Why do you use linux?

[OlegL]

Well, you can't exit the Windows GUI and go to a command prompt. But with BSD/Linux, you can choose what GUI you wanna use; whether you wanna use a GUI at all, and... you know what I mean...

[malek05]

1. Because i am an ESX admin and I have to know it to work the command line.
2. Because windows admin jobs are a dime a dozen in my area. The Linux/Unix jobs are easier to get and keep.
3. Because, on an administrative level, for me, it is easier to manage than windows.
4. When I first started in IT, it was the only training my company sent me to since no one else wanted to learn it.

[ItsFixed]

Viruses are less of a threat on Linux. The very way a Linux system is designed makes it very difficult for a virus to function as it does in Windows. This also applies to spyware, malware, etc. The fact that almost no viruses are written for Linux also adds a nicer sense of warmth. Wouldn’t be nice to read the almost endless stream of security holes in Windows and know it does not apply to you?

[Sporkk]

Viruses are less of a threat on Linux. The very way a Linux system is designed makes it very difficult for a virus to function as it does in Windows. This also applies to spyware, malware, etc. The fact that almost no viruses are written for Linux also adds a nicer sense of warmth. Wouldn’t be nice to read the almost endless stream of security holes in Windows and know it does not apply to you?

Even linux requires security patches and they are just as important as they are for windows. While their may not be many viruses made for linux most of the issues are browser exploits which I think a lot of are cross platform. Fwir noscript is a huge bonus to security no matter what system you use. Under windows I use sandboxie + firefox + noscript. On ubuntu I enable the default app armor profile for firefox and use noscript as well. With this setup I don't think browsing the web is anymore secure on linux than it is under windows. As for the security of your privacy things might be slightly better with linux and firefox vs chrome or anything windows.

I can do most of what I need under ubuntu which is browse the web and listen to music. I used to be a gamer but mostly stopped playing because most of the stuff out now doesn't impress me. So games aren't to much of a issue for me. I also just wanted to tinker with something different than windows. As everything becomes more browser based I find that I need to use windows less but unfortunately I haven't been able to get rid of it completely or even go virtual box as some software requires a real install like anydvd.

[Expeto]

With this setup I don't think browsing the web is anymore secure on linux than it is under windows.

You are comparing a configured windows app in sanbox and anti-virus to an linux app in almost default security. The equivalent of that windows setup would be something like SElinux+ sanbox, in such even terms linux kicks the shit out of the windows in terms of security.

[Sporkk]

I think I read somewhere that some distributions may start using selinux. I would like to create my own apparmor profile when I have time to learn how. One of the security pages I've been reading encourages noscript as your primary defense no matter what os you use and also configuring the outbound firewall which I guess is not enabled in ubuntu by default.

[Expeto]

I think I read somewhere that some distributions may start using selinux. I would like to create my own apparmor profile when I have time to learn how. One of the security pages I've been reading encourages noscript as your primary defense no matter what os you use and also configuring the outbound firewall which I guess is not enabled in ubuntu by default.

there is reason for that, even with hotkey addict like me, surfing with noscript is and unpleasant experience. Yet its also pretty educational, you get a deep understanding how how webpages work. If ubuntu makes it default it will lose users.

About disturbitions starting using SElinux, I don't think so. Enabling SElinux is painfully hard for developers, I don't think any volunteer based project is willing to spend precious resources on it. Afaic, only distro packs SElinux decently is fedora, as it has the support of redhat enterprise linux which allows its to spend time on SElinux. Unlike apparmor of grsecurity, SElinux bloody hard to operate too, which is understandable keeping in mind the flexibility and power its policies can offer.

[froz5]

Linux helps you get rid of viruses, worms, and other computer infections..Although it is possible to get infected even with Linux (malware is mainly written for Windows), its system architecture, based on a server-client relationship makes it difficult for a virus to do any damage..

[Stabber]

I don't mind using linux , i've been using arch for years . But i do hate when people use them just to brag about it "Hey look , i 've linux which is harder than windows " even though they are using ubuntu which my grandma could use them . Each OS has it's pros and cons , i use linux on my ancient pc because they are light on resources , and makes my system more stable and faster

[Frankthetank1]

I use it on my laptop. Duel boot with winblows. I am learning and trying to figure out how to hack my neighbors wifi at the same time. I have to say I am not doing a good job.