Linux Tidbit: It is multiuser

[tim-from-pa]

Linux is a multiuser operating system, something I shamefully did not admit too much in all my praise to the operating system. Shame on me! This means that more than one person can log in and have an account on the same computer. We are so used to having PC's that only have one user that we fail to understand this.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_are_L...ltiuser_and_multiprocessing_operating_systems

Along that line, this is another reason why Linux is immune to viruses. Each account is separated (isolated) from the other by design so that one person's work would not affect the other's. So the "root directory" is a resource, so-to-speak that the operating system can load into a user's account, but not vice-versa. Think of it like a "local network" that downloads things to an account, but uploading is not allowed, to put it crudely.

This is far different from Microsoft PC's that the user is the root, thus if his account gets messed up, so does the system files --- a very risky and insecure way of operating.

In spite of this, I still use my Linux with only one account created, just as virtually everyone here operates their Microsoft with only one account. Nevertheless, whether there's only one user on at a time or several, Linux still isolates the user's account from the root directory making it quite safe.

Just some fun facts to know.

 

[Knotical]

Windows also allows you to make more than one user account, though, it is possible to access each account from an "Administrator" account. Which is probably why it is such a security nightmare.

Though, I think the real reason Linux doesn't have as many, if at all, viruses is because of the limited number of people actually using it. I am sure it is possible to develop viruses for that operating system, there just isn't much interest in it.

 

[The Unbeliever]

Though, I think the real reason Linux doesn't have as many, if at all, viruses is because of the limited number of people actually using it. I am sure it is possible to develop viruses for that operating system, there just isn't much interest in it.

This is almost certainly correct, at least for personal use. Linux is more widely used for servers though. I'm not sure what kind of impact that would have on the cracking community.

 

[tim-from-pa]

Windows also allows you to make more than one user account, though, it is possible to access each account from an "Administrator" account. Which is probably why it is such a security nightmare.

Though, I think the real reason Linux doesn't have as many, if at all, viruses is because of the limited number of people actually using it. I am sure it is possible to develop viruses for that operating system, there just isn't much interest in it.

I don't think you understand. Windows is not a multiuser operating system that allows them all on like Linux. On Windows, you have to log off one account and then onto another one so that only one user is on it at a time.

While it is possible for a virus to be developed for Linux, one would really have to work hard to get it, unlike Windows that can be a "drive by" victim. The whole concept of how Linux works, including the multiuser platform is one reason why it does not get much malware even if everyone started using it tomorrow it would still be the same.

I'm not sure people really understand what I am saying and the concept behind Linux because they keep comparing it to Microsoft and they are as different as a cow is from an octopus.

 

[tim-from-pa]

And that brings up another point for anyone interested. Although I build computers already, they are just for one user. A multiuser computer needs special hardware to handle all those users.

Anyone here have experience with Linux where they built (or used) a computer with multiple terminals and keyboards but only one tower (computer)? I'm not sure if I could even find such hardware without looking deeper. All these bare bones kits and other computers one assembles is for one user.