it is a forum for people please just tell me what all you know about linux???


how far it is useful???

In The Doldrums

Linux is openware it is an operating system stemmed from Unix it is supposed to be more user friendly than MS. But getting the hang of it is a steep learning curve. Try using something like Redhat it seems to be a little closer to what most Windows users are familiar with do to the GUI Knome is another that my help with the transition. One of the main benefits of Linux is ti ability to be modified to suit the user and its true multi-user platform.

NeedKarma

It's Gnome.

cmeeks

On a whole Linux runs smaller or uses less resources than windows. It also is less vulnerable to mall ware partially because it is more secure in some respects ans mainly because it's smaller user base makes it more profitable to write malware for Windows. Through my personal experience I have found Linux less susceptible to crashes, also the whole open source community has stepped up to the plate as far a support is concerned. All major distros I have used have had excellent community support Linux is ready to play in the big league

ScottGem

Um no. Linux, like Unix and DOS is a command line driven OS. However, there are GUI shells that you can get for Linux that do make it as, if not more user friendly than Windows. Some of those GUIs are Open Source, others aren't. You actually have to pay for some of them.

The reason why people like Tickle's son and his friends prefer Linux is because its Open Source. These are people who understand coding at a high level. Its kinda like the difference between driving a car with an automatic vs a standard transmission. A real driver prefers a standard because of the control it gives, but most people prefer an automatic for the ease of use.

So such people want more control over the OS AND they have the ability to exercise that control (not everyone can drive a standard).

As to Linux being more secure, I disagree. Linux is attacked less for a variety of reasons. Mostly because there are so few Linux boxes in comparison. Its the same reason MACs get less viruses, because people don't want to write a virus for less than 10% of the market. Yhen want to go after the 90%. The fact that Linux is Open Source, makes it more vulnerable because a virus write can, more easily hook into important aspects.

The whole Linux (Open Source) argument has been played out many times in various forums over the years. Linux has been around a long time, yet Windows continues to dominate the market. That's because most people don't have the computer knowledge to deal with an Open Source product.

NeedKarma

Linux is indeed more secure becasue any application that wants access to make system changes needs the administrators express permission by his entering the admin password. had Windows had this from the start there would not be an industry surrounding viruses and malware.

The open source aspect measn that many more people can quickly contribute to fixing a security, this happens often and MUCH faster than Microsoft's reaction time.

ScottGem

And one of the things people find most annoying about Vista is the frequent checking to make sure you really want to do something. If one can see the code for the OS how hard would it be to bypass that Admin permission request?

So, there are security holes in Linux! They just are fxed more quickly by the user community.

Seriously, I'm not saying that Windows is better than Linux or vice versa. What I'm saying is that Linux appeals to a certain segment of the computing world, just as standard transmissions appeal to a certain segment of the driving population. But, as a desktop OS, its never going to appeal to the masses.

NeedKarma

I turned off Vista UAC so fast because it's more annoying than its Ubuntu counterpart. Knowing the code doesn't mean knowing the password - it's not like Vista, you can't turn off the password prompt.

I guess my typing sucks more than usual today the meaning I was trying to convey is that the Linux community is quick to apply fixes to any application bugs, whether it be OpenOffice, the Linux kernel, the printing subsystem, etc..

I dual boot Ubuntu and Vista, the kids seems to like Ubuntu more than me.

ScottGem

I have to beg to differ here. I code secuirty into my Access apps all the time. However, anyone with access to the code, can easily turn off the password prompt or bypass it. This is inherent in Open Source. Unless certain parts of the kernal are not Open Source so the source code is not available. then any programmer can get around it.

NeedKarma

Nope, that's not how it works. To allow this to happen would require a new kernel release - who in their right mind would allow that to happen?

Curlyben

I think NK means for a general users perspective rather than a programmer's.
While it would be possible to disable the whole elevated permissions aspect within linux, as it is unix based, that would entail serious digging in the kernal.

Turning off the UAC in Vista is simplicity itself, but the elevated permissions referred to in linux is only needed when a kernel change is made/requested.

Security within Linux is based on the unix model, whereby NO ONE has root access (Administrator) bas standard. These permissions are only granted (elevated) when needed.
One of the major reasons virus, etc can do so much damage in a windows environment is that the first user created is, by default, and Administrator (root) account.

Security best practice says that the admin account should only be used as and when required. MS attempted to do this with the "Run As" on programs, where you can elevated permissions..

OK I waffle on, but I hope you can understand what I'm saying.

Have a play with Ubuntu and you'll soon understand the power of Sudo