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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In praise of Linux. (lemmy.ml)

submitted 2 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

38 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I just need to gush for a minute. I am about to shutdown my server in order to move it to the basement. This off the shelf $300 desktop running Pop!_OS is my self-hosting server that has dutifully done it's job without a single complaint. It has been rebooted maybe three times since 2020 and it currently has an uptime of 840 days. That's 840 days of not ever thinking about this thing. It self updates via Cron jobs and just...works.

I am afraid to open the box up though. Those dust bunnies must be huge.

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

The kernel has tons of vulnerabilities that get patched with updates. You really shouldn't be running a older kernel for that long

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

Sure, but those vulnerabilities aren’t just open to the network. Almost every one requires you to be able to run at least unprivileged arbitrary code on the machine.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Usually but are you paying close enough to the security notices to know when it isn't?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

It’s very big news when there’s a vulnerability in the Linux kernel itself that can be remotely exploited. Like, everyone on any security show/podcast/blog is talking about it.

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

https://www.cvedetails.com/product/47/Linux-Linux-Kernel.html?vendor_id=33

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

Cool, CVEs don’t tell you whether it’s remotely exploitable. What I’m talking about is an issue with the Linux kernel itself that can be exploited without having the existing ability to run code on the machine.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

True, you do need to look at the exploitablity score. You are right almost all of the CVEs are not easily exploitable.

However, assuming your device is secure isn't a great idea. I think it is wise to just update so you don't have to worry about it. It is relative simple to update and reboot if needed.