I'm looking to switch from Windows to Linux and want to know which distribution is best for running each of my applications in isolation. I'm particularly focused on privacy and security, and I don't want apps like Steam or my browser accessing my home directory. What are some good recommendations for a Linux setup that makes this easy?
6 Answers
Ultimately, any Linux distro can work if you set up Flatpak and Flathub. Just follow the install instructions on Flathub's site based on your distro. Flatseal helps you adjust permissions for different apps.
Using Flatpak is a solid choice! It allows applications to run in a sandbox, keeping them separate from each other and your system. Just keep in mind that there can be some performance overhead with things like Steam when they're running this way, but if you have a powerful PC, you probably won't notice it much.
Have you thought about FreeBSD jails? It’s a different approach but can be effective for isolating apps.
If security is your main concern, look into AppArmor and other jailing solutions. Knowing how these technologies work will help you in the long run and provide better protection compared to relying solely on Flatpak.
I'd suggest considering Fedora Silverblue or similar variants. They offer atomic updates for the core OS, while anything else you install can be done via Flatpak, which keeps those apps sandboxed.
Qubes OS might be what you’re looking for as it focuses on containerization, but be careful if you're into gaming—it's not the most optimal for performance unless your specs are really high.
Yeah, Qubes requires a lot of resources. It's great for security, but it can be a hassle for gaming.
That's right! Flatpak is the way to go. You can manage permissions easily with tools like Flatseal.