this post was submitted on 21 Jun 2026
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Linux
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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For me it comes down to trust, since the distro maintainers have root on your system. You'd better trust their competence and alignment with your values!
This is actually critically! I love little distros, but it does break my heart that they cannot give the same reassurance on potential malware as Mint would. Many here we are anti-AI but FOSS could benefit a lot from it... it can automatized checking for malware on peanuts. DistroWatch, Flatpak store, Debian backports, etc should be using AI already across the board to check for malware and that would level dramatically the plain field for all.
Don't forget their ability to patch critical security issues in a timely manner.
Well, Void is not that large, but they quickly patch security issues, especially due to being a rolling release. OpenBSD, not Linux or rolling release though, is not a huge OS either, but they are patching - if there is a security issue - quickly. Similarly Slackware - if we want to come back again to a Linux distro.
In other words: No, the size of its dev team does not necessarily mean that they are behind with patching security issues. it depends on the commitment and skills of devs, and the community.
Being a "rolling release" has absolutely nothing to do with it. They still need to update their repositories and add patches to it.
Sure - a one-man-band supported distro could do all that. But a larger distro with a dedicated security team will definitely do it better.
Where is the difference between „dedicated“ and „commitment paired with skills“???
Sure, Debian and alike are up-to-date as are ArchLinux or Void. Oh, boy!
One are paid to do the job, the others are assumed to be doing the job.
You're mistaking "up-to-date" with "patched in a timely manner." The two are not the same. But you're an Arch derivative user (btw) so I have low expectations. Suffice it to say that Ubuntu / RedHat / etc. back-port security patches to the packages they manage. They don't need to be running the latest version to be patched.
I suggest you better stay then with Microsoft or Apple. Suits more your ideology.
Wrong, but keep guessing.
Oh, I see, you like being hold by your hands 😂🤣
Okay I'm done with you.
$ sudo userdel atzanteol >/dev/null 2>&1 && echo „Bye, bye!“