Windows Vs. Linux

Strider

Alright! The classic Windows Vs. Linux discussion thread is here. Please vote your opinion and explain why is it so in a reply.

Note:- This is a collection of posts from the Best Antivirus poll.

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bloodwynd

Then again, Strider's right...

Since most hackers program viruses to hit the most popular OS, which is Windows... Most windows user will encounter dozens of viruses, even maybe hundreds if your not careful...

Compare it to viruses (if there are any) that infect MAC OS or linux...

horheg

Of course. Wolfie did a fine statement about security in Linux compared to security in Windows.

There are much less viruses for Unix in general not because Windows is more popular (Unix is more widely used than Windows as a server platform, so that should mean that it's more exposed - normally a hacker would like more to infect a server than a regular workstation) but because it's harder to break.

Anyway, if you know what you are doing you could survive in Windows too without an antivirus program. But if you don't you could use a dozen of programs and still get infected......

Strider

I have nothing against Linux, but it's not much secure than Windows. Windows is more popular and malware authors need a lot of exploited computers to make something out of their hard work! So they just focus on Windows and leave linux alone (for now).

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RootbeaR

Most servers run Linux.
I think that would be quite desirable to hack into. More so than my PC anyway.

There is enough MS fanboys out there to want to make a point. What's taking them so long?

Strider

That's true. I'm using CentOS to power this website. It doesn't mean CentOS is more secure than Windows 2008. The deciding factor was the cost!!

Another advantage about linux machines is the infinite variety of kernels; it's just darn difficult to code a linux virus which will infect all kernel versions.

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horheg

I agree that the cost factor is a very important one when choosing an OS for running a server, but I think it's not more important than security.

I think securing a server is the most important matter and such a process deserves spending any needed amount of money for accomplishing it.

Installing a cheap but vulnerable server that gets hacked will cost you much more (due to downtime, unavailability of service, stealing of sensitive information, etc.) than installing an expensive but secure one.

maxmanrules

If I was a hacker I would target Linux for the pure reason that it's easier to hack. Also, a virus that could infect multiple OS's would be extremely effective.

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maxmanrules

There are no MS fanboys hahaha , but if there are most MS users go for MS because its simpler to get and easier, like the fast food of OS's. Add to the fact that no-one wants to speak up against you guys railing against it. Feel free to tell me that all you MS users didn't just go to MS because it's easy, while noting I use MS.
P.S. I don't pay for the computer I use, so I don't care about the operating system.
Go PCillin antivirus.
Techtalkz rockz

Strider

Well said; exactly my point. I am using Linux for the past 8 years. But if there is an urgent work to be done or even to watch a hi-def movie, I'll boot in to Windows. It feels natural or familiar.

Anyway, we are going off topic here. Do we need another thread for Windows/Linux discussion?

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