Ubuntu vs. Windows 7 on the business desktop

SecuritySecurity is often selling point for Linux, not least since it's the target of far fewer malicious programs than Windows. The fact that superuser-level root' access requires manual command line activation makes it extremely difficult for malware that relies upon administrative access to take hold, plus it makes it difficult for users to inadvertently cause critical system damage, too. Linux is vulnerable to certain exploits, particularly the kind that use automated brute force attacks to access accounts with insecure passwords.Linux is still vulnerable to certain exploits though, particularly the kind that use automated brute force attacks to access accounts with insecure passwords the default installation options for software like VMware and MySQL offer particularly inviting opportunities for hackers, for example.

So, it is still important to pay attention to security issues with a Linux installation. It's easy enough to limit threat potential to the point where it becomes negligible and Linux is unlikely to be subject to the usual range of drive-by downloads, but it is still important to be aware of these threats and ensure users use strong, secure passwords, for example.

Antivirus software is available for Ubuntu, although its primary purpose to scan any Windows file systems on connected drives, and to prevent emails with infected attachments from being forwarded to users with more vulnerable operating systems.

ClamAV is the option available in the Ubuntu Software Centre, although a range of major anti-virus companies have Linux products available.

Backups and Cloud Synchronisation

Both Microsoft and Canonical offer their own cloud backup and synchronisation services, but Canonical's Ubuntu One is by far the more versatile and effective.

Microsoft's Live Mesh and SkyDrive services give 25GB of online storage, the ability mirror selected folders between all synced computers (assuming they run Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Mac OS X) and lets you sync Internet Explorer bookmarks and Microsoft Office settings.

Live Mesh isn't much use as a replacement for a dedicated backup regime, though. It lacks options for file versioning and there's no way to expand its free 5GB of synchronised storage (deducted from the 25GB total storage space).

Ubuntu One, on the other hand, offers both a free and paid-for service. The free option also gives 5GB of cloud storage that can be used to sync selected folders, while an annual subscription of $30 (around 20) provides a much more useful 20GB.

Document sharing is available with both account types, but there's no file versioning yet, which means Dropbox is still a better bet cloud file synchronisation and backups.