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Post by matti85 on Jul 10, 2021 14:51:20 GMT
I think most people, like me, don't know that much about computers and trust what they know. Because of my limited knowledge I have some assumptions about Linux, operating systems and how computers work. If I would try to convince a random person to work with Linux, I probably wouldn't succeed  I could say that Linux is free open source software, but that would be about it. I have a good feeling about Linux, but I often collide in my mind with some doubts about Linux. These are the questions that often pop-up in my mind: Security: - Is it as secure to log in on a banking application on a Linux operating system as on a Windows operating system? - How trustworthy is the security of a Linux operating system compared with a Windows operating system? - How works a virus scanner and firewall in combination with Linux compared with a virusscanner and firewall in combination with Windows? - How resistant would Linux be against viruses if the majority of the computers would work on Linux and there would be a lot more Linux viruses around in the world than today? Cost: - You get 'free' Windows operating system software when you buy a computer. Is it possible to buy a computer without this 'free' software? And do you pay less money when you buy a computer without this software? Personally I don't care that much about the graphical user interface and Microsoft Office applications. So that is not really an obstacle in my mind to switch to Linux. I have an old computer available and decided to install Linux on it. So I can gain experience with Linux. It is a desktop with a limited memory of 512 MB RAM and a Windows XP operating system. I am not sure how safe it is to still work on a computer with Windows XP on it. And to log in on a banking application with this operating system. I don't know how well current virus scanners work in combination with Windows XP and Windows Vista. The browsers of these operating systems still work with flash. Which is not updated anymore. All together it is according to me not safe anymoren to work with these outdated operating systems. This is how I found Bodhi Linux. I wander if it is possible to prolong the duration of life of a lot of computers in this way. And reduce the amount of waste. I care about the health of the people and the environments that are exposed to this toxic waste. According to me a lot of computers are not used anymore or thrown away because the Windows operating system is outdated. While they could still be perfectly operational with a free and up to date operating system as for example Bodhi Linux. As you can see, I don't like to throw away something when it isn't broken  and I am curious to learn more about Linux. |
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Post by Hippytaff on Jul 10, 2021 15:00:23 GMT
Hi and welcome. The short answer is Linux is just as secure as Windows, and Bodhi will breath life in to older hardware. I am unable to be more verbose in my reply as I’m currently out and about, just wanted to welcome you aboard and quickly answer those two things things.
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kiezel
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Post by kiezel on Jul 10, 2021 16:18:08 GMT
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Post by oblio on Jul 10, 2021 16:58:52 GMT
Hello matti85 Pretty much anything is going to be more secure than Windows XP at this point. XP support dropped on April 8, 2014. With it, most security can be assumed to be out the window. Due to the OS being more-or-less assumed compromised, anything else on it should likely be consider insecure as well. Running an up to date web browser in Linux for anything web related should be fairly secure by default. You can run firewalls in Linux. Anti-virus in Linux, I have no experience with as I haven't had a need. For me, a Firewall and smart computing have been enough to keep my system safe and prevent infection. I trust my network to be fairly secure as I have a newer router and flash firmware regularly. Keeping Linux patched is a big one for security as well. As always, mileage may vary depending on your use and configuration. Another thing to consider is that Windows has a limited team working on it...Linux has a worldwide base working on it. Constantly. Bad code has a way of being caught rapidly. I'm not sure regarding Bank Apps as I don't have any installed though I do use web based "apps". Web apps should be as secure as your browser is and as internet protocols would allow for. Regarding buying a system without Windows, you can certainly build a desktop without an operating system (or a blank HDD/SDD/M.2/etc.), but finding a laptop is a bit more difficult. There are some vendors that will sell "blank" systems and some will sell system with a limited number of Linux distros pre-installed. A google search should show some vendors and Distrowatch generally has ads for such companies on their site. I am glad to hear you are trying to save a PC from a sad fate in a trash bin. I too have multiple systems at home that would have otherwise been "too slow" for Windows. I run them daily and can even game on a couple of them. My newer systems work even better, especially with Bodhi. Anyway, nice post - hopefully my response helps somewhat. Trust thy Linux and happy computing  |
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wimc
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Post by wimc on Jul 10, 2021 18:19:54 GMT
Hello matti85, since I don't recall saying it, welcome to the forum as well. I still use Win XP Pro SP3, its never connected to the interwebs. Hobby PC (ms visual basic 6 pro sp6, older tomb raider games). Custom game files are transferred from known source via usb stick to older computer.
