[dorknexus]

I think the reason Microsoft has a bad rep for security is because it really didn't care about security until the famed security memo in 2002. I am guessing their more modern OS's (like 7) are more secure and stable being that consumers and businesses pretty much forced them to take that stance.

This post has been edited by Dark_Nexus: 07 August 2010 - 02:54 PM

[Tom9729]

WolfCoder, on 07 August 2010 - 04:15 PM, said:

In Linux, all you have to do is make sure your ports aren't accessible if you're using it for desktop purposes.

Basically yeah, and it's really the same thing for any other OS. Just configure your firewall to drop all incoming not-established connections.

Unfortunately there are still browser exploits to worry about, social engineering, etc.

WolfCoder, on 07 August 2010 - 04:15 PM, said:

That and you know, only use programs you have the source code for or trust.

This is good in principle but realistically no one has the time or expertise to scan through a couple million lines of code looking for flaws.

I agree though that if you're concerned about security you should only install packages from trusted (eg. default) repositories.

[WolfCoder]

You didn't sift through it, but enough people have. I was talking more about malware instead of regular flaws.

[Tom9729]

WolfCoder, on 07 August 2010 - 05:51 PM, said:

You didn't sift through it, but enough people have. I was talking more about malware instead of regular flaws.

Assuming that just because something is open source that people have thoroughly perused it's source code for malicious flaws might be a mistake. Perhaps someone who packages OSS would like to chime in here, I don't have the experience, but somehow I doubt all packages receive the same level of coverage.

[WolfCoder]

I'm not assuming it, but if I'm downloading something that's been audited by Canonical for example, it isn't very likely to have some hidden nasties in it. It really comes down to common sense, all those security programs you install on Windows only help you eliminate enemies. It won't save you from your own elementary mistakes.