Which desktop OS suitable for non-techncial cryptocurrency owner?

[joniboini]

Do you remember about ads on Windows explorer?

Yeah, such a weird feature to add. I know they were just testing and accidentally pushed it to live production, but it's wild that they even consider having one to begin with. Even for non-technical users that would be a turn-off even if they only use their Windows once in a while. I guess that's why people are trying to modify Windows and call it a new name such as Atlas OS.

[examplens]

Not to open a separate topic similar to this discussion, what is the recommendation for a Linux distribution?
Necessary for regular online things, so that it does not require complicated file management and without too much need for the maintenance of the system itself.

[ABCbits]

We must start from the idea that the security of an operating system is proportional to the care and knowledge of the user who uses the device. so it doesn't matter if a user with little experience uses the latest version of Debian, for example.
--snip--

I get your point, although decent OS could prevent or reduce damage from some of user mistake.

Not to open a separate topic similar to this discussion, what is the recommendation for a Linux distribution?
Necessary for regular online things, so that it does not require complicated file management and without too much need for the maintenance of the system itself.

The common suggestion are Linux Mint and Ubuntu. Both are popular, have been around for long time and comes with very common application. Although personally i would recommend Linux Mint.

[bitmover]

We must start from the idea that the security of an operating system is proportional to the care and knowledge of the user who uses the device. so it doesn't matter if a user with little experience uses the latest version of Debian, for example. I have been using Linux and BSD for more than 20 years and I have always been able to verify that the user is responsible for the failure 99% of the time. Non-technical users will logically use some version of Windows, since it is the most widespread operating system, that is neither good nor bad, it just depends on the user's knowledge.

I fully agree with this.

Most of the security problems today are related to phising. Health internet habits, such as looking at the URL in a link before clicking, or just trying to google about the website before doing anything serious, would prevent 99% of the scams security problems.,

[Freemind]

I get your point, although decent OS could prevent or reduce damage from some of user mistake.

There are several operating systems and distributions that make things as easy as possible, but unfortunately it is never enough.

I fully agree with this.

Most of the security problems today are related to phising. Health internet habits, such as looking at the URL in a link before clicking, or just trying to google about the website before doing anything serious, would prevent 99% of the scams security problems.,

Correct, as I said, there are systems that have many details to protect the information and the user, but these operating systems are a minority and the number of downloads and installations does not influence whether security covers large percentages. As long as security is not sought by the user (something that we know happens to a maximum of 7% of market users) things will remain the same regardless of the devices used.

As I always say (and will continue to say) without education and knowledge we will never achieve anything worthwhile. We can't expect developers to do everything for us.

[Forsyth Jones]

I will never use apple products because I like to be able to customize my setup and have more flexibility over my softwares.

I wouldn't use any chrome book or chrome os neither, mainly for privacy reasons and customization  freedom

I like to use windows. I love windows 11.
Windows subsystem Linux (wsl) is just amazing imo. You can have an Ubuntu just under your windows. I am very happy with it. It fills all my needs.

I didn't know about this, but I've kind of heard about it.

Regarding the OP, most non-technical users will prefer to use their wallets in Windows environments for a few reasons: it's the most widespread system in the world, even though it's the least secure for crypto, and it's the one with the most support in terms of wallet development.

I had to learn how to use Linux a little to use my wallets more securely, so I stepped out of my comfort zone a little to get more security.

As for macOS, I can't give an opinion, because I haven't had it yet.

[Husna QA]

-snip-

-snip-
I had to learn how to use Linux a little to use my wallets more securely, so I stepped out of my comfort zone a little to get more security.

Linux can be more flexible, mainly since most distros can be run via a USB flash drive without needing to be fully installed on a PC if you are new to it and are still looking for a Linux distro that suits your needs.

One that is quite popular and, by default, supports Bitcoin wallets is Tails OS.
https://electrum.readthedocs.io/en/latest/tails.html

However, if it is used regularly, I tend to choose to install it on a PC because the device can be used more optimally.

[DYING_S0UL]

Your choice is expected. But what do you think about Mac OS? Would you find using it too challenging?

Do you want to buy a Mac OS for security reasons?

I don't think it is worth it... I think just using a HW is enough, and windows is secure enough if you have healthy online habits. Just keep away from darknet, cracked software, porn, etc...

Whenever someone asks a question, which wallet is the best, which software should we use, you guys (not you specifically but everyone) would suggest a good open source one. But when it comes to an operating software which is the the backbone of all, some of you prefer or suggest MacOS...but I can't understand why!

Btw, macOS is closed source (I assume you understood my sarcasm). I won't buy an Apple device nor I can buy one, since I'm poor lol..Also,I wouldn't entrust my everything to an closed source software especially when it's financially related. But if want productivity just go for any M variant MacBook. I prefer Linux based anything over everything, for the freedom they provide.

[bitmover]

Your choice is expected. But what do you think about Mac OS? Would you find using it too challenging?

Do you want to buy a Mac OS for security reasons?

I don't think it is worth it... I think just using a HW is enough, and windows is secure enough if you have healthy online habits. Just keep away from darknet, cracked software, porn, etc...

