Ubuntu OS is one of the most popular distributions of Linux, largely due to its ease of use. It’s also generally considered more secure than Windows because Linux isn’t a particularly attractive target for viruses. However, as with everything in life, Ubuntu isn’t perfect.
This article will discuss Ubuntu’s main flaws that you can easily eliminate. It will also cover several important tools to improve the OS’s security.
Main flaws with Ubuntu that can be eliminated
Ubuntu inherently comes with several flaws that are hard to eliminate, such as:
- Lack of compatibility with many popular programs, including many video games
- A somewhat complicated interface that takes a while to get used to
Compared to Windows and macOS, app variety and compatibility will always be a problem with Ubuntu. However, you can install alternatives that mimic these apps’ functionalities. The only exception is video games. If you’re a gamer, Ubuntu isn’t particularly a good choice.
When it comes to the interface, despite not being as clean as other operating systems, it’s also very customizable. You can significantly personalize the interface to match your needs, although it might not feel as seamless, particularly if you’re new to Linux.
Here are some other flaws with Ubuntu and how to fix them:
- Another major flaw with Ubuntu is that it doesn’t inherently come with mp3 support. If you want to listen to music on Ubuntu, you must install 3rd party apps to play mp3 files.
- You might notice that wireless connections don’t remember the password.
- If you have low RAM, Ubuntu will start using your hard disk for memory, which will significantly slow down performance. To address this issue, change the swappiness value. A lower value means that Ubuntu will take longer to use the swap partition instead of physical memory.
- Another flaw with Ubuntu is the high number of system vulnerabilities. One of these vulnerabilities even allows threat actors to escalate user privileges to root. That’s why it’s highly advisable to always install the latest patches.
Security tips for Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a very secure operating system. With a fresh installation of Ubuntu, there aren’t any network ports open that an attacker could abuse. Additionally, due to the smaller popularity of Linux, many threat actors primarily focus on exploiting vulnerabilities in Windows or macOS. Of course, it’s still worth mentioning some security tips to minimize the risk of a cyber incident:
VPN
If you are still unfamiliar with a VPN meaning, remember that it is an essential security tool no matter what operating system you use. As Virtual Private Networks became mainstream, they also started rolling out Linux versions of their clients. You can now easily download and start using popular VPNs on Ubuntu.
The benefits of a VPN are plenty. The main ones are the anonymity and security it provides while surfing the web. It also unlocks geo-restricted content.
Turn on firewall
Many Ubuntu users aren’t even aware that the OS comes with a firewall. That’s because the firewall isn’t enabled by default. Enabling the firewall is a bit more complicated than clicking an “On” button, as you must use the Terminal. To see detailed instructions on enabling the firewall in Ubuntu, click here.
Password manager
Password managers have become a standard security tool. While Linux doesn’t offer the same repertoire of password managers as Windows and macOS, there is still no shortage of good password managers available on Linux. A password manager will make navigating all your different accounts significantly easier. It will generate strong passwords and store them securely where you can access them.
Cloud storage
Another useful tool to secure the data on your system is cloud storage. Secure cloud storage solution significantly reduces the risk of data loss. If you only keep data on your hard drive, the drives may fail and take your data with them. You may even delete some significant files by mistake.
With cloud storage, you can make as many copies of your data as you want and access it from any device.
Final thoughts
Ubuntu is a fast, free-to-use operating system that holds its own against giants like Windows. However, it has flaws that may turn some people off. Luckily, you can bypass most of them. For example, while popular apps like Word aren’t available, you can use an alternative.
Lastly, don’t forget to prioritize your security while using Ubuntu. Tools like a VPN, cloud storage, and password manager can help you protect yourself from data loss.