Is Linux Safe?

Darts

Well-known member
Jan 15, 2017
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So, my good friend finally convinced me to give Linux a try.

Question: Is it safe? Can it be hacked?
 
I have been working with Linux since 1999.

It's much safer then any other operating system mostly because viruses are writen to work with mainstream OS like iOS or Windows. But you can still be hacked. As with any device connected to the Internet.
 
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Much safer than winblows
 
Been using Linux since 2007 with NO issues or problems plus Linux is FREE.
Much more safe and secure than Windows which I have but seldom if ever use or need anymore.
So far never got any virus, hack, malware, spyware, hijack, bugs etc., knock on wood.

Linux just runs.
 
Thanks guys, my friend agrees with all you said. I'm still on a Linux learning curve as I have been, still is, a Windows user.
 
I always dual booted all my PCs. That way you still have Windows while learning Linux. After all W10 comes on any new PC. So keep W10, even if it is seldom or ever used and just add Linux to it. Most Linux versions have excellent help Forums and answer any questions you may have while on your Linux learning curve. IMHO believe picking up Linux is about as difficult as picking up any Mac OS, only much cheaper since Linux is free.
 
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I'm on the fence when picking an OS. Windows has significantly improved the security and quality of their product while with MAC you pay through the nose for anything. I prefer openBSD myself, but I do enjoy debian as well. It is up to the person and what they like.
 
Linux is far more safer and much more stable then either Windows or IOS. But if you are like me who likes to play video games or use many different kinds of softwares like video editing Linux is to be avoided as many games and softwares are just not compatible with Linux. Linux is the leader for servers.
 
Out of the box, many Linux distros are safer than Windows. But like all systems, it's as safe as you're willing to put the work into it. A lot of folks like it because it's a learning experience and a little more "exclusive".
 
Linux is very safe, safer than Windows or Mac OS.

Linux distros usually have help Forums that are very helpful in getting you started.

YouTube is amazing also with plenty of useful clips on Linux.
 
There's a different learning curve and different comfort with different Operating Systems. I highly recommend Linux, and for a smoother user experience I find Ubuntu has the right mix of enough users that you can google for an answer, and a familiar user experience and software tools.

As others have said, it's safer than Windows though nothing is perfect.
 
Linux Mint for the win for me.

I remember this one time? at band camp?
Wait, I mean I bought a windows machine, went on a site and boom virus, machine go dead. Never had a problem before or after with Linux.

I suppose if all you do is facebook, gmail, youtube and the like it doesn't matter, but if you tend to go walkabouts in the internet linux is the way to go.
 
Linux Mint for the win for me.

I remember this one time? at band camp?
Wait, I mean I bought a windows machine, went on a site and boom virus, machine go dead. Never had a problem before or after with Linux.

I suppose if all you do is facebook, gmail, youtube and the like it doesn't matter, but if you tend to go walkabouts in the internet linux is the way to go.

install gentoo
 
Just to add to the thread, Linux is used by majority of the Banks and Insurance companies - that was my understanding - not sure if that is still the case but when I heard this - you know its gotta be super secure.
 
Started playing around with Linux in 2007.
Linux has been my primary OS for over 10 years now.
Have hit all the 'suspect sites', Dark & Deep Web using TOR browser and never had any problems.
Linux just runs and is rock solid, oh and all free.

It's nice being M$ and Mac free.
 
Just to add to the thread, Linux is used by majority of the Banks and Insurance companies - that was my understanding - not sure if that is still the case but when I heard this - you know its gotta be super secure.

Linux is the kernel: the software that directly interacts with the hardware, and it supports nearly all hardware. Its much smaller than windows when compared and it can be compiled for embedded systems too to fit almost any purpose.

They probably use some or a portion of it. Its open source so modifications can be made easily by software developers. Amazon also has their own version they use with AWS (amazon web services) that powers greater than 30% of the web. This is neglecting the fact that a huge chunk of all the internet (somewhere like 70%) is using *nix like systems.

Linux on the desktop is only one tiny portion of the market. Its pretty crazy.
 
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