this post was submitted on 22 Jun 2024
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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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Imagine your friend that does not know anything about linux, don't you think this would make them not install the firefox flatpak and potentially think that linux is unsafe?

I ask this because I believe we must be careful and make small changes to welcome new users in the future, we have to make them as much comfortable as possible when experimenting with a new O.S

I believe this warning could have a less alarming design, saying something like "This app can use elevated permissions. What does this mean?" with the "What does this mean?" text as a clickable URL that shows the user that this may cause security risks. I mean, is kind of a contradiction to have "verified" on the app and a red warning saying "Potentially unsafe", the user will think "well, should I trust this or not??"

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[–] [email protected] 12 points 4 months ago (2 children)

Yes, but also... It's true. Browsers are the number one way folks get viruses.

[–] [email protected] 18 points 4 months ago (2 children)

Which is hilarious because desktop apps have always had the capability to spy on all other apps and steal all your data.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (1 children)

It's not specific to browsers, but to every flatpak that is verified and has the potentially unsafe warning.

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

"Verified" doesn't mean too much to privacy advocates. There have been incidents. I indeed want to check what my app is going to access before installing it.

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

I think it's okay to check what the app is going to access in your system. I'm just talking about the warning design, this comment suggests a different approach for a less alarming design.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 4 months ago

Ah, very good point! If we all had the dedication for UX like you do, Linux would be so so so perfect.