OS security

Windows vs MAC OS vs Linux vs Chrome OS and others

What is an Operating system?

An operating system (OS) is a software that basically helps the user to interact with the computer hardware. It performs basic tasks, such as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the storage drives, and controlling peripheral devices, such as printers.

The OS allows a user to run other applications on a computing device. Those applications include things like photo editors, video viewers and video editors, web browsers, email clients, calendars, text editors, and music players.

It is like a traffic cop, it makes sure that different programs and users running at the same time do not interfere with each other. The operating system is also responsible for security, ensuring that unauthorized users do not access the system.

Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. Most people use the operating system that comes with their computer, but it’s possible to upgrade or even change operating systems. The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux.

When it comes to personal use, traditional Windows and MAC OS are great options. At home, you don’t need a powerful OS especially for simple tasks like writing or browsing the web.

While discussing the fastest OS, Linux based Operating Systems are the lightest and fastest OS in the market right now. It doesn’t need a powerful processor unlike Windows to operate at an optimal level. Linux based OS like Ubuntu, CentOS, Fedora are great options especially for running business enterprises where substantial computing power is mandatory.

Difference Between Server OS And Every day OS

An everyday OS will be able to run programs like MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. including running one of your favourite video games. It enables applications that make browsing the web and checking emails easy. It uses LAN and Bluetooth connections and is cheaper than a server OS.

Server OS, on the other hand, are expensive and rightfully so. These platforms enable unlimited user connections, a greater memory capacity, and act as universal servers for web, emails, and databases.

A server OS can handle multiple desktops as it is optimized for a network instead of catering to a single user.

1.Microsoft Windows

Windows powers over a billion PCs, making it by far the most popular desktop operating system on earth. From Windows 95, all the way to the Windows 10, it has been the go-to operating software that is fueling the computing systems worldwide.

Features

• A robust User Interface which helps in easier navigation, with a start menu on the left side by listing out options and representing applications.
• The Task View feature lets the users switch between multiple workspaces at once, by displaying all the open Windows.
• Two separate user interfaces, one for mouse and keyboard, and the ‘Tablet Mode’ designed for touchscreens.
• Multifactor authentication technology for higher security like BIN, PIN, Fingerprint recognition, etc.
• Automatically compress system files to reduce the storage footprint.

Microsoft finished 2018 as the world’s most valuable company, but it also passed an important milestone for Windows. The latest Windows 10 operating system is now the most popular desktop OS in the world, finally beating Windows 7’s market share according to Net Applications. But the popularity of Windows is a problem in itself. The security of an operating system can depend to a large degree on the size of its installed base. Windows always comes in last in the security world for a number of reasons, mainly because of the adoption rate of consumers. With a large number of Windows-based personal computers on the market, hackers historically have targeted these systems the most. For malware authors, Windows provides a massive playing field. Windows PCs have fallen prey to far more malware than Macs in the recent past, including ransomware, spyware, botnets, and good old-fashioned viruses. But Microsoft is constantly beefing up its security, pushing Windows Defender updates, and even introducing anti-ransomware measures.

Windows Security

Windows Security is a very basic utility. It’s part of Windows itself. It has seven sections: Virus & threat protection, Account protection, Firewall & network protection, App & browser control, Device security, Device performance & health, and Family options. The Virus & threat protection is where Microsoft has really filled out its antivirus chops, and its AV program is still known as Windows Defender. In earlier versions, built-in security for Windows just did its job in the background. The current version allows you to run four different kinds of scans, all of which are pretty standard for antivirus.

You can run a quick scan to search the most common places that viruses and malware are likely to hide. There’s a longer full scan section that checks all files and programs on your hard disk. You can also choose a custom scan to check specific files or folders. Finally, there’s the Windows Defender Offline scan that shuts down your computer and scans your device particularly for pernicious malware that other scans are unlikely to find. Windows Security also has the added benefit of not harassing you with notifications to upgrade to a paid product every few days.

There’s a lot more functionality inside Virus & threat protection. Under the settings, area for that section we have a few on/off sliders for options such as real-time protection, cloud-delivered protection, automatic sample submission, and tamper protection.

Windows Security has most of the elements you need in a solid security suite, including antivirus scans, ransomware protection, and parental controls. It doesn’t have a lot of the extras you’ll see in other suites, but some of those things, such as automated backups, are built into other parts of Windows.

It doesn’t have features of a top-tier security suite like encrypted cloud storage for sensitive documents, secure file erase, a password manager, or a VPN subscription. Windows Defender is good enough to defend your PC and uphold the promise of its name, and there’s nothing wrong with it as such. But the leading free antivirus alternatives like Bitdefender or Kaspersky are better, and it really isn’t all that much effort to install another app to replace Defender.

