Linux/Windows security debate rolls on

Analysts are split over which is more secure: Windows or its operating system rival, Linux. Forrester Research has concluded that Windows is actually as secure as Linux, suggesting that Microsoft provides security updates more quickly than companies such as Red Hat. But the Linux distributors covered by the report - Red Hat, SuSE, MandrakeSoft and Debian - have insisted that Forrester did not take into account that they handled critical flaws much faster, often within hours.

And another report, from the Robert Frances Group, and sponsored by IBM, rates Linux an A- for server and A for desktop patch management, versus Windows at C+ and C- respectively.

The report states: "Windows requires substantial improvements before it will be on a par with Linux, and desktops receive the lowest score because of the high cleanup costs many companies have experienced dealing with viruses."

Read Full Story