security ?

[bigvoo]

So after about 8 month (total, most the last month) of using linux... Um, well it seems that, a large majority of linux users, have far beyond basic computer skills, and although on these forums, every one has shown the highest character...does the fact that so many linux users being so advanced, in itself cause security issues ? like since they know how linux works right down to it's core... or is it that ( the way I understan it ) that the user has more understanding of what is going on, they are more secure ? hope that makes sense...as I am definably a newbie.

[khafa]

having many advanced Linux users can lead to both results. but as we all know Linux users have much gratitude for Linux . generally when a Linux user finds a bug he will fix it if possible or post on a forum for solution.kernel hackers find many bugs but instead of trying to exploit it they rather write some patch for the benefit of everybody.
conclusion -- Linux power is its community .

[Cabhan]

It is probably true that a larger portion of Linux users are rather more technical than of, say, Windows or Mac OS X. However, I do not know if this is necessarily what leads to greater security.

There is a rule, sometimes called Linus's Law, that says "Given enough eyeballs, all bugs are shallow". The idea is that with Linux, because it is open-source and anyone can view the source code, bugs are caught sooner and not released as often. Theoretically, this applies to any open-source project, including the Apache webserver or Mozilla Firefox.

Some people claim that Linux's infrastructure is inherently more secure, some claim that the smaller market share of Linux means less people want to crack it, and others claim that Linus's Law is what explains Linux's better security record. No one really knows for sure, but I suspect it's a combination of all three.

[elija]

I agree that the security of linux is a combination of the three thing cabhan mentioned, but I think there is a fourth element to it also.

While not all Linux users are computer geeks (indeed some of our members freely admit to being almost the exact opposite) everyone who is running Linux is informed enough to have made the choice. This usually indicates a certain level of knowledge which may only be

Not to click on spam mails
Not to open emails claiming to be from your bank or some Nigerian prince
Don't visit dodgy sites and download dodgy software
Don't trust any software unless you know where you got it from
Don't open emails from strangers with the subject "I Love You"
Keep a backup of your data

While most threats activated by the above are aimed at Windows, Linux is by no means immune. I guess m point is that Linux users often show a bit more common sense. Or maybe that we are all paranoid

[MetalheadGautham]

Well, linux has always been a community thing. Its strength comes from its enthusiastic community. The fact that most of its uers are advanced only makes this community stronger. I still remember the days when I used to come across a bug in Ubuntu. When I searched google, all the time it was ALREADY discovered by not one, but many people.

[b2bwild]

infact, I agree that most linux users are advance only

becuase only Advance users can use linux...
linux is a off-road for normal computer users

[MetalheadGautham]

infact, I agree that most linux users are advance only

becuase only Advance users can use linux...
linux is a off-road for normal computer users

Thats completely off the mark. I remember how ordinary I was when I first decided to try out linux. I knew hardly anything about computers themselves, and I thought that my windows xp was a gaming machine.

But linux TAUGHT me everything about computing and I can now agree that I am somewhat geekish in my knowledge. Its not that linux can only be used by advanced users, linux just makes its users advanced. Try giving a simple distro like Ubuntu or Mandriva to a newbie and see what I mean. First, such a distro will hide every thing on the inside from the user, and the user will wonder why he is sometimes suggested blind commands by people when he asks for help.

Later, doubt morphs into curiosity. Curiosity causes intrest. Slowly the intrest makes people explore. Exploring creates a need for knowledge. Knowledge labels the user as "advanced".

And since many people who use linux become "advanced", its assumed that linux is for "advanced" people.

[Sporkman]

There is a rule, sometimes called Linus's Law, that says "Given enough eyeballs, all bugs are shallow". The idea is that with Linux, because it is open-source and anyone can view the source code, bugs are caught sooner and not released as often. Theoretically, this applies to any open-source project, including the Apache webserver or Mozilla Firefox.

But how many people actually put in the time & effort combing through all that code, finding all the potential holes that can be exploited? That would actually be a lot of work.

Fortunately, the criminals out there are probably similarly put off by the magnitude of that task, & instead go for the easier targets.

Some people claim that Linux's infrastructure is inherently more secure, some claim that the smaller market share of Linux means less people want to crack it, and others claim that Linus's Law is what explains Linux's better security record. No one really knows for sure, but I suspect it's a combination of all three.

I'd say Linux security has three main factors: Non-admin privileges of user accounts, majority of software comes from trusted repositories, and obscurity (i.e. the small market share).

[bigvoo]

Wow! thanks, all really great replies; maybe what I meant was that: people that are willing to try linux, are likely to become, or already are tech savvy" I was also kind of implying that since, linux is growing by leaps and bounds now, maybe ( hypothetically ) some giant computer conglomerate, may actually get nervous and employ some people to attack it or something...I read that post about the motherboard maker in China, who's boards will cause errors in linux apps..yikes. When I first started to get interested in linux, just over a year ago, my local bookstore only had 1 linux magazine, now there is 4.

[Geeth]

After reading this most of my thought have already been stated.

With the statement of most linux users being 'advanced' I think it's only true to the point that most (yes I know I am generalising) linux users are more willing to learn then users of Win / Mac OS. However there are still those that I have got their system up and running and don't want to change it.