Are you running your BTC wallet on Linux? Why?

[KiaKia]

Can someone tell me the most important part why Linux OS is better to run Bitcoin wallet than Windows OS?

This days few of my friends are very concerned about the security of their Bitcoin wallet on windows OS and they decide to go Linux, they told me about this and before I knew how serious this was, almost all my friends are now installing Linux OS.

As for me, there are many reasons why I stick with windows, I love doing many things on winOS and those things aren't available on Linux but I am just curious to know, what's so great about running Electrum BTC wallet for example on a Linus OS?

[tranthidung]

Linux OS is less targeted by hackers and you will have less risk to be hacked. Hackers know that Windows is a most famous operation system and they spend most of their time to build malicious things on Windows.

Using Linux OS for your device, you are reducing such risks.

Linux Mint: https://linuxmint.com/

You can also use Tail OS too.
How to Install Tails OS on USB flash drive for Wallet Purpose

[m2017]

Can someone tell me the most important part why Linux OS is better to run Bitcoin wallet than Windows OS?

This days few of my friends are very concerned about the security of their Bitcoin wallet on windows OS and they decide to go Linux, they told me about this and before I knew how serious this was, almost all my friends are now installing Linux OS.

As for me, there are many reasons why I stick with windows, I love doing many things on winOS and those things aren't available on Linux but I am just curious to know, what's so great about running Electrum BTC wallet for example on a Linus OS?

You can continue to use Windows OS to interact with Bitcoin wallet and that's your choice, but if you're concerned about security, it's better to stay with Linux OS. You can't neglect the security of your assets if it is dear to you.

Friends don't give bad advice. Moreover, as you say, they all switched to Linux OS themselves. This is an occasion to think, maybe you should use their example.

If you enjoy using Windows OS, then keep doing it. No one is forcing you to completely change to Linux OS. You just need to use Linux OS to work with Electrum. This can be done on a separate PC or a separate drive. It is also possible to install Linux on a flash drive. There is a ready-made solution Tails OS, which tranthidung suggested above. A bunch of Tails OS on a flash drive + hardware wallet = you get security and keep your old habits with Windows.

[John Abraham]

Can someone tell me the most important part why Linux OS is better to run Bitcoin wallet than Windows OS?

Security?

As tranthidung already said, maybe because most people use windows and most hacking tools are made for windows. Linux OS is targeted less by hackers. Still, you have to be careful. I don't use Linux yet because I don't know if I will be able to use all the software on a different OS that I am currently using. I can easily find free software for my Windows platform.

Surely There must be similar software for the Linux platform as well. But, I have to learn new things. Because of this fear, I never tried Linux OS. But, hacking, phishing increasing day by day. You have to be careful before you click on anything. I don't know if I will move to Linux or not. Maybe I have to.

[_act_]

Expert prefer Linux because it is open source.

Can someone tell me the most important part why Linux OS is better to run Bitcoin wallet than Windows OS?

It is better you use cold wallet instead of online wallet, use online wallet for the amount of coins that you can afford to lose. I will prefer Linux because it is open source, windows is close source.

Linux OS is less targeted by hackers and you will have less risk to be hacked. Hackers know that Windows is a most famous operation system and they spend most of their time to build malicious things on Windows.

I have seen this in many places before and I do not doubt it again that Linux is most hacked among computer operating system.

This is another example which is true:

Linux is the most popular choice for hackers due to its flexibility, open source platform, portability and command line interface and compatibility with popular hacking tools. Windows is a required, but dreaded target for most hackers because it requires them to work in Windows-only environments.

But Linux OS is open source and there is no computer OS that can not be hacked, if you know the simple way to avoid hack, you are 100% fine. No computer OS is even safe among them all if you want to have bigger amount, get a cold wallet or hardware wallet.

[o_e_l_e_o]

Can someone tell me the most important part why Linux OS is better to run Bitcoin wallet than Windows OS?

A good Linux distro is better than Windows for pretty much everything, not just running bitcoin.

The points made above (open source, better security, less malware) are the main ones. But let's not forget that Window is literal spyware. One study found that as soon as you turn Windows on for the first time, with absolutely no permissions being granted and no activity on your part at all, it already starts talking not just to Microsoft and Bing but to a whole host of random third parties and data analytics companies, sending all sorts of telemetry and even location data. If you use a bitcoin wallet on a Windows machine, then literally dozens of unknown third parties know you are doing it, and you have absolutely no idea what they are doing with that data.

