Questions about Unix or Ubuntu?

C

chrisfreez

New Member
Which one of these OS (Unix or ubuntu) are the most trouble free, and which one has a lot of software that can be used? Can software other than open source software be used on these Operating systems, software that is used on windows systems for instance.

And I was wondering if these OS are safe since anyone can contribute to the source code. Since the code is open source it seems it would be easier to have security problems due to virsus, malware, etc.

Thanks for any help
 
For the most trouble free OS I would have to pick ubuntu. It is probably the most user friendly Linux based OS. You don't really need to worry about security because hackers do not tend to target Linux boxes. But I had a great experience with ubuntu I used to use it for music and internet surfing and I have never had a virus.
 
So there is no security with ubuntu

I understand that MSFT is more suseptable to security problems (viruses, malware, etc) than ubuntu, but do you mean to tell me that there is little or no security issues with Ubuntu. Because if there were little or no protection for security issues that would be super scary.

So I would think that there is "Open Source Security Software" for Ubuntu. Is there?
 
The reason that Linux/Unix/OS X/Solaris is more secure than Windows is the simple security model that those operating systems follow. By design, it is naturally more secure.

To briefly explain it to you, in a *nix OS, you have what is called the shell, which is a layer between the end user and the kernel of the OS. Now, whenever an end user does a task that requires access to the kernel it must go through the shell first. The says, sure you can do that, but only if you have the password. This simple method of authentication will not allow programs to install and run by them self at all.

Where as in Windows, you don't need any authentication to do anything as every user runs as root. Now, MS is starting to change that, as we see allowing programs to run as admin, but their whole user access control security software is so damn annoying most people just switch it off. I know, I turned off UAC on my Vista box for that very reason. It was freaking annoying.

It being open source just means that it is tried and tested. Loops holes get found and fixed in a very timely manner and people share source code amongst each other getting more hands and eyes involved.
 
tlarkin - okay, what would you recommend to use if I switch to another OS. Do any of these operating systems work with windows software
 
I would choose openSuSE. It is more finely tuned IMHO. Additionally, openSuSE has a working firewall up and running as soon as the installation is complete. Ubuntu has a firewall installed but it isn't turned on and it isn't configured once it is turned on. It isn't a big deal to get the firewall up and running but for someone new to Linux I think Ubuntu sacrifices security for usability.
 
I would say just try them all, they are free. You will either be a Debian based (ubuntu), or redhat based (suse) or a roll your own kind of guy (gentoo), and just go from there.

Really, the main differences are package managers. I really like what Debian/Ubuntu did with their package managers.
 
chrisfreez said:
Which one of these OS (Unix or ubuntu) are the most trouble free, and which one has a lot of software that can be used? Can software other than open source software be used on these Operating systems, software that is used on windows systems for instance.
Click to expand...

there are a ton of open source programs for linux. just depends on what you plan on using this machine for.
linux will run productivity software, there are various to choose from.
you can edit graphics, video and music with it too; although i've found camcorder-to-usb support is nonexistent.
you will also not be able to run most of the popular games as linux does not support direct3d natively. you can use virtualization software or emulation(wine) to run windows software if you like.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top