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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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Running a business using linux (lemmy.dbzer0.com)

submitted 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I've run a small business for over 10 yeas. I use linux. I'm grateful to the community and I use FOSS where possible.

I have had some issues over the years, but have always been able to get around them (except CAD in 2013), but recently I've had issues with my government (UK). First they introduced 'making tax digital' and told me for years that I would have to buy windows only software (there was no legal option on linux until a few weeks before the deadline (https://www.comsci.co.uk/100PcVatFreeBridge saved the day). The UK Government didn't create a free solution or any route to that as they don't want the source to be open for making tax digital so accounting software companies have made a killing!

This week my internet banking stopped allowing payments, it no longer works in firefox (I'm guessing). On the telephone they asked me 'what search engine I was using'^+^ and advised to use google.

What is the best UK business bank to use if you use linux to run a small business? Do I have to use Chrom(e)ium? Does anyone else use linux for business admin? Is anyone (Freesoftware foundation, etc) thinking about the creeping legislative changes that make it literally illegal to use FOSS and linux?

I wanna be an ally, but its so tiring.

^+^ browser ≠ search engine. Yes, I'm pedantic, at least I didn't confuse them by saying 'quant' or 'duck duck go', OK!?

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 months ago (1 children)

It's not that much work. I created a VM which is running the same distro as the host. I removed all of the apps except for the terminal. Then I cloned it for each VM I need.

The Whatsapp/ email client VM and the Librewolf VM start with my OS so it's like having them in separate windows. The others I only start if needs be.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (1 children)

It's a lot of effort for the benefit you get, which is practically nothing. Especially considering there are even easier ways to get the same result

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Such as?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Just use tabs they can't access each other's data. Or use a tab session manager. Or separate Firefox profiles.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I don't trust Chrome, Zoom or Teams, but sometimes have to use them. I will keep them in a separate VM but will look into Firefox profiles.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

So it's just paranoia then... Which makes sense as it's way over the top.

Heck, even just creating separate system accounts and doing 'sudo -u social firefox' would be easier than spinning and maintaining VMs...

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

So it's just paranoia then...

Yea, not going to lie that is probably the primary motivator here.