Additionally, Linux is far more lightweight compared to Windows, and doesn't eat resources like Windows does. It is faster and more efficient. It actually does what you want it do, rather than Windows dictating how you are allowed to use it. It doesn't hit you with random restarts for updates you didn't even ask for or approve in the first place.

[mendace]

Unfortunately, Windows is an operating system which, although stable and widespread, is often targeted by hacker attacks while Linux is much less so.  I think someone here has already suggested to use Tails and in fact it's a great operating system that doesn't need to be installed.

[sheenshane]

There are several factors the reason hackers are less target LINUX because it's open source (correct me if I'm wrong with this thought) which means that its code is publicly available and can be reviewed by anyone.  This makes it easier for security experts to identify and patch vulnerabilities.

Here are my reasons, IMO.

• Linux has a smaller market share than Windows, meaning there are fewer potential targets for hackers.
• Linux is an open-source operating system

Many Bitcoin users prefer to use Linux for its security features and because it allows for greater control over the system.
So yes, I tend to agree with the comments above about Linux for better security and less malware.

[PX-Z]

It's more on security just like most the above posts mentioned. But don't assumed that linux OS users are inevitable to hacks, most hack incident are because of bad practice of its users so should know the basic things on how you will get protected either what OS you are using.

[Sarah Azhari]

This days few of my friends are very concerned about the security of their Bitcoin wallet on windows OS and they decide to go Linux, they told me about this and before I knew how serious this was, almost all my friends are now installing Linux OS.

It depends on how you manage the security despite if use Linux. I have a friend who got hacked even if he use Linux, and I have a friend who has used windows but never got hacked. In bitcoin, if you understand how to save it, whatever OS do you used, you will save. the important thing is you are not careless, you don't save private key on PC or online, and you don't show off your crypto wealth.

[BenCodie]

You can also use Tail OS too.
How to Install Tails OS on USB flash drive for Wallet Purpose

This is the best suggestion to immediately create a secure operating system to host your wallet.

After you have done that, create another operating system which you can get to know linux. Linux mint is a popular choice. There are much better, more secure out-of-the-box options than that out there though. Do a deep dive into the web and try as many as you like. When you find your favorite, then go ahead and use it daily.

Windows is terrible. As o_e_l_e_o said, the whole OS should be considered spyware. The quicker you evade it, the quicker you will be better off.

Can someone tell me the most important part why Linux OS is better to run Bitcoin wallet than Windows OS?

A good Linux distro is better than Windows for pretty much everything, not just running bitcoin.

The points made above (open source, better security, less malware) are the main ones. But let's not forget that Window is literal spyware. One study found that as soon as you turn Windows on for the first time, with absolutely no permissions being granted and no activity on your part at all, it already starts talking not just to Microsoft and Bing but to a whole host of random third parties and data analytics companies, sending all sorts of telemetry and even location data. If you use a bitcoin wallet on a Windows machine, then literally dozens of unknown third parties know you are doing it, and you have absolutely no idea what they are doing with that data.

Additionally, Linux is far more lightweight compared to Windows, and doesn't eat resources like Windows does. It is faster and more efficient. It actually does what you want it do, rather than Windows dictating how you are allowed to use it. It doesn't hit you with random restarts for updates you didn't even ask for or approve in the first place.

[mk4]

A good Linux distro is better than Windows for pretty much everything, not just running bitcoin.

Almost anything. I'm personally a huge fan of Linux as well, but I hate the fact that things can randomly break out of nowhere. Maybe it's just me not being able to configure everything correctly, but yea. Stability is an issue imo; at least for the not-super-technically-literate person.

Also, gaming sucks on Linux. (Though it's getting better).

[NeuroticFish]

Linux is safer, better made and also most distributions don't spy on you like Windows does.
However, I also use Windows on the daily basis, hence my Electrum also runs on Windows.
But this is OK, since I know how bad Windows can be, hence I've done some things that should keep my funds secure:
1. I use my Electrum with a hardware wallet.
2. I always double check the addresses when sending money or when posting my addresses, since clipboard malware is widely spread.

[BenCodie]

A good Linux distro is better than Windows for pretty much everything, not just running bitcoin.

Almost anything. I'm personally a huge fan of Linux as well, but I hate the fact that things can randomly break out of nowhere. Maybe it's just me not being able to configure everything correctly, but yea. Stability is an issue imo; at least for the not-super-technically-literate person.

Also, gaming sucks on Linux. (Though it's getting better).

What linux distro are you talking about exactly?

Yes, it's easy to break and some distros take some troubleshooting before you get it stable...but saying that things "can randomly break out of nowhere" on Linux is quite abstract and a bit misleading. Every distro is different, generally, things don't just "break randomly" as a common theme on every single different linux distribution.

