Disappointed you’re jumping on this wagon. The concept that installing software from outside your system’s repository/store can be unwise, applies to Linux as well. The more third party repositories you have enabled, the higher the chance something will break. Elementary OS calls installing a .deb sideloading too. There is nothing wrong with the term.
iOS is the only system that can defend against schools and employers forcing their subjects to install spyware (this is probably what the EU is actually mad about). Until Linux has a solution to that, complaining about Apple’s solution is pointless.
Adding repositories and the like can certainly be dangerous on a standard GNU/Linux system as concerns stability of the system, but this is also why package managers commonly allow you to pin a package or set preference hierarchies.
“Side loading” shouldn’t be lumped in with this though as most “apps” are sandboxed on iOS. This effectively makes it more akin to you installing a real application on a Linux system and worrying that it could interfere with your flatpaks, while possible, I wouldn’t worry much.
Further, Lunduke is 100% correct. On anything other than iOS, Android, and Elementary, installing software is called installing software. If I download an application on Windows instead of using the Microsoft Store, it isn’t sideloading... it’s just installing some software. The first step solving a problem is to identify the problem accurately; this is impossible without accurate and precise terminology. To “sideload” something doesn’t seem particularly accurate. Instead, it would be more accurate to say: to install without proprietary package manager.
The further distinction that you are making is that you are limiting the actions of others based upon your own concerns and preferences. Different people care more or less about different things. I would prefer to have control over the things I own.
All of this said, I did choose to buy an iPhone. At the time I purchased my phone, the PinePhone did not exist, and Android is a flaming pile of garbage no matter I sideload or don’t. I also distrust Apple less than I distrust Google, but this says more about Google than it does Apple.
A better system to stop schools & employers from installing spyware would be the legal system -- you know, legislation, lawsuits, school board elections and labor actions.
"The more articles, blogs, tweets and videos use the term “sideloading” when talking about whether or not “installing software” is “dangerous”… the more people will begin to equate “sideloading” with “dangerous”."
An article / blog post with a title of "Sideloading is the DEVIL!" showing up in a list of internet search results seems like feeding the beast.
I believe both options should exist, but not for devices under an active support/organizational contract. Neither Google/Apple should be required to support apps that may violate specific behaviors/API/practices that are potentially malicious. With that said, if there is no support contract, the device is purchased outright, and the user wishes to waive their rights under the support contract, or the hw/sw is considered legacy and abandoned then you should be able to remove any security. Secure Enclave, Knox, or whatever else stands in the way without tripping an arbitrary "fuse". Especially in the last case where users have the power to continue using their devices rather than sending them to a landfill and creating even more e-waste.
The idea that software is more secure because it is delivered by a proprietary store controlled by a commercial entity is ridiculous. What exactly do you expect? Apple is code reviewing every App? *lol* Yes, they can block/delete an app from *your device* once they are made aware of an issue, but that's a property of signing software not the App Store.
@com.B of course one can install malicious software if not careful ... so the solution is to not be able to install software other then through the 'approved' channel? It's perfectly fine for you to decide you only want Apps from the App Store -- that is your choice. But your choice shouldn't mean that I CANNOT install whatever I want onto the device I own. Makes sense?
Disappointed you’re jumping on this wagon. The concept that installing software from outside your system’s repository/store can be unwise, applies to Linux as well. The more third party repositories you have enabled, the higher the chance something will break. Elementary OS calls installing a .deb sideloading too. There is nothing wrong with the term.
iOS is the only system that can defend against schools and employers forcing their subjects to install spyware (this is probably what the EU is actually mad about). Until Linux has a solution to that, complaining about Apple’s solution is pointless.
Adding repositories and the like can certainly be dangerous on a standard GNU/Linux system as concerns stability of the system, but this is also why package managers commonly allow you to pin a package or set preference hierarchies.
“Side loading” shouldn’t be lumped in with this though as most “apps” are sandboxed on iOS. This effectively makes it more akin to you installing a real application on a Linux system and worrying that it could interfere with your flatpaks, while possible, I wouldn’t worry much.
Further, Lunduke is 100% correct. On anything other than iOS, Android, and Elementary, installing software is called installing software. If I download an application on Windows instead of using the Microsoft Store, it isn’t sideloading... it’s just installing some software. The first step solving a problem is to identify the problem accurately; this is impossible without accurate and precise terminology. To “sideload” something doesn’t seem particularly accurate. Instead, it would be more accurate to say: to install without proprietary package manager.
The further distinction that you are making is that you are limiting the actions of others based upon your own concerns and preferences. Different people care more or less about different things. I would prefer to have control over the things I own.
All of this said, I did choose to buy an iPhone. At the time I purchased my phone, the PinePhone did not exist, and Android is a flaming pile of garbage no matter I sideload or don’t. I also distrust Apple less than I distrust Google, but this says more about Google than it does Apple.
A better system to stop schools & employers from installing spyware would be the legal system -- you know, legislation, lawsuits, school board elections and labor actions.
"The more articles, blogs, tweets and videos use the term “sideloading” when talking about whether or not “installing software” is “dangerous”… the more people will begin to equate “sideloading” with “dangerous”."
An article / blog post with a title of "Sideloading is the DEVIL!" showing up in a list of internet search results seems like feeding the beast.
Great stuff, Bryan.
I'm still using my 2013 iMac. When finances get a little more stable, I'm getting a Dell all-in-one and going full Penguin.
I believe both options should exist, but not for devices under an active support/organizational contract. Neither Google/Apple should be required to support apps that may violate specific behaviors/API/practices that are potentially malicious. With that said, if there is no support contract, the device is purchased outright, and the user wishes to waive their rights under the support contract, or the hw/sw is considered legacy and abandoned then you should be able to remove any security. Secure Enclave, Knox, or whatever else stands in the way without tripping an arbitrary "fuse". Especially in the last case where users have the power to continue using their devices rather than sending them to a landfill and creating even more e-waste.
The idea that software is more secure because it is delivered by a proprietary store controlled by a commercial entity is ridiculous. What exactly do you expect? Apple is code reviewing every App? *lol* Yes, they can block/delete an app from *your device* once they are made aware of an issue, but that's a property of signing software not the App Store.
@com.B of course one can install malicious software if not careful ... so the solution is to not be able to install software other then through the 'approved' channel? It's perfectly fine for you to decide you only want Apps from the App Store -- that is your choice. But your choice shouldn't mean that I CANNOT install whatever I want onto the device I own. Makes sense?