This post was originally published on 3 NOV 2021; it has since been updated and revised.

Just about any closed-source, proprietary operating system - such as Windows or macOS - is likely not going to be beneficial for your privacy. Many closed-source operating systems are not totally transparent in their operation, engage in excessive telemetry, and phone home collected data. These actions tend to undermine user privacy.

Generally, the ideal solution to combating the privacy issues faced by Windows and macOS is to make the switch to some type of free and open source Linux distribution.

The list of operating systems here are a curated recommendation list. Truthfully, just about any open-source Linux distribution is a better choice from a privacy (and in some cases, security) perspective than using Windows or macOS.

Most operating systems listed here are Linux-based.

New/Transitioning user friendly operating systems

The operating systems in this section are geared for users who are either

1. Not very keen on technical details


2. Habitually used to a Windows or macOS environment , especially if used for long(er) periods of time.


3. Prefer a streamlined, out of the box, privacy-enhancing experience that just works with minimal set up

Or any combination of the above.

Linux Mint

Linux Mint is a modern and easy-to-use fork of Ubuntu that works straight out of the box with full multimedia support and driver support for many different hardware specs. It is actually a very popular Linux distribution with millions of users.

While Ubuntu is already fairly easy-to-use, Linux Mint manages to be further simplified and lends itself more to privacy by removing potentially privacy-unfriendly features found in Ubuntu Core (such as Snaps).

Linux Mint comes in different flavors of desktop: Cinnamon, MATE, or Xfce. Software updates are conservative, which helps to prevent breakage and software bug run-ins that can come from a more frequent update schedule (security updates are still pushed with urgency).

If you're migrating from Windows, then Mint's desktop environment is about as close as you can get to a Windows-like feel with very minimal set up and a non-steep learning curve.

Linux Mint has been around since 2006 and is maintained by the Linux Mint project.

Download | Source

POP_OS!

POP_OS! is a Linux distribution with a heavy emphasis on navigation and workflow optimization. It also takes privacy into account as the operating system aims to collect as little data (personal and device) as possible - even for system updates.

The user interface is optimized for workflow(s) and easy navigation and focuses on being new-to-Linux user-friendly.

POP_OS! encrypts its installation by default, without help from third-party tools, enhancing your privacy by securing the partition POP_OS! operates within. Encrypted partitions can protect data from loss/theft and inadvertent disclosure of sensitive data to third parties - which can include threat actors.

POP_OS! is developed and maintained by System76, a company with a reputation for its privacy-friendly approach to consumer computer-building and OEM development.

Download | Source

ElementaryOS

ElementaryOS is a very easy-to-use and overall highly user-friendly Linux distribution for new and transitioning users, aiming to be a "ethical direct replacement for Windows and macOS."

ElementaryOS aims to be as privacy-respecting as possible. It doesn't collect any personal data and it features a few built-in tools to help improve/preserve your privacy - especially when using third party apps, such as Tattle-tale.

It also comes bundled with the minimal amount of software to be useful and ready to use straight from the box. ElementaryOS places an emphasis on being streamlined, providing as little bloatware as possible.

ElementaryOS also features an Appcenter, where you can download apps that have been curated by those behind ElementaryOS to ensure a "native, privacy-respecting, and secure experience."

ElementaryOS features a pay-what-you-can model; therefore, it can be downloaded for free.

Download | Source

Average to advanced operating systems

These operating systems are for everybody, but might not necessarily cater to new and transitioning users. The operating systems we've recommended in this section typically have a steeper learning curve than beginner friendly operating systems. Ideally, these operating systems are for people who are:

1. At least somewhat familiar with the overall Linux environment


2. More willing to customize/tweak/tinker


3. Willing to learn and/or maximize the Linux environment as a whole

Or any other combination of the above. Please note that number 3 is perhaps the most important point of them all; reading documentation will be your best friend when stumped by a wide range of issues while using the operating systems recommended here.

openSUSE

openSUSE is a Linux distribution that remains easy enough to use for the average desktop user but offers flexibility and functionality for sysadmins and developers. It's one of the oldest Linux distributions out there.

It's important to note that openSUSE is Linux beginner friendly (like Fedora), however it doesn't necessarily cater to new or transitioning users via ease-of-use. Generally, for brand new users, some brief documentation reading may be required post-install due to the learning curve.

openSUSE comes in two (2) flavors: Leap and Tumbleweed, where Leap is more stable and Tumbleweed has a far more frequent release schedule.

openSUSE is maintained by the openSUSE project.

Download | Source Code

Fedora

Fedora is a Linux distribution that is officially (and primarily) sponsored by RedHat.

Fedora aims to be more a platform than versus another distribution. While Fedora is fairly beginner/transitioning user friendly, it's better suited for...

The post Avoid The Hack: 11 Best Privacy Friendly Operating Systems (Desktops) appeared first on Security Boulevard.

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Source: Security Boulevard
Source Link: https://securityboulevard.com/2023/08/avoid-the-hack-11-best-privacy-friendly-operating-systems-desktops/