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Maria2000

#asknostr #Linux

I'm gonna be buying a couple of used Lenovo Thinkpads for a family member, and then wipe Windows off of them, then install Linux. I've done this for myself before with no issues, but since this will be for someone else, I have a question: Is there anything else i need to check or change on the laptops, in regard to possible malicious tampering on the laptops? Or is wiping Windows enough?

cryptowolf 1y ago

In regards to POSSIBLE malicious tampering you want to select a distribution that is LIBRE and endorsed by the FSF.org like trisquel.info

It has all proprietary code and binary blobs removed from the Linux kernel. Perfect for ThinkPads.

With thinkpads you can also replace the bios with LibreBoot.

With LibreBoot and Trisquel, you will have the ultimate protection against malicious code or bios tampering.

For example, I dont do any bitcoin stuff on anything beside my Trisquel ThinkPad machine which has libreboot and is wired ethernet only.

Why take risks.

For daily usage and non mission critical stuff, I have a gaming PC with Linux mint and multiple virtualboxes on it.

Let me know your thoughts, happy to discuss.

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Discussion

Maria2000 1y ago

Wow, thats above my knowledge level, but i will look those up. Thanks.

cryptowolf 1y ago

its not different than install mint really.

You can have the same MATE desktop that Mint offers or LXDE so the experience is virtually identical.

LibeBoot is more complicated to replace your BIOS with but ThinkPads support it.

Here Richard Stallman talks about the dangers of proprietary distributions like Ubuntu and Linux mint.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP8CNp-vksc

atyh 1y ago

Libreboot only works on some very specific models, and requires an external flasher. Which can result in a bricked device.

Trisquel is the extreme end of the FSF ethos which refuses to use any software which is not fully open, including device drivers, rendering many devices inoperable. You need to know in advance what all of your devices are, what drivers they require, and if there are fully open drivers available before installing.

Designed for, and by the extremely morally commited freesoftware individual, who can talk at great length why their position is morally superior 😬🤓

Maria2000 1y ago

Great explanation, thanks. Someone like me would be asking for trouble if i tried all that.

atyh 1y ago

I appreciate people like Richard Stallman, the FSF and the all or nothing, absolute stance they take. We need these kinds of examples. But they don’t always understand the need for progressive movements toward a goal for the rest of us.