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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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Linux in the military (lemmy.world)

submitted 4 months ago by Tekkip20@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml

58 comments fedilink hide all child comments

So it's no secret that some parts of the army in the USA and my country (UK) sometimes use legacy software like DOS for niche roles as they're robust including older versions of Windows.

But.. where does Linux fit in this? It's a kernel OS that's used in top of the line supercomputers, workstations, medical equipment and weather stations.

I imagine some aspects of this would be military secrets but how do they use it? I know that Linux was used for certain space projects with NASA but I'm talking about army applications.

TLDR : Does the penguin OS power shooty shooty machines and tanks

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[–] eugenia@lemmy.ml 16 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Greek military uses Linux Mint, so yeah, it's used in some places. I believe the Indian one does too.

[–] possiblylinux127@lemmy.zip -4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

That is actually terrifying. How do they secure and lock it down?

[–] lord_ryvan@ttrpg.network 4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

It's Ubuntu, so it's secure.

It uses a supported LTS kernel, for better stability and security. Updates to a newer LTS kernel if the LTS it was using is no longer supported.

It's very secure by default.

[–] possiblylinux127@lemmy.zip 3 points 4 months ago (1 children)

It is in fact not that secure by default. It lacks a way to manage the desktop in mass. Not to mention is also lacks a firewall and selinux but those can be enabled. Also I wouldn't trust the lock screen as it can be bypassed because it is Xorg.

Linux Mint is very good for general usage but I doubt its security in a military application. It is better than before which is good.

[–] lord_ryvan@ttrpg.network 1 points 4 months ago

Firewall is pre-installed, and they offer to configure and enable it on launch (similar to Ubuntu and many other distros). I've never seen a Linux desktop they came with firewall preconfigured in any way.

The lock screen is an issue, and Cinnamon does not come with a Wayland way to lock yet. KDE, Gnome or some other Wayland friendly DE would be better in that regard, I agree