FOSSPicks
FOSSPicks
Nate explores the top FOSS including the latest version of Waterfox Browser, an image metadata removal tool, a lightweight media player, and the latest LibreQuake beta.
Looking for FOSS in All the Wrong Places
I recently stumbled across a news story on It's FOSS claiming that Flathub is currently ranking on Google for Pornhub downloads. The official web-based store for Flatpak packages is a boon to Linux users everywhere because of how easy it makes installing new programs on popular distros such as Linux Mint. I, myself, love the New section when trying to find exciting new programs to discuss for FOSSPicks. Unfortunately, it seems an unscrupulous developer is behind this unwanted publicity, posting downloader applications on Flathub.
Aside from sharing the same creator, these three programs all had tags containing NSFW terms and were proprietary software. This rather cynical attempt to garner more downloads by piggybacking on Flathub's popularity was almost certainly a moneymaking endeavor, given that all of these programs offer premium versions for which users have to pay. Though Flathub could attempt to restrict certain tags, this would likely prove futile as developers invent new workarounds. Alternatively, Flathub could agree to host only free and open source software. That way there'd be no easy way for anyone to ride on the coattails of the store's success to push proprietary products.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Container-Based Fedora Hummingbird Designed for Agent-First Builders
Fedora Hummingbird brings the same approach to the host OS as it does to containers to level up security.
-
Linux kernel Developers Considering a Kill Switch
With the rise of Linux vulnerabilities, the kernel developers are now considering adding a component that could help temporarily mitigate against them… in the form of a kill switch.
-
Fedora 44 Now Gaming Ready
The latest version of Fedora has been released with gaming support.
-
Manjaro 26.1 Preview Unveils New Features
The latest Manjaro 26.1 preview has been released with new desktop versions, a new kernel, and more.
-
Microsoft Issues Warning About Linux Vulnerability
The company behind Windows has released information about a flaw that affects millions of Linux systems.
-
Is AI Coming to Your Ubuntu Desktop?
According to the VP of Engineering at Canonical, AI could soon be added to the Ubuntu desktop distribution.
-
Framework Laptop 13 Pro Competes with the Best
Framework has released what might be considered the MacBook of Linux devices.
-
The Latest CachyOS Features Supercharged Kernel
The latest release of CachyOS brings with it an enhanced version of the latest Linux kernel.
-
Kernel 7.0 Is a Bit More Rusty
Linux kernel 7.0 has been released for general availability, with Rust finally getting its due.
-
France Says "Au Revoir" to Microsoft
In a move that should surprise no one, France announced plans to reduce its reliance on US technology, and Microsoft Windows is the first to get the boot.