linux - built on the unix concept for performance & security

security

When dealing with security, what we have to keep in mind is that an infected computer is almost always the fault of the user. At this time, Linux may be the most secure operating system available. There are reasons for this. First, the market share. Now market share is really difficult to be accurate with. Many people run multi boot systems, and there is no way of knowing which one they use as their primary system. This makes market share figures somewhat inaccurate. In any case Windows does have the largest share of the desktop market, maybe as much as 85%, then Apple, then Linux. However in the last few years Windows numbers have gone down as Linux numbers have gone up, as direct result of Linux becoming more popular and user friendly. Android which is Linux based indisputably has the largest share of the mobile device market, maybe 80% - 85%. In the server market, there are basically Linux and Windows servers. Linux leads Windows anywhere from 2/3 to 3/4 of the server market. The super computer market has always been dominated by Unix / Linux based systems. Today 100% of all super computers, are running Linux. Being the largest share of the desktop market makes Windows the biggest target for malware, viruses, Trojans, etc. Because of this, there are hardly any viruses in the wild that effect Linux. Viruses, malware, etc, are not generic. They are created specifically for operating system's vulnerabilities. Therefore, viruses, malware, etc, created for windows generally will not affect your Linux system. That’s not to say it is not possible, just at this time it’s not very likely. Secondly, it's many times more difficult to create these malicious programs for Linux. Not impossible, just harder. And thirdly back door holes for hackers to get in are almost unheard of. For these reasons your Linux desktop does not need anti virus, malware, etc protection. The only programs available are scanners to keep your Linux computer free of Windows viruses, malware, etc. In short, you are helping protect Windows computers from themselves. Linux security comes from implementing the Unix kernel and the use of the Unix EXT4 file system. The bases of the EXT4 file system is file permissions and file ownership. Security originates internally. With no security software opening back doors up for its own communication purposes, your computer is locked up fairly tight. Let's look at it this way. You go on vacation and you hire a security firm to look after your house. You'll probably give them keys so they will be able to check it from the inside. Now what happens if they loose the key, or give it to someone else, or leave a door unlocked, or even leave a door open. Potentially anyone can enter your house and vandalize it. Locking it from the inside and only you having the key to it is your best chance of remaining secure. Now just apply this concept to your computer.

stability

Linux is Open Source Software. Open source is exactly that. The source code is open to the public. What that means is that there are literally thousands and thousands of developers & skilled people constantly looking at the Linux source code. Some would say that this makes Linux more vulnerable to attacks and corruption. Quite the contrary. You see, it's simple. Most Linux developers are the leading software developers in the world. And they do not want maleware and the such associated with their work or names. That does not mean that Linux is perfect. Just when bugs and glitches are found, they are mostly fixed before the new software ever reaches the public. And the few that reach the public are taken care of much quicker than those found in in a closed source OS. This idea lends itself to a more stable system. Therefore, crashes, freezes, slow running computers, and any other erratic behavior are quite rare. Just a brief side note on a slow running computer: Windows 10 64bit requires a minimum of 2GB of RAM, recommended 4GB of RAM. Whereas the newest versions of Linux Ubuntu or Mint have requirements of 1GB RAM, recommended 2 GB of RAM. To be fair, we recommend min 8GB RAM for any system. So Linux uses only about 50% of the RAM that Windows uses for the same task. Our opinion on this would be that open source software such as Linux OS pushes more for quality, where as closed source software pushes for monetary return and control.

update process

Linux updates consist of fixes, improvements, and additions to existing software packages. All of these come in the form of Security Updates, and Software Downloads. This also now includes updates to the current kernel version you have. I did say, updates, not upgrades. You can manually upgrade your kernel, but it is not advised. It is important to keep your Linux system up to date, which in turn keeps your Linux system secure. The great thing is this updating process is totally in your control. Updates are only installed when and if you choose, and only the ones that you choose. Updates are not automatic or out of your control. When you perform your updates your Linux Update Manager is already configured to accept only the updates from your protected software channels. Other software channels (repositories) can be added to increase software availability, but, caution should be used. These sources may not be thoroughly vetted, or even vetted at all. This could allow a software package to introduce a malicious attack on your computer. Except for browsers and email programs, software programs update, but do not upgrade. You can manually upgrade to new versions, but it is not advised. New versions of software are officially released only in new long term support versions of Linux. This is usually a 5 year cycle. Because of this most issues are corrected long before the product is released to the public.

proprietary control

As mentioned before The greatest thing about Linux is, that you are in control of your computer. You don't have a hardware company or a software company telling you what, where, when, or if you can do something on your computer. Then, after all of that, make you pay for all of those things you didn't ask for or want. Keep in mind we are talking about your computer that you bought with your money, and a company that does not own your computer telling you what to do with it and then charging you for that. Not only are proprietary software companies trying to control what you do with your computer, but they are also potentially copying, transfering, saving, distributing, etc, your personal data. Yes, through their Licensing, Terms and Conditions, and Privacy Policies, they may be doing things that are potentially illegal without your permission. In other words, a court order would be required. But, when you agree to their Licensing, Terms and Conditions, and Privacy Policies, you are giving them legal permission to violate these rights of privacy, legally making your data potentially public. And of course if you don't agree, then you can't use their software. It all comes down to this. Protect your privacy, or use their software. You can't do both. So be sure when you are installing new software, always read their Licensing, Terms and Conditions, and Privacy Policies, so that you know what you are agreeing to. Also, keep in mind, that there are proprietary software packages that are developed for Linux. Such as CAD programs. These you will probably have to pay for and be subject to terms and conditions of use. So let me be clear. At this time I have yet to see any Open Source software that require you to agree with Licensing, Terms and Conditions prior to installation (Privacy Policies are always contained within Terms and Conditions). The reason for this? Open software developers are not illegally collecting data, whether personal or not, off of your computer. Conclusion? Linux represents freedom of choice when it comes to computing.