2.MacOS

The Mac OS has been the staple of almost all Apple devices as we can remember. It has evolved with time to include the features that first and foremost define innovation. In recent years, the MAC operating systems have been completely free with the occasional free upgrade by its developers.

Features

• The new dark mode gives your desktop interface a more dramatic look which is easier on the eyes.
• A dynamic desktop which helps to automatically organize your desktop files by kind, date or tag.
• Continuity camera that scans or photographs a document nearby your iPhone and automatically appears on your mac.
• Discover handpicked apps with the MAC app store.
• Prevent websites from tracking your Mac by making your profile more anonymous online.

It is more secure than Windows. It used to be considered as a fully secure operating system with little chance of security flaws. But in recent years we have seen hackers crafting additional exploits against macOS. Attackers are branching out and not ignoring the Mac universe.

Security researcher Lee Muson of Comparitech says that “macOS is likely to be the pick of the bunch” when it comes to choosing a more secure OS, but he cautions that it is not impenetrable, as once thought. Its advantage is that “it still benefits from a touch of security through obscurity versus the still much larger target presented by Microsoft’s offering.”

Off the shelf, macOS X has a great track record when it comes to security, in part because it isn’t as widely targeted as Windows and in part because Apple does a pretty good job of staying on top of security issues. Apple includes good parental controls in macOS with Screen Time, and the system that already has a sterling reputation for security has been hardened even further in the latest Catalina version, which keeps the OS and user data on separate partitions.

Apple makes its money from selling premium hardware, so it has less incentive to spy on its users for profit than companies such as Google whose entire business model relies on invading their users’ privacy. Indeed, Apple has recently made a very big deal of its dedication to users’ privacy.

3.Chrome OS

Chrome OS is a Linux-kernel based operating software that is designed by Google. As it is derived from the free chromium OS, it uses the Google Chrome web browser as its principal user interface. This OS primarily supports web applications.

Features

• An integrated media player that enables the users to play MP3’s, view JPEG’S and handle other multimedia files while offline.
• Remote application access and virtual desktop access.
• Chrome OS is designed to be compatible with all the Android applications.
• With Chrome OS it is possible to run Linux applications.

The sole drawback of this operating system is that if you want your Chromebook to be more secure than it already is there’s no way to install third-party software. Google maintains its security superiority by restricting users to the confines of the web browser and restricting the installation of third-party software.

Limited customization is always frowned on by certain users, but it’s not a bad thing for security. Chromebooks make good sense for kids or grandparents who want to get on the net as effortlessly and safely as possible. They also work wonders if you’re in need of a cheap, reliable way to stay connected on the road without having to tweak your firewall rules for every Wi-Fi hotspot along the way.

But the only concern is that Chrome OS is a proprietary closed-source product from Google, a company whose entire business model relies on ignoring user privacy in order to target highly personalized ads at them. As with the regular Chrome browser, the fact that Chrome OS is closed source makes it all but impossible to know for sure if it is spying on you for Google in ways that it really shouldn’t.

4.Linux

The clear consensus among experts is that Linux is the most secure operating system. But while it’s the OS of choice for servers, enterprises deploying it on the desktop are few and far between.

And if you did decide that Linux was the way to go, you would still have to decide which distribution of the Linux system to choose, and things get a bit more complicated there. Users are going to want a UI that seems familiar, and you are going to want the most secure OS.

Linux has the potential to be the most secure, but requires the user be something of a power user. Linux distros that target security as a primary feature include Kali Linux and Parrot Linux, Debian-based distros that provide numerous security-related tools right out of the box.

Of course, an important differentiator is that Linux is open source. The fact that coders can read and comment upon each other’s work might seem like a security nightmare, but it actually turns out to be an important reason why Linux is so secure. Anyone can review it and make sure there are no bugs or back doors.

Linux and Unix-based operating systems have less exploitable security flaws known to the information security world. Linux code is reviewed by the tech community, which lends itself to security: By having that much oversight, there are fewer vulnerabilities, bugs and threats.

That’s a subtle and perhaps counterintuitive explanation, but by having dozens or sometimes hundreds of people read through every line of code in the operating system, the code is actually more robust and the chance of flaws slipping into the wild is diminished. As Katherine Noyes explains, “Microsoft may tout its large team of paid developers, but it’s unlikely that team can compare with a global base of Linux user-developers around the globe. Security can only benefit through all those extra eyeballs.”

Another factor is that Windows users are generally given administrator access by default, which means they pretty much have access to everything on the system. Linux, in contrast, greatly restricts “root.”

Some drawbacks are that Linux requires more tech savvy than the regular users. If you’re squeamish about seeing a command line ever, choose another OS. Another is that the support for hardware peripherals and popular application software is well behind that of Windows, macOS, and even Chrome OS. Another shortcoming of Ubuntu is the lack of major applications, such as Photoshop and Microsoft Office. Sure, you can find substitutes that do the basic functions of those, but you miss out on the slickness and rich tool sets of the genuine software.

