What Operating System Am I Using?

[Kamryn]

How do I tell what operating system I am using?

[SuperDave]

Right click My Computer and select Properties. It should all be there.

[Salmon Trout]

On Windows 10 it's called "This PC".

[Kamryn]

I can't find either of those.

[Salmon Trout]

Do you have a Start button?

[Mark.]

another method...


hold down the Windows logo key on the keyboard and hit R
this brings up the Run box, in the Open field type winver and hit Enter.

[Salmon Trout]

Maybe it's not Windows...

[Kamryn]

There is no start button. There is a bar at the top and a bar on the left side for app shortcuts. I know it is not Apple. Does Windows 10 have the start button?

[BC_Programmer]

That describes Ubuntu Linux. (And possibly a few other flavours of Linux)

I suppose that is your answer, then. Ubuntu Linux.

If you want more information There should be gear-like icon in the upper right. You can click that and choose "About this Computer..." in the menu.

[Salmon Trout]

There is no start button. There is a bar at the top and a bar on the left side for app shortcuts. I know it is not Apple. Does Windows 10 have the start button?

Where did you get this computer from?

Do you see any messages or splash screens as it starts up?

What happens if you you press Ctrl Alt and F1 at the same time?

[Kamryn]

It is Ubuntu 16.04.3
I did the ctrl+Alt+F1. Thank you.

I bought the computer at a shop over a year ago. I thought it was Windows 10.
I went to install an anti-virus and something said it wasn't compatible and also wouldn't run exe files.

[johananj]

Yes. The apps created for linux do not work on windows. Linux does not need an antivirus.

Considering the fact that you had such a hard time finding out the operating system, I would suggest moving to Windows by some means. But if you are an enthusiastic learner, then that's great. Continue using it, I can promise you will be "computer-wise" in the near future.

Linux is primarily good for people who program for a living or, the totally opposite: people who need something just to browse and watch movies. Anything in the middle would require you to read and learn a lot of things so it can be annoying depending on how interested you are.

[Mark.]

Linux does not need an antivirus.

completely wrong.
any PC, ANY, need anti-virus software.
viruses are written for all OS's but because Linux has what, 1% global share, the idiots that write viruses care less for those non-mainstream OS's.
the hours spent perfecting their malicious code versus the potential target audience is much more in their favour with MS, they simply have no care factor for anything else.


so are there viruses for Linux?, Yes indeed, but granted, not many, just like the OS itself - it's all relative.