Linux

58811 readers

374 users here now

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

Rules

Posts must be relevant to operating systems running the Linux kernel. GNU/Linux or otherwise.
No misinformation
No NSFW content
No hate speech, bigotry, etc

Related Communities

Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0

founded 6 years ago

MODERATORS

nooter692@lemmy.ml

AgreeableLandscape@lemmy.ml

MarcellusDrum@lemmy.ml

cypherpunks@lemmy.ml

cyclohexane@lemmy.ml

d3Xt3r@lemmy.nz

Linux security (feddit.dk)

submitted 3 weeks ago by UheldigeBenny@feddit.dk to c/linux@lemmy.ml

89 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Hi there,

Win10 is soon not supported. Tbh Linux have been on my radar since I started to break from the US big tech.

But how is security handled in Linux? Linux is pretty open-source, or am I not understanding it correctly. So how can I as a new user make sure to have the most secure machine as possible?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] spaghettiwestern@sh.itjust.works 19 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (11 children)

I've used Linux Mint and other distros daily for more than 10 years. Never had a virus or malware issue and don't even run antivirus software.

During that same time I've had to help friends remove viruses and malware from their Windows machines dozens of times. The latest Windows disaster I've assisted with was a few months ago. A retired friend had her Windows 10 machine hijacked and $8K stolen from her savings account. Making sure the malware was removed required hours of work formatting the drive and reinstalling Windows.

IMO you are far safer with a plain vanilla Linux install that you are with Windows, no matter what steps you take to secure your Windows installation.

[–] Mihies@programming.dev 1 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (10 children)

You sure though? Windows has more viruses because it's more popular (desktop) and monolithic, not because Linux is much better in that regard. IOW Linux is not magically virus resistant. If you run an infected file, it will infect both without much trouble. Also removing infection would be similar. At least that's my understanding.

[–] Tenderizer78@lemmy.ml 3 points 3 weeks ago (2 children)

The Linux kernel is monolithic too. This and the slow adoption of Rust are the two major security complaints of the GrapheneOS regarding Linux. I might change to COSMIC when it's ready just to spite the luddites that oppose Rust.

[–] Mihies@programming.dev 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

My bad, used the wrong word there. I meant that Windows is very compatible with older versions and different flavors.

[–] Tenderizer78@lemmy.ml 2 points 3 weeks ago

"Unified" is the word I'd use then. Linux being the opposite, "fragmented".

load more comments (7 replies)