this post was submitted on 07 Aug 2025
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Linux
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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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I don't think Windows will spy on Linux, but you never know, as we don't have the source code of Windows to look it up. If you get ransomed, they can lock the whole ssd, even if your Linux partition might be encrypted already. And even if you have Linux on a separate ssd.
To prevent all that, practice good use of Windows without going to questionable websites or downloading apps from random places. But the best would be to either have a different PC for Linux. You can buy a small factor PC for $99 these days, brand new. Or, each time before you boot into windows, you disable on the BIOS the SSD with Linux in it. This way, no Windows malware can "see" that there's another SSD there, so they won't be able to lock it. Unless of course they lock your BIOS too...
BIOS /UEFI malware exist too. Your suggested best practices should also factor this in. Basically if you're being targeted there's nothing you can do but by being aware of these risks you have a better chance to keep yourself safe.
if you're being targeted that much, using windows is a huge no no in the first place
The BEST way if you must use Windows, is to have it in a VM on a Linux host. Isolated in its own sandbox.
It depends on the software. If it's audio real time stuff you need to run, a VM doesn't help.
Yeah, and also games often require a real install. I think aside from those types of scenarios, the safest, most efficient and convenient is a VM.