Top 5 Most secure Operating Systems

1. Qubes Operating System

Qubes OS is one of the most secure Operating system virtualizations because it contains and manages software from distinct units called qubes.

It is a highly secure open-source OS that runs on single-user devices. It uses the Xen-based virtualization to characterize computer programs into isolated virtual machines known as qubes (separating a group of similar programs into a distinct unit of cubes).

Features of Qubes OS

1. Strong isolation feature: Cubes isolate installed software, making it look like it is installed on a separate computing entity.
2. Template system: Qubes OS share root files with isolated virtual machines (qubes) without compromising system security
3. Multiple Operating Systems: Qubes can run simultaneously on multiple OS, including Windows, Fedora, or Debian.

2. TAILS OS

The TAILS OS is a secure and portable OS that uses the Tor network to protect users’ privacy online and also helps users to bypass internet censorship. Its mobile compatibility makes it one of the most secure operating systems for mobile devices.

The TAILS OS was initially developed for the Project Protect whistleblowers to protect the identity of whistleblowers. However, regular users who want to protect their privacy and data traffic can download and use the TAIL OS for free. It protects its users from active surveillance, internet censorship, third-party tracking, malware, and adware.

Features of the TAIL OS

1. Installable on temporary storage devices: TAILS installs and runs independently on USB storage devices without requiring a third-party OS.
2. Amnesia: TAILS wipes off all traces of your activities when shutting down the system.
3. A security toolbox: TAILS has a secure set of programs for communicating securely, and working on sensitive documents.
4. It is a minimal OS that takes up little space. Hence a user can download and run the OS from an SD card, or other temporary storage devices.
5. Activities on the TAIL OS is secured and protected from hackers and other forms of cyberattacks.
6. TAIL OS is noted for its robust data and identity protection. It does not leave any trace of users’ activities online.
7. Reliable encryption protocol which encrypts users incoming and outgoing data traffic.
8. Access to restricted and censored contents online.
9. Compatibility with all types of systems and OS; hence, the TAIL OS can serve as an alternative to your system’s primary OS. Therefore, it can be a perfect complement to the most popular Windows OS.

3. OpenBSD OS

OpenBSD is one of the most secure OS available today. It runs on a multi-platform 4.4 BSD Unix-based OS available today. The Open BSD is an open-source OS created by a team of volunteers at the University of California’s Berkeley Software Distribution Center.

It is preferred for its full-disclosure policy. This enables its developers to be completely open with any security vulnerabilities about the Open BSD OS they may have discovered.

Open BSD is gradually gaining popularity among skilled-tech users because of its minimal and secured OS, which is focused on improving the security of its OS at the expense of user satisfaction. Hence, it is not an OS for low-skilled end users unless you want to learn to code.

Furthermore, other features of the Open BSD OS include proactive security, integrated cryptography, portability, standardization, correctness, and its compatibility, and relatively small size on systems.

Features of OpenBSD OS

• Default ‘secure’ mode: OpenBSD disables all non-essential apps and daemons by default, minimizing users’ chances of running into security issues.
• Integrates cryptography: OpenBSD OS comes integrated with OpenSSH, which is a cryptographic software for encrypting users’ data.
• Runs on multi-platform 4.4BSD, which is a Unix-based platform known for its robust security features.

OpenBSD is one of the most secure operating system based on the Unix OS due to its frequent source code audit to ensure it is not compromised.

4. Whonix OS

Whonix is a secure OS designed to secure and anonymize users’ activities online. It uses the Tor network to anonymize and protect users’ IP and location.

Features of Whonix OS

1. Leakproof: Whonix channels its data traffic through the Tor network, making it impossible to leak users’ IP and locations. This OS is DNS, ICP, ISN, and CPU leakproof.
2. Keystroke anonymization: Whonix OS prevents keystroke logging by malware resident on the users’ PC.
3. Vanguard: Whonix’s vanguard protects users against third-party tracking and data traffic analysis by third-parties.

Whonix is the most secure operating system on USB. It is a robust anonymization OS that ensures that users’ identities remain protected by preventing IP and location leaks.

5. IPredia OS

IPredia OS is a secure, powerful, and fast Fedora-based Linux OS that anonymizes users’ data and activities online. Apps integrated on the IPredia are designed to operate in stealth mode without revealing users’ identity.

Features of IPredia OS

1. I2P router: to protect users’ IP address and location.
2. Anonymous BitTorrent Client: IPredia has an inbuilt bit torrent client for safe and anonymous torrenting.
3. Anonymous IRC client: the anonymous IRC client encrypts users chat securely.

If you’re searching for the most secure OS for safe and anonymous torrenting, Ipredia would be it. Aside from safe torrenting, IPredia keeps users’ data secure by routing users’ data through the I2P anonymous network.