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Comment by Firmwarrior | Hacker News Reader

Why don't you guys just use linux for your dev systems? I've used it for years of Android dev work, and it's been great

I only use Windows for games nowadays

If it's similar to my employer, we have requirements from our board to have specific software such as anti-malware and anti-ransomware, among other protections. The IT team can also better manage and support it.

And yes, I think it's a bit silly. But WSL has helped us comply with the business/security requirements while still using (IMO) better dev tools and workflows that Linux provides.

There's no shittier OS to use than a Windows system loaded to the gills with corporate rootkits and their agents. And is it actually more secure than a sanely configured Linux desktop? Those running agents kinda seem like pretty sweet targets for hackers.

A sanely configured Windows is actually pretty good. I’m sure corporate would ruin Linux too.

Microsoft is leaving so much money on the table by not selling Windows LTSB to individual consumers.

A standard pro installation is pretty good. I don’t think id want an LTS install.

> I’m sure corporate would ruin Linux too.

That's my fear about pushing for a Linux workstation. :-\

Indeed, and I'm not arguing that practically speaking it's more secure. But wiping the disk and running Linux because "I know better than you" isn't going to fly in most businesses.

> we have requirements from our board to have specific software such as anti-malware and anti-ransomware, among other protections

In the past, when I worked at companies like that, you could still stick the IT garbage laptop in a drawer, and then BYOD for development work (which is what I did...)

That way, the board gets the conflict-of-interest software license slush money, and the developers can do their jobs. Win-win.

>Windows is mandatory because we require software to patch the holes in Windows

Brilliant. Its like something straight out of The Hitchhikers Guide.

security theater + outdated talent

The new generations of "developers" do not understand Linux or anything low-level. It's very funny.

The main reason being the team is all across the world and mostly use Windows laptops.

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