boot setup may be a great idea … that way you can use Linux for most tasks, but boot Windows for offline tasks such as your husbands “Smart” software … that would certainy cut down exposure to re-infection.
anyway … in response to your edit -
I have been told that wiping the drive doesn't always work and that it needs to be encrypted several times with special software or replacing the hard drive would sort it... I just want something that will run the above sort of programs quickly and safely.There are files on the computer that I moved to a hard drive as I thought it was running slowly due to too many big files... Then I discovered the rootkits. I would like to know is there a chance that the files, mainly word docs, photos and smart files could be contaminated? How do I deal with that? If I were to sort out the rootkits and put windows back on the computer with an Internet security, this would check for viruses, root kits etc. I would like to use Linux and know that I don't need to to worry about anti virus, but if I have infected files on external hard drive, how would Linux deal with this?
I have been told that wiping the drive doesn't always work and that it needs to be encrypted several times with special software
Rubbish … wiping the drive (including the MBR) will clear any rootkits … the only time it’s necessary to overwrite the drive several times is to make sure forensic software couldn’t be used to recover data … there’s even ongoing argument as to whether this is totally I just want something that will run the above sort of programs quickly and safely.necessary … but if it will make you feel safer, you could use dd from a Linux LiveUSB to “zero” the drive first (this will overwrite EVERY sector on the drive with zeros) … but it’s NOT necessary.
I just want something that will run the above sort of programs quickly and safely.
This may be the stumbling block (see above) … getting the Smart software and iTunes to work could be an issue … and is unlikely to be “easy” even if possible.
Word documents and pics are unlikely to infected with anything other than possibly word macro viruses … so disable the running of macros Office, and scan the docs using a good AV.
I cannot talk for the “Smart files” as I don’t know the format … but if they’re not “executable” then they are “probably” safe, but scan them whith a good and current AV anyway.
If I were to sort out the rootkits and put windows back on the computer with an Internet security, this would check for viruses, root kits etc.
Yes, but no AV is 100% proof against a attack vectors.
I would like to use Linux and know that I don't need to to worry about anti virus, but if I have infected files on external hard drive, how would Linux deal with this?
a) if they’re non executable files such as docs and pics, they cannot be infected with anything other than macro viruses.
b) Windows viruses and malware won’t work in Linux … so even if they’re infected with a Windows rootkit Linux is safe … just don’t share them with Windows users
I maybe totally misunderstanding this but is this a “Smart” version for Linux
Graeme
Heh … if it is, that’s removed one of my main concerns
Well spotted … I did mean to check that and forgot (no really, I promise I did )
[EDIT]
Even if it is the right software … it would be advisable to ask if the docs produced in the Windows version are portable to the Linux version (and vice versa if necessary) … they “probably” would be, but always best to check.
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Well spotted .. I *did* mean to check that and forgot (no really, I promise I did )
Yeah whatever
OK, we English sometimes aren’t as thorough as we should be … heck we’ve not kept up Hadrian’s Wall
I’d better add this is a personal in-joke before I get attacked by a bunch of angry sgian-dubh wielding, kilt wearing maniacs, intent on ruining my morris dancing kit.
A particularly vicious form of English psychological warfare … where our enemies die laughing
http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/RZjLATAUwao
Scary huh ?
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That’s a really scary looking bunch Mark
so which one is you ?
I know which one I think it is , any prizes if i guess right ?
The one propping up the bar in the pub
The one propping up the bar in the pub
I think you’re just being modest Mark, I think you’re the tall one with the long curly hair
Nah mate … I’m a conscientious objector, and would never take part in such a vicious blood sport … poor twigs.
Hi, I am back on line!!! My PC ground to such a halt that it was impossible to use… Grr root kits. Solution to install Linux - someone did it for me and put on linux mint 14 now it’s running like a dream. I just have to work out how to use it now… I do move between mac’s and windows pc so should be able to pick it up. Thanks for the info on SMART I’ll have to check that out. At the moment am trying to find an alternative to Photoshop for photographs. I have installation discs for camera software, will that still work with Linux or do I have to find some alternative?
Thanks for all your help so far and I hope that Linux is a good as you all say
At the moment am trying to find an alternative to Photoshop for photographs.
Photoshop alternative = GIMP
If it’s not already installed … open a terminal and run:
sudo apt-get install gimp gimp-plugin-registry gimp-gmic gimp-data-extras
I have installation discs for camera software, will that still work with Linux or do I have to find some alternative?
More than likely … the disks probably only contain Windows and possibly Mac software.
What does the software do exactly ?
Would DigiKam fit the bill ?
http://www.digikam.org/
If so, to install it, just run:
sudo apt-get install digikam
Or possibly gThumb
https://live.gnome.org/gthumb/screenshots
Install with:
sudo apt-get install gthumb
Or possibly Shotwell
http://www.yorba.org/projects/shotwell/
Install with:
sudo apt-get install shotwell
Or possibly F-Spot
http://f-spot.org/Features
Install with:
sudo apt-get install f-spot
F-Spot was a bit buggy the last time I tried it, but that was quite some time ago (years) so probably a much older version than is now in the software repositories
Or for editing RAW images …
http://rawtherapee.com/blog/screenshots
Install with:
sudo apt-get install rawtherapee
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Hi Mark,
Thanks for the speedy reply
I have worked out how to open a terminal, and copied your code across. It has flung some code at me and I don’t have a clue what it means:-
sudo apt-get install gimp gimp-plugin-registry gimp-gmic gimp-data-extras
[sudo] password for oxlade:
Reading package lists… Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information… Done
gimp is already the newest version.
The following extra packages will be installed:
libgfortran3 libgtkglext1 liblapack3 liblqr-1-0 libtiff-tools
Suggested packages:
gmic icc-profiles libtiff-opengl
The following NEW packages will be installed
gimp-data-extras gimp-gmic gimp-plugin-registry libgfortran3 libgtkglext1
liblapack3 liblqr-1-0 libtiff-tools
0 upgraded, 8 newly installed, 0 to remove and 12 not upgraded.
Need to get 13.2 MB of archives.
After this operation, 29.8 MB of additional disk space will be used.
Do you want to continue [Y/n]?
Is opening a terminal like opening C: in windows and working
in DOS? I have just found Gimp 2.8 hiding in a long list so will check it out… I assume I select N on the terminal?