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Linux or Windows?

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• jrm30

  

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  Location: Massachusetts

  I've been running all of my wallets in Ubuntu with no problems. Have you considered dual booting? That's what I do, with Ubuntu and Windows 7. It works great. I spend most of my time in Linux until I run into software that doesn't work as well on it, and then I fire up Windows.

  Posted on July 11, 2014 at 4:31 PM
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• Cryptonaut

  

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  Location: Canada

  linux all the way. mostly ubuntu, but I like to use gnome classic with it, dont really like the new "unity" style of things.

  One thing that always drives me nuts about windows is the constant updates, and how every single update or like anything you install wants you to reboot the whole machine to take effect. And the forced update/restarting. "your computer will restart in 2 minutes, do you want to postpone 10 minutes - 4 hours?" - no damnit just dont fucking restart without my permission!

  Posted on July 11, 2014 at 6:39 PM
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• DCBitcoin

  

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  Location: Washington, DC

  I prefer Linux, particularly for emerging cryptocurrencies which typically have clients that need to be compiled. I work on Fedora, which isn't as easy to use as Ubuntu since you typically need to install custom openssl libraries. Windows is good for the more stable currencies, but I still prefer Linux for the most part 'cos I can backup and secure my wallet faster with it.

  Posted on July 11, 2014 at 7:36 PM
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• kyleatlas

  

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  Location: Pittsburgh, PA

  Linux. Writing this on Chromium that's side loading XFCE with VBs of Ubuntu, ArchBang, and BrackTrack.

  Posted on July 13, 2014 at 8:20 AM
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• Vincent Vega

  

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  Both. And Mac. Why should I choose?))) If I don't have money, then I simply stick to whatever I have now.

  Posted on July 13, 2014 at 9:17 AM
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• IvanB

  

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  Location: New York

  @markcarlson I would have to say Windows too, Lubuntu is pretty great, but overall, Windows may prove to be more app friendly.

  Ultimately it comes down to where you are comfortable.At a minimum: -Keep AV up to date. -Turn on OS firewall and router/modem firewall. -Keep patches up to date. -Pick a security based newsletter and subscribe for heads-up info (http://thehackernews.com/ is quite good).

  If you understand Windows more than Ubuntu, then you will likely dig further into the security nuisances with Windows (or vice versa.), and therefore be more protected. No OS or person is without its flaws. Careful usage habits are most important.

  I agree entirely. The choice of OS is far less important than proper usage habits.

  • Master your OS of choice
  • run with limited permissions (windows7/8 can easily by run under a regular user account, only elevating when necessary with a separate admin account)
  • take advantage of security tools for browsing (noscript, etc)
  • always check new executable file hashes or against a known database (AV products can be helpful for checking commonly downloaded files against their known good files)
  • be patient, be diligent, don't take shortcuts

  Pick your OS based on your comfort level and how you want to use it, not reputation - it's the end user that makes the difference.

  Posted on July 13, 2014 at 4:18 PM
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• IvanB

  

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  Location: New York

  @cryptonaut linux all the way. mostly ubuntu, but I like to use gnome classic with it, dont really like the new "unity" style of things.

  One thing that always drives me nuts about windows is the constant updates, and how every single update or like anything you install wants you to reboot the whole machine to take effect. And the forced update/restarting. "your computer will restart in 2 minutes, do you want to postpone 10 minutes - 4 hours?" - no damnit just dont fucking restart without my permission!

  Not that I'm a huge Redmond fan, but Microsoft patches are mostly issued on a regular monthly schedule, not constantly. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patch_Tuesday

  It's pretty simple to disable the auto restarts through local group policy or a regedit. That or just set patching to manual and do it when you feel like rather than automatically. http://www.techspot.com/guides/230-prevent-automatic-windows-update-restarts/

  For a developer that's comfortable compiling apps, linux is going to be the best choice. For others, Windows will have the most support.

  No matter what OS you pick, it still takes a reasonable amount of care to stay secure. These aren't tablets/phones with hugely restrictive functionality - they're general purpose computing devices and along with the increased functionality is an increased attack surface. It takes a knowledgeable user to stay secure and healthy.

  Posted on July 13, 2014 at 5:36 PM
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• Mike

  

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  Location: Chicago, IL

  I've always been extremely interested in Linux. I guess that's my inner wannabe developer coming to the surface. Never quite got around to replacing the OS in one of my machines though.

  I'm comfortable with Windows, and have pretty much mastered it. I even forced myself to figure out (for the most part) Windows 8 when I bought my new rig. However, there are definitely quite a few things that I don't like which Ubuntu supposedly fixes.

  My primary concern for not switching over was always that every program basically has a Windows and Mac OS download/install, but not everybody had a Linux install. I suppose that isn't as valid anymore since Linux has significantly risen in popularity.

  Posted on July 13, 2014 at 5:42 PM
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• Cryptonaut

  

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  Location: Canada

  @IvanB yeah, im probably just being too lazy to figure out how to stop it. I also only switch over and use windows like maybe a couple times at most a month, so there always seems to be updates waiting for me.

  Posted on July 13, 2014 at 6:03 PM
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• FBSoulMan

  

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  @ivanb I agree entirely. The choice of OS is far less important than proper usage habits.

  +1 Ivan, especially the part about running as a non-privileged user and only elevating when needed.

  -James

  Posted on July 13, 2014 at 6:23 PM
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