Old PC - Linux - Banking on Line etc

[Marse]

I've got an old PC which is still a reasonable spec and is an unused spare in case needed.
I'm tempted to use it purely for on line banking and purchases to replace a really old Laptop I use for this purpose which is painfully slow.

I could give more of my hard earned money to M$ but am considering installing Linux instead.

I've tried a Ubuntu Live DVD and although I've never used Linux before it seems relatively straightforward, not least for my purposes.
It should obviously run much faster when installed.
One reason for using Linux is the potential security compared with Windows.
There seems to be a firewall present and AVG offer a free version for Linux.
There are inevitably a lot of applications in Ubuntu that I wouldn't need but could live with.

Any advice on how appropriate and secure Linux would be for this purpose and other constructive comments appreciated or should I just bite the bullet and go the Windows route.

 

[Marse]

Thanks for the replies.

inSilica: I'm looking at Debian but haven't quite got my head round all of it yet.
I suspect that with Ubuntu being based on Debian, Ubuntu then go their own way in a substantial way.
I assume the alternative is a more 'basic' approach of Devian to which a front end has simply been applied.

My inclination is to download a 'full' install rather than use a smaller download 'net install ?' and then download the balance during the install process.
I'm not sure if there are security implications of what could be a relatively lengthy download process during the install.

It would however be tempting to go for a minimal install since I need a browser and little else.
Similarly it would avoid having to update lots of apps which I would not need.
I'm not sure how practical or easy it would be to un-install a good many apps or if they would simply be re-installed on further upgrades to the basic install.

I've still got a lot more reading to do on this.

KIA: I had thought of simply using a Live CD which could be the best and easiest approach but wasn't sure if updated versions of a Live CD would keep pace with updates to Firefox, or similar.

If there was a significant delay then the Firefox version in use could be well out of date although I've no idea in practise how significant or lengthy that delay could be.

An approach I will certainly pursue.

 

[Marse]

Thanks for the further info.

d_brennen: I've dabbled with a few Live iso's and there's an awful to get my head around but it's fun too.
I've just this minute completed a basic net install of Debian so I'll see what happens.

bledd: Thanks for the link. I'll have a read and see if I can sort out this out.
A minimal install is appealing but I could live with an easier and rather more substantial option - I may struggle and have no choice.
It could also be a safer option, at least till I get to grips with it, since I could easily make a few wrong choices along the way.

 

[Marse]

I'm using my 'old' PC with just one spare drive in place so I'm installing to that and then overwriting with the next distro.

I downloaded VirtualBox a while back although I haven't tried it yet.
I'll give the Linux version a try.

The net install booted OK although there's more on it than I expected.
Early days yet but at least I've got something to work from.
I'll check out an LXDE front end for it and a few other bits.

This could take a while.