green
Group: Members
Posts: 453
Joined: Oct. 2004 |
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Posted: April 22 2006,05:59 |
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bigpilot,
One of the main reasons that Linux flavors are so much more secure that Windows is that the file structure is different and almost each *nix flavor's file structure is unique as compared to other flavors.
Thus, on a *nix machine, if an executable file is told to go to a certain file or program and then do this and that (the way viruses work) then you would have to write an executable file, enable it's permissions correctly, make sure it knows exactly what the file sturcture is then execute it's evil business, and all this to be designed with your specific flavor in mind. That is not very likely, at best.
Howver, if you write one for Windows, it'll kill 'em all cause they are all the same file structure and have all the same ports open (logical and virtual) and are all almost identical and most of the world uses it.
The second largest is the Mac. Therefore, Windows and Mac are more vulnerable to attack than Linux or other Nix systems due to their vast existence across the planet and so many people connecting to the 'net without conern to proper security.
Also, Windows must make a system that appeals to everyone, that's how they make their money. Again, that provides Linux with a strength. Linux can be customized down to the smallest of details, which can not be done in Windows or it would break. This is not a slam on Windows, it is just part of the reality of how the different operating systems are built.
Dedicated firewalls do not run on Windows. They run a unix-like OS. The same goes for mainframes, high-demand servers, network equipment, VPN concentrators, even secure terminal servers. Google, eBay, etc. run *nix systems. There is a reason that enterprise class IT shops use these. It is now trickeling down to the home user. Which is a good thing, if you ask me.
This is just a small example of the real world and a small security related tidbit. There is much more to learn if one has the time and desire to do so.
Lastly, I am not slamming Windows. I have to use it too. However, being in a field of work that gives me first hand knowlege of some of this stuff, that heavily influences my decisions about security and how I protect information/gear at home.
EDIT: Just thought I would throw this in.
A couple of years ago I read an article that spoke about how susceptible a windows box is when connected to the 'net without a firewall, etc. So, a friend and myself decided to sacrifice a windows box and a linux box. We hooked each one to the 'net via broadband access, there was no firewall protection, no anit-virus protoection, etc. After about 6 or 7 minutes, the Windows box had many ports open to who knows where and why. Another 30 minutes and the box was barely usable. The Linux box, under the same conditins, stayed connected all night and all day the next day. It had no issues and problems. I know this is not scientific, but it is proof enuf to me.
Sorry for the long post. I digress.....
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