EDIT: correction, sp6 not 2. Tomb raider 1 to 5. Added "custom" and "to older computer".
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Post by thewaiter on Jul 11, 2021 8:35:21 GMT
Hello there As Kiezel offered a perfect Linux explanation, there is no room to add too much info. Nevertheless, if I can only add my POV. Linux is safer, much safer than Windows. Linux world offers too many desktops diversity, not just one like Windows. It means attacker need to choose the desktop with less security. The question is how many users use it. Moreover on the OS market MS Windows is a top player. I used to read some articles in the past only 2 % of desktop users use Linux. Is this worth an attacker effort? Of course it depends. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usage_share_of_operating_systemsThe only threat I am aware of is a Web browser, exactly as Kiezel pointed out to in his article. Anyway, Bodhi will be a good replacement of WIN XP. I know from my recent experience when I wanted to sell my old 11 yo notebook Lenovo S12 with VIA chipset. I had XP there and I was really surprised how badly it worked. Web browser installation was a nightmare and performance was the worst I have ever seen. I ended installing Win 7 there. I think I do not need to explain how it worked. Anyway, I sold it, lol. My only recommendation: upgrade your RAM. Yes, Bodhi can be possible to run on 512 MB. But it is a real minimum. If you have an old PC there has to be possibility to buy 2 GB RAM for a buck. Then you can say your laptop was reincarnated and prob will make you happy for some more year Stefan |
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Post by Hippytaff on Jul 11, 2021 9:15:25 GMT
Great article. I took a lot from it. I’m going to start using iptables on the train WiFi now. I’ve never bothered with firewalls nor anti virus. I was aware antivirus on Linux was unnecessary and pointless, less aware of how much of a security issue they themselves are. |
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kiezel
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Post by kiezel on Jul 11, 2021 10:58:50 GMT
I’m going to start using iptables on the train WiFi now. This is all you need to do: sudo ufw enableIn older Bodhi versions you might need to install ufw first: sudo apt-get install ufwEasy as pie. |
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Post by Hippytaff on Jul 11, 2021 12:21:42 GMT
Yeah, simples. I’ll probably alias it in bashrc. That’s my usual bad habit. Or key binding.
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Post by matti85 on Jul 11, 2021 12:34:42 GMT
Thanks for all the replies I have read the article about the security in Ubuntu and Linux Mint. This article has given me some interesting insights about security. I will not install a virus scanner. I am going to try to install the firewall. I don't really understand what flash firmware and keeping Linux patched means. And how I can execute this. Is it possible to explain this more in detail? I am a beginner and would like to learn more about these topics. I also use web based "apps" for online banking and not a banking app. That web apps should be as secure as my browser is and as internet protocols would allow for is good to know. I started on a computer with the minimum requirements since I only have a computer with 512 MB available to install Linux on. In the future I will probably try to step up to a Linux OS on another computer with more memory or add memory to the '512 MB' computer. But at this moment I am not sure how this will work out. I hope time will tell |
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Post by oblio on Jul 11, 2021 13:25:09 GMT
I don't really understand what flash firmware and keeping Linux patched means. And how I can execute this. Is it possible to explain this more in detail? I am a beginner and would like to learn more about these topics. Hey, no problem, hopefully I can clear up my vagueness.
