# Linux

A free alternative to Windows and Mac for your laptop or desktop computer

## Forget About Viruses and Malware

##### Approximately 30% of U.S. computers are infected with malware.

Every day we hear of another ransomware attack ripping through entire cities and corporations. All of these attacks have one thing in common: they all target Windows or Mac. And it doesn't stop at ransomware: keyloggers and spyware steal credit cards, passwords and other personal information. Even if you only browse reputable websites and install reputable programs, secret zero-day exploits, worms, viruses and bundlers can deliver malware right into your computer without you even knowing it. Antivirus programs are expensive and ineffective.

Since it's used by top companies and governments, Linux is engineered for optimal security. Thousands of developers actively test and fix security issues every day. All programs go through a rigorous security review and are validated with advanced algorithms. Plus, since most users of Linux are experts, malware authors don't usually target Linux.

Sources: ,

## Ethical Software

Windows and Mac are maintained by large companies whose singular goal is profit and who couldn't care less how good their software is. They limit what you can do on your computer and spy on your every move. When you use Windows or Mac, you give up your rights and submit to whatever Apple or Microsoft want to do to your computer.

Linux was created in the 1980s and 1990s by a community of enthusiasts who believed that software should be accessible, freely available and loyal to the user. They made the code freely available so anyone could see what it does and modify it in any way they wish. Today, Linux is funded by nonprofits and for-profit businesses alike because they share the common goal of creating a better operating system for us all.

Software that allows users to scrutinize and modify it is called Free/Libre and Open Source Software. Software that is secretive, obfuscated or copyrighted is called proprietary software.

Richard Stallman, creator of major components of Linux and founder of the Free Software Foundation, which campaigns for Free/Libre and Open Source Software
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## Who Uses Linux?

Android

Android, which powers most phones and tablets, uses parts of Linux.

Chrome OS

Chromebooks and Chromeboxes run a customized version of Linux.

Embedded Devices

Linux is behind tech products such as smart home appliances, smartwatches, and even cars and airplanes.

Websites

The Internet runs on Linux. Some of the world's most sensitive data and crucial services are run on Linux computers.

Copyright © 2017-2018 Jeremy Potter.

This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.

This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU Affero General Public License for more details.

You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License along with this program. If not, see https://www.gnu.org/licenses/.