this post was submitted on 15 Oct 2023
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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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For me, it's not enough to verify the integrity of an ISO -- I also have to verify its authenticity (or at least verify the checksum file) with GPG. I don't know why, but just need to see that "Good signature" message before I feel safe installing Linux.

I notice, though, that the download pages of some prominent distros (Pop_OS!, openSUSE, etc) just give you a checksum, probably because they feel that anything else is unnecessary. This makes me shy away from installing them, which is a shame because I'd like to give some of those distros a try on bare metal.

Am I being paranoid when it comes to installing Linux?

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[–] dewritoninja@pawb.social 35 points 1 year ago (3 children)

This point just compile from source

[–] moreeni@lemm.ee 41 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Somebody could've pushed malware in the code, write all software yourself.

[–] hunter2@sh.itjust.works 31 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Someone could've pushed a malicious compiler. Better write all the bits by hand.

[–] OddFed@feddit.de 30 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Someone could have compromised the CPU interface, better build one from scratch.

[–] russjr08@outpost.zeuslink.net 23 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Someone could've compromised the materials used to build the CPU, better assemble the atoms together one by one.

[–] cows_are_underrated@feddit.de 3 points 1 year ago

Somebody could have pushed Malware in the machines used for building your Cpu Better to just die.

[–] AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.world 8 points 1 year ago

After reading all said sources, of course.

With a hand written compiler.

[–] Pantherina@feddit.de 2 points 1 year ago

No not really, authenticity of compiled software is needed to start trusting this person