For patching Linux, I just meant keeping the system up to date via
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade
...enter this into Terminology (Bodhi's default terminal emulator) - you will be prompted for your password (this is the same password that you use to sign into Bodhi). Your letters will not show up as you type - this is normal in Linux (security). You likely will be prompted to enter "Y" to upgrade. The process I described above is basically the equivalent of a Windows update; security updates, bug fixes, etc..
Regarding the flashing firmware - that would be on your physical router. If you don't have experience with that, it's likely minor and can be ignored. I work in networking so having fully patched (updated) and current firmware is important to me.
Sorry I was vague on my first response - I always start general and specify more in depth if needed.
Sort of off topic, but now Linux is now the most popular OS on two planets; Earth (Android devices, most supercomputers) and Mars (rovers). I would like to see Linux on more desktops and laptops, but I think part of the fun is being obscure. Time will tell! |
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Post by thewaiter on Jul 11, 2021 13:30:07 GMT
OK
Linux is actually only kernel. It means the core without machine will never work. It is a very small part of Operating system but very important. Beside the kernel, there is a lot of GNU stuff for other tasks. I think this info should be enough for now. In this case the patched Linux is meaning the way you need to upgrade your kernel. It is actually very easy. But there is a big "BUT". Some newer kernels are much safer but not suitable for too old PCs. Developers add new devices support directly into kernel while older drivers are removed. There is the reason why we maintain 32b Bodhi release with legacy kernel for old machines. So I can recommend trying Bodhi first and then look how your HW is covered. In most cases wifi driver needs to be installed by hand. We will tell you how in case of troubles. We will need your PC data.
As you mentioned also "firmware" it was related to router. Yes, router developers use to release patched firmware for their products. For example my TP Link WR480 has been patched 3 times since I bought it. Of course new firmware shoud provide better stability and security. You can find the method how to flash on their Web. It depands on model. Also nothing tricky...
Stefan
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Post by matti85 on Jul 11, 2021 18:10:25 GMT
I tried to update after installation. I had some errors when trying to update. I wrote about it at my topic in 'new user support'. I didn't had to type "Y" to upgrade as I remember. I am going to try it again. Maybe that I looked over it. And is that why the update didn't worked. Ok, I understand. I don't have any plans to flash the firmware of the router. Thanks for clarifying. Some terminology is new for me, so I don't always understand what is meant. I didn't knew that Linux is in both Android devices and Mars rovers. There is probably a good reason for that! It can't be a coincidence that both technologies work on Linux So the kernel for Bodhi Linux Legacy is not as safe as the kernel for the other Bodhi Linux versions? Is it because the kernel for Bodhi Linux Legacy is not recently updated? Or is it because the version of Body Linux Legacy is older than the other Bodhi Linux versions. Is it possible to explain where the abbreviation HW stands for? I don't know what that means. The internet connection of the 32 bit 512 MB RAM PC with a Bodhi Linux Legacy OS is with a cable. There is no wifi connection on that PC as far as I know. Thanks! |
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Post by thewaiter on Jul 11, 2021 19:41:32 GMT
HW = Hardware Kernel in Bodhi Legacy is the oldest in repository. By no means not too obsolete. As I said legacy version is for older machines. But sometimes machines are very old and legacy kernel is too fresh to cover its HW. In this cases I use to recommend using Bodhi 3.2.1 with 3.x kernel if I remember. It is a matter of compromise. Older and not that safe kernel vs still working PC. Stefan |
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Post by matti85 on Jul 12, 2021 18:24:45 GMT
Thank you for the info I have installed bodhi-5.1.0-legacy. This was the version that was available. I don't know if that is the right version for the PC I installed it on. The computer is a DELL21 desktop. - 32 bit X86-based PC - Dell - Optiplex GX270 - Intel Pentium 4 Processor: 2.4 GHz - Memory: 2 sticks of 256 MB DDR 400 CL3 - BIOS Version: A07 |
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I could say that Linux is free open source software, but that would be about it. I have a good feeling about Linux, but I often collide in my mind with some doubts about Linux. These are the questions that often pop-up in my mind:
and I am curious to learn more about Linux.