[mk4]

What linux distro are you talking about exactly?

Yes, it's easy to break and some distros take some troubleshooting before you get it stable...but saying that things "can randomly break out of nowhere" on Linux is quite abstract and a bit misleading. Every distro is different, generally, things don't just "break randomly" as a common theme on every single different linux distribution.

Personally I've used Ubuntu, Mint, and Pop!_OS. And yea, obviously there's a reason why things break, but the typical user would definitely have a hard time fixing stuff.

I personally enjoy tinkering and customizing Linux systems (can't say much about fixing stuff), but gahddamn does it require a good amount of time and effort.

[o_e_l_e_o]

There are several factors the reason hackers are less target LINUX because it's open source (correct me if I'm wrong with this thought) which means that its code is publicly available and can be reviewed by anyone.

Don't forget that Windows comes bundled so much bloatware it is unreal. A quick internet search tells me a fresh, clean install of Windows 11 is now 18 GB. Each extra piece of unnecessary software, unnecessary code, bloatware, spyware, adware, etc., is an extra attack surface to be exploited.

I'm personally a huge fan of Linux as well, but I hate the fact that things can randomly break out of nowhere.

My experience is the opposite. Once I have my new Linux distro set up and running as I like it, it tends to continue to run smoothly with little to no issues. My limited experience with Windows is that it will often automatically apply updates or new software packages you didn't ask for, reboot when you didn't want it to, then run in to some problem installing the new packages, have to roll it back, reboot a few more times, and throw a few errors in the process.

[Maus0728]

Currently using Linux Mint^[1] specifically for cryptocurrency purposes installed on a separate laptop. I only switched to Linux Mint because it is considered to be lightweight as compared to Windows which makes my laptop considerably slow.

The only annoying thing about Linux is that if you are new, troubleshooting consumes a lot of time fixing the issue. Plus, there are always updates like twice or thrice every week. All in all, electrum and Ledger live works pretty well in this OS.

[1] https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5408765.msg60691281#msg60691281

[crunck]

Can someone tell me the most important part why Linux OS is better to run Bitcoin wallet than Windows OS?

This days few of my friends are very concerned about the security of their Bitcoin wallet on windows OS and they decide to go Linux, they told me about this and before I knew how serious this was, almost all my friends are now installing Linux OS.

As for me, there are many reasons why I stick with windows, I love doing many things on winOS and those things aren't available on Linux but I am just curious to know, what's so great about running Electrum BTC wallet for example on a Linus OS?

I've also never used Linux, but as far as I know, Linux os is more secure than windows os, less hacky, and stuff like that. I have been using the Windows operating system for the past 13 years since I learned how to use a computer until now and have not had any problems with it. Nothing is safe when your computer is connected to the internet, the safest way is to use a hardware wallet or a computer without an internet connection. The operating system is not a big issue.

[dkbit98]

Can someone tell me the most important part why Linux OS is better to run Bitcoin wallet than Windows OS?

Sure, most important advantage is that Linux is open source, they don't spy on you like wiNd0ws, and there are not so many malware made for Linux os.
That means you won't have to use any antivirus software, and you will generally be safer with anything related with Bitcoin and crypto wallets.
There are many Linux distributions, but I would start with Fedora, Debian or Linux Mint.

As for me, there are many reasons why I stick with windows, I love doing many things on winOS and those things aren't available on Linux but I am just curious to know, what's so great about running Electrum BTC wallet for example on a Linus OS?

There is nothing ''great'' about that, most Bitcoin wallets including Electrum works the same way on Linux like on wiNd0ws.
After initial learning curve you will not notice much difference and you will never think of getting back to spy os again.

[South Park]

Can someone tell me the most important part why Linux OS is better to run Bitcoin wallet than Windows OS?

This days few of my friends are very concerned about the security of their Bitcoin wallet on windows OS and they decide to go Linux, they told me about this and before I knew how serious this was, almost all my friends are now installing Linux OS.

As for me, there are many reasons why I stick with windows, I love doing many things on winOS and those things aren't available on Linux but I am just curious to know, what's so great about running Electrum BTC wallet for example on a Linus OS?

There should not be any qualitative difference when it comes to running your wallet over Windows or Linux, the difference is that Linux is a safer and more robust OS than Windows, if you are unwilling to give up the convenience of Windows the solution is easy, install Linux in a laptop you may not be using, a fully updated Linux can be made to run under very low specifications as long as you know what you are doing, and in this way you can keep your main computer running Windows while your coins are more secure in a wallet installed under Linux.