Switch to Linux Reason #68: Remove network features you never use

Why this matters now

Remote sharing, discovery, and other conveniences create unnecessary exposure when left running on a computer that has no use for them. Debian documents local user accounts, groups, privilege separation, and sudo. Those ordinary system controls let a person manage access without making a cloud identity the root of every desktop task (Debian authentication and access controls).

What changes with Linux

Linux makes optional services visible and removable. You can retain ordinary networking and security updates while turning off features that invite inbound access. Debian describes a free operating system with a package manager and a large software archive. That provides a concrete route to getting essential tools without making one commercial store the gatekeeper (About Debian). Debian publishes security advisories and documents both manual updates and the optional unattended-upgrades package. Security maintenance can be organized around the user's needs rather than a marketing channel (Debian security information).

Make the move

Check active listeners and sharing settings before connecting a laptop to public Wi-Fi. Disable what you do not need and retest after upgrades.

A Linux installation does not erase data already collected or make every app private. Choose a maintained distribution, check its data practices, protect your accounts, and keep tested backups.

Take the power back