Summary: The allure of GNU/Linux and its constant growth is likely to increase the threat of back doors

THE NSA must be worried that Google is gaining ground in operating systems, unless Google is already part of the backdoors conspiracy (which is very much real). Now that Chromebooks are beating MacBooks or "Chromebooks' success punches Microsoft in the gut" [1] (Microsoft Nick too acknowledges this [2]) the NSA is going to have to start working hard on compromising Android, ChromeOS, and GNU/Linux distributions from the inside (they all have Linux in common and the NSA has already tried to compromise Linux [1, 2, 3, 4] and perhaps succeeded). Well, Apple is compromised by the NSA and so is Microsoft (complicity). Most phones and tablets already use Linux (through Android) and according to yesterday's talk by Jacon Appelbaum, there is more spying in Android than just through carriers (Appelbaum shows that even Solaris is being targeted by the NSA).

GNU/Linux predictions for 2014 are mostly positive [3] because with Linux in particular we're talking about majority market share (taking smartphones into account). Some Windows machines are now being turned to dual-boot machines with Android [4] (Android entering desktops, not Microsoft entering mobile) and GNU/Linux is being recognised as roughly on par with the proprietary operating systems [5,6], having gained a lot of share [7]. SJVN has just argued [8] that GNU/Linux "quietly grew stronger over all areas of computing during 2013," but let's ensure it stays freedom-respecting and free of backdoors; the NSA uses Fedora to spy on Windows users (Appelbaum has shown this), demonstrating that for secure computing the NSA recognises GNU/Linux. Unless we reject all proprietary code/blobs (including proprietary graphics drivers) we can never protect ourselves -- let alone see -- back doors. The campaign for GNU/Linux world domination has been a success, but we now need to pursue freedom and security, too. ⬆

Related/contextual items from the news:

1. Chromebooks' success punches Microsoft in the gut





2. Chromebooks Seize Big Chunk of Commercial PC Market





3. Linux Predictions for 2014? Let’s Talk Direction…





4. 'PC Plus' Machines Being Prepped For CES To Run Android On Windows In Retaliation Against MSFT

   How desperate are OEMs to make lemonade out of the Windows 8.1 RT lemon? They’re going to be pushing something called a “PC Plus” initiative at CES this year, which in a nutshell is simply the ability for Windows tablets and laptops to run Android apps or dual-boot Windows and Android.





5. Windows vs Mac vs Linux: The Pros And Cons

6. Is Linux Better Than Windows and Mac?

7. Global Triumph Of */Linux In 2013

   It’s not as if */Linux dominated everything in every way. */Linux did dominate everything but the desktop in every way. The big thing that happened in 2013 is that */Linux took huge share of retail shelf-space at last and has begun to eat up the web stats.





8. 5 top Linux and open source stories in 2013

   Linux, open source software, and the open source method quietly grew stronger over all areas of computing during 2013.