PCWorld - Linux Line: Why Linux Is More Secure Than Windows

By Katherine Noyes
Aug 3, 2010

"Security through obscurity" may be a catchy phrase, but it's not the only thing that's catching among Windows users.

The expression is intended to suggest that proprietary software is more secure by virtue of its closed nature. If hackers can't see the code, then it's harder for them to create exploits for it--or so the thinking goes.

Unfortunately for Windows users, that's just not true--as evidenced by the never-ending parade of patches coming out of Redmond. In fact, one of Linux's many advantages over Windows is that it is more secure--much more. For small businesses and other organizations without a dedicated staff of security experts, that benefit can be particularly critical.

Five key factors underlie Linux's superior security:

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