this post was submitted on 04 Jul 2024

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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] 24 points 4 months ago (6 children)

I think the key part here is that it’s a guess on your part whether using Firefox is the cause. Do you get any specific error when using the website? Or does something just “not work”, such as you click a button and it does nothing?

Also, I’ve run into stuff like this before, and my best bet has been to be flexible about using other browsers to work around issues. I would suggest testing the banking website with Chromium (or even Chrome). If it works, file a bug with Mozilla (https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/file-bug-report-or-feature-request-mozilla) and just use Chromium/Chrome for only that website until the bug is fixed.

This will allow you to still do business, while still participating in open source via a helpful bug report that could end up benefitting others as well.

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[–] [email protected] 33 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I'm also based in the UK. I don't run a business but have occasionally encountered problems trying to use Librewolf on the web, especially with Noscript on.

I tried to use Qubes to separate my activities into VMs but I found it difficult. So I did my own, less extreme, approach using KVM.

I created a virtual machine which only has Chrome on it. This is what I use for accessing my bank, Paypal and doing online shopping.

I have a second machine I use for Whatsapp and email and finally a third with Librewolf for general web browsing.

Each uses the same VPN service but different servers.

I only use Freetube and Retroarch on my main machine.

This is on a very beefy Thinkpad I essentially use as a desktop in my office. I use a smaller machine downstairs with VNC on it as a remote when I'm sat on my sofa.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 4 months ago (22 children)

This sounds smart

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[–] [email protected] 20 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Can't speak to the specific sites that you use but I've personally found firefox user agent spoofing results in almost every site that didn't work on firefox suddenly magically working if they think you are on chrome.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 4 months ago (2 children)

I've found this to be the case a lot, too. I also spoof my OS because a lot of government sites will refuse to work unless it says Windows. It's stupid, but here we are.

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[–] [email protected] 48 points 4 months ago (2 children)

Have u tried changing user agent? Get an add-on on Firefox with a similar name and change to chrome. The website will now think that u'r using Chrome. U could even change ur displayed OS if it has that big of a problem with Linux.

[–] [email protected] 27 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (5 children)

Thanks - I had not thought of this. I'll give it a go... [edit: no dice :(] It works in chromium, so there is a solution... its just tiring to remember which browser to use for which site.

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[–] [email protected] 43 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

Firefox also has a built-in list of user agent overrides for websites that don't work on Firefox for no reason.

You can create an issue here, and maybe they'll fix it at some point. Not sure what the normal turnaround is for fixes like this though, could take a while.

You can see the list in about:compat btw

[+] [email protected] -8 points 4 months ago (3 children)

I think what you can do is just get a separate computer running Windows for all your business stuff and business stuff only. I'd also recommend ALWAYS using a VPN on it if legally possible.

[–] [email protected] 18 points 4 months ago (1 children)

That is exactly what he doesn't want to do and why he is using Linux.

[–] [email protected] -3 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (2 children)

The point of getting a separate device is similar to using a VPN - to use proprietary and invasive software without getting the personal data stored on the main devices sent to third parties. The business device still can send some data (like WiFi connection info, approximate location and microphone recordings) but the personal data should be safe. It may not be a viable option for very high threat models though since Windows can have backdoors that the government might use to inject malware into all the devices connected to the same network.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 months ago (2 children)

That only works if the main reason someone uses Linux is personal privacy.

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[–] [email protected] 22 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Also, please feel free to answer if you aren't based in the UK, I assume this isn't a UK only problem, but I'm based here.