this post was submitted on 21 Mar 2024
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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This is not a fair argument, considering how much software is provided for Ubuntu compared to any other Linux distribution. Similar things happen to Play Store and Apple App Store. Should we start calling them malware app stores?
A 2013 stint about Universal Search having internet search integrated, or the Amazon store shortcut, are not things relevant in 2024. Mint likewise had compromised ISOs publicly hosted on their website upon a compromise around 2016/17. That means Mint is more insecure and malware-y, I guess?
I don't disagree, the person you were replying to could've used better language that didn't characterize Ubuntu as malware-infested and been more specific about what they were referring to. In any event, a couple scammy malware apps that were installed at the user's discretion are not enough evidence that Ubuntu is a bigger malware risk than any other OS.
I don't think people should avoid Ubuntu because their app store had the same problem so many others do, but I do think the fact that they make promises about the security of the Snap Store while also making the backend and review process less open than other Linux app stores is worth noting. Not to say there aren't security incidents with other distros worth noting, but considering the popularity of Ubuntu, it's not surprising it's a bigger target.
Snap as a packaging system is superior to Flatpak, considering it can even sandbox system applications. Snap Store hosting 1-2 bad programs due to audit lapses has no repercussions on Snap protocol. And Ubuntu does improve their store a lot, so I doubt it would be frequent. I think they are the first major distro to have a software store, considering how much they focus on UX and polishing alongwith GNOME Foundation.