I have to agree with you
mchain, in so far as:
Not everyone here knows or understands Linux, and not everyone understands what the future of safe computing holds, or the direction it should go forth.
'Tis obvious to me that Windows needs to go to more secure and stronger coding to ensure survival of Windows as we know it, and maintain the business domination it has enjoyed for so many years.
Obviously Linux is not a Business which many find hard to get their head around. It's more a Academic Endeavour in my eyes, and not having Malware beating at the door leaves so much time for positivity, and development of ideas, as I have found Computing means to me these days. No fear, reasonable behaviour of course, and sensible use.
A Typical Windows virus, .Exe, isn't on the linux software map, it can't execute in Linux. There are regular Software checks to note important System files have not been tampered with, it is built from the ground up with fundamental security in mind.
I must have been a member here for a decade and learnt a lot about Windows Security. It involved adding what I would call a lot of "Third Party Software", which is generally freeware, and often Open Source, as well as 'Pro' "Bought" versions. I find it a failing of Windows, a great failing, that these third party Software haven't been considered, and built in before release. It is sloppy coding, and released often much to early, relying on goodwill and Human Nature bringing people out of the woodwork to plug the holes, so to speak.
Microsoft is a big target for Malcreants as 90% of Computer users use it, as compared to Apple, (5%) , and Linux (5%) Approx.
I took the leap to PCLinuxOS 5 years ago, and at times it is tough, the actual Forum can be a bit over spirited, but in General if you can show you are sincere the 'Top Dogs' will lovingly explain what is what, they love there Distro, and they hone it everyday of the week. I'm proud to be a part of the small community there.
Linux is based on the Kernel.
Linus Torvalds built 'The Kernel' in the early 90's.
In 1990, he resumed his university studies, and was exposed to UNIX for the first time, in the form of a DEC MicroVAX running ULTRIX. His M.Sc. thesis was titled Linux: A Portable Operating System.
To add or change 'The Kernel' a body of the elite must all agree on the changes, or additions.
Right there is the first link in a specific quality control and is a huge security and performance plus.
Localised Distros acquire a version of the kernel which suits them, build distro specific packages, and off it goes. There's always a lot of work being done in Distros to fit programmes to the kernel, which is maintained by Linus Torvalds. He started very young writing tools to run programmes for the very early Computers, and actually wrote in machine language, as he had no idea there were easier ways of programming at the age of 12 or round abouts. That's using 01010101
In the case of PCLinuxOS distros, which use KDE, (K Desktop Environment), and LXDE mainly, although there are more off shoots, is that it's what's called a
'Rolling Release'.
There are Major releases but as an example, I installed my release the end of 2011, and have kept updating the 'specific' distro libraries, programmes, and apps, from the distro specific
Repository.Say I was to go install programmes I find on the web, they may break my Install, as they have not been tailor made for my installation. So I learn to be part of the Distro's Community, and learn (taught) 'Packaging' specific for PCLinuxOS, which is then loaded into the Repositories (Servers) for download, when ready. This is common in Linux Distros due to having to fit thier programmes to a specific Kernel. I can't speak on every Linux Distro as specifically as the one I use.
I'm sure I remember Damian being very involved in Mozilla Firefox, and it's nightly builds, the testing and development can be done by anyone, however at release Mozilla have the final word. Such is the way of Linux Distros, no one can 'tinker' with the basic Kernel, code can be submitted, but Linus Torvalds and the many other members of his elite must agree the addition of any code is a step in the right direction before implementation .
By the way, the Linux Kernel is the largest peice of single code on the Planet.I hope some may find interest, and understand some of the fundamental differences between Windows, and Linux Distros.
Regards,
Abraxas.
