Dell: Ubuntu Safer than Windows
Is Canonical's Ubuntu operating system safer than Windows 7?
Although Dell has shipped millions of PCs running Windows-based operating systems, the company is apparently well-aware of the security issues surrounding the Microsoft OS. In fact, while currently promoting its products that use Canonical's Ubuntu operating system, Dell is boldly claiming that the Linux-based solution is actually more secure.
"Ubuntu is safer than Microsoft Windows," Dell said (additional pdf) in its list of top ten things users should know about Ubuntu. "The vast majority of viruses and spyware written by hackers are not designed to target and attack Linux."
While Dell does have a point, it did not provide any additional details. Instead, Dell backed its claim by saying that Linux has been around for almost twenty years. Not only is it stable and reliable, but it's also pervasive.
"Linux is used on computers of all sizes ranging from the biggest to the smallest," Dell said. "If you’re the kind of person who likes your computer to simply work, Ubuntu is right for you. It’s based on stable, secure, easy-to-use software that’s been around for a long time."
Dell has shipped Ubuntu-based rigs since 2007, and even claims that it's sold more than any other computer maker in the world. Currently Microsoft has not issued a retaliation, however we're betting that a few execs will get their feathers ruffled and force Dell to remove the comments.
and doing level design makes it even harder to switch over :S
Linux safer than Windows--who would have ever thought?
More at 10.
Seriously, when was this ever questioned? The only reason Ubuntu and linux in general aren't more popular than they are is because of all the hurdles you have to jump to get trivial things like mouse buttons working.
But I have the feeling that if Dell starts selling Linux only computers that soon they will get heaps of viruses too.
Windows 7 has alot of Memory Randomizations and such now to help protect the systems that run it. Not too keen on linux protection mechanisms but I doubt linux goes thru the lenghts Windows does to protect you.
Im not saying Win 7 is perfect, far from it but that is the nature of software. If people have the will and persistence, they will find a weakness in ur code.
To me, this Dell statement is vague and baseless and doesn't even have any data or facts to back it up, other than Microsoft has all the market share so everyone writes malware for it.
I think saying "If you’re the kind of person who likes your computer to simply work, Ubuntu is right for you." is a bit misleading. I've had more issues with Ubuntu than I have with Windows(Usually video drivers), and the vast majority of the time the fix for Windows is much simpler than what needs to be done for Linux. You average computer user that is overwhelmed by Windows won't be able to handle Linux in my opinion.
That said long live Linux.
At least they always make sure linux driver support exists for all their products, right? ........or maybe not.
Seriously, if Dell really wanted to get behind Ubuntu they should:
1) Offer it as an option as an OS for any purchase
2) Support linux drivers for their systems
3) Sell paid linux support as an option
4) Produce a DVD/Webinar on how to use Ubuntu for home users in order to promote adoption
5) EXPLAIN the differences between linux and Windows.
I don't know why people keep using the market share theory as the reason why linux is safer, linux has the market-share majority in servers & has done for a long time, yet where are all the viruses for linux?
As for the actual statements I kinda agree with some of them but I've only tasted Windows 7... and I liked it. However Ubuntu has been running my file server for 2.5 years cuz 'it just works'. Ubuntu runs my Media PC cuz VDPAU on XBMC is awesome. But right now I'm using my office computer where TightVNC and my old games just work better on XP. But if I can get my few old games and a smooth VNC client on Ubuntu to work then XP is so gone.