Whenever someone asks a question, which wallet is the best, which software should we use, you guys (not you specifically but everyone) would suggest a good open source one. But when it comes to an operating software which is the the backbone of all, some of you prefer or suggest MacOS...but I can't understand why!

Btw, macOS is closed source (I assume you understood my sarcasm). I won't buy an Apple device nor I can buy one, since I'm poor lol..Also,I wouldn't entrust my everything to an closed source software especially when it's financially related. But if want productivity just go for any M variant MacBook. I prefer Linux based anything over everything, for the freedom they provide.

I think open source software is an amazing practice.

But, there are many very secure software and hardware which aren't open source.

Mac and windows are closed source and they are pretty safe and efficient.

You don't have to use Linux to hold your coins safely.

Also, ledger is closed source and it is probably the most secure way to store crypto. It is closed source, but secure.

[ABCbits]

Whenever someone asks a question, which wallet is the best, which software should we use, you guys (not you specifically but everyone) would suggest a good open source one. But when it comes to an operating software which is the the backbone of all, some of you prefer or suggest MacOS...but I can't understand why!

Btw, macOS is closed source (I assume you understood my sarcasm). I won't buy an Apple device nor I can buy one, since I'm poor lol..Also,I wouldn't entrust my everything to an closed source software especially when it's financially related. But if want productivity just go for any M variant MacBook. I prefer Linux based anything over everything, for the freedom they provide.

This thread specifically talks about OS for non-technical user, so it's not surprising some people mention/suggest closed-source OS. It just shows that Linux still seen as less user-friendly option. And it doesn't help that most device still comes with Windows.

[JISAN]

I find Windows operating system to be the most simple and user friendly. Because of which I always feel comfortable using windows for any task. I'm not a hacker and I don't practice hacking so I'm not interested in using Linux in that case. The Windows operating system performs well for all the tasks I do. So I think Windows is good enough for everything. Especially in terms of browsing, popular browsers like Chrome Mozilla Firefox can be run very well in Windows operating system. Also all types of applications are available for Windows and are easily available at low costing

[ABCbits]

I'm not a hacker and I don't practice hacking so I'm not interested in using Linux in that case.

I'm not blaming or insulting you, but i'm sure it's not common reason to use Linux. Usually it's used to run server, heavy computation, scientific work, programming or playing video game (Steam Deck start this trend).

[Forsyth Jones]

I find Windows operating system to be the most simple and user friendly. Because of which I always feel comfortable using windows for any task. I'm not a hacker and I don't practice hacking so I'm not interested in using Linux in that case. The Windows operating system performs well for all the tasks I do. So I think Windows is good enough for everything. Especially in terms of browsing, popular browsers like Chrome Mozilla Firefox can be run very well in Windows operating system. Also all types of applications are available for Windows and are easily available at low costing

I use Windows, but I don't trust my bitcoin wallets to it unless I'm connected to a hardware wallet, because Windows, in addition to being the most targeted OS in the world, is the most susceptible to hacker attacks and Windows isn't open source.

I prefer to keep my funds in a Linux distro, as I've done for years. Other than that, 2indows is excellent and I really like it for basic computer functions, spreadsheets, internet access, etc.

However, when using Linux, it's necessary to have at least basic knowledge of web security and good security practices such as: checking software gpg signatures, if the purpose of the environment is more focused on bitcoin wallet operations, only install software related to it; avoid downloading unknown files from the internet, even though the chances of containing malware are lower than on Windows, we have to accept the fact that there are still possibilities of infection, even if they are minimal.

[Kemarit]

I'm not a hacker and I don't practice hacking so I'm not interested in using Linux in that case.

I'm not blaming or insulting you, but i'm sure it's not common reason to use Linux. Usually it's used to run server, heavy computation, scientific work, programming or playing video game (Steam Deck start this trend).

Yes, it was initially designed to be run by server. But I think it's not for everyone that's why we have Windows OS. I used them, actually I have switch from Windows to Mac from time to time.

But currently, I'm into Windows as my Macbook is broken already and the new one that I bought, I gifted it to my daughter. So I guess for non technical person Windows might be a good start. Although you really need to be at least know the basics, like AV and how to practice safety hygiene so that you will not be affected by malwares.

[Forsyth Jones]

Yes, it was initially designed to be run by server. But I think it's not for everyone that's why we have Windows OS. I used them, actually I have switch from Windows to Mac from time to time.

But currently, I'm into Windows as my Macbook is broken already and the new one that I bought, I gifted it to my daughter. So I guess for non technical person Windows might be a good start. Although you really need to be at least know the basics, like AV and how to practice safety hygiene so that you will not be affected by malwares.

I start from the principle that antivirus doesn’t help much. Most trojans go unnoticed by paid AVs, and the ones they do detect are often false positives, unnecessarily putting the user on high alert. I've been using Windows without an antivirus for almost 6 years. Just Microsoft Defender, which is enabled by default and works very well.

If you follow good security habits, as I mentioned in my previous post, you don’t even need to pay an AV.