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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Running a business using linux (lemmy.dbzer0.com)

submitted 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I've run a small business for over 10 yeas. I use linux. I'm grateful to the community and I use FOSS where possible.

I have had some issues over the years, but have always been able to get around them (except CAD in 2013), but recently I've had issues with my government (UK). First they introduced 'making tax digital' and told me for years that I would have to buy windows only software (there was no legal option on linux until a few weeks before the deadline (https://www.comsci.co.uk/100PcVatFreeBridge saved the day). The UK Government didn't create a free solution or any route to that as they don't want the source to be open for making tax digital so accounting software companies have made a killing!

This week my internet banking stopped allowing payments, it no longer works in firefox (I'm guessing). On the telephone they asked me 'what search engine I was using'^+^ and advised to use google.

What is the best UK business bank to use if you use linux to run a small business? Do I have to use Chrom(e)ium? Does anyone else use linux for business admin? Is anyone (Freesoftware foundation, etc) thinking about the creeping legislative changes that make it literally illegal to use FOSS and linux?

I wanna be an ally, but its so tiring.

^+^ browser ≠ search engine. Yes, I'm pedantic, at least I didn't confuse them by saying 'quant' or 'duck duck go', OK!?

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[–] [email protected] 49 points 4 months ago (2 children)

Have u tried changing user agent? Get an add-on on Firefox with a similar name and change to chrome. The website will now think that u'r using Chrome. U could even change ur displayed OS if it has that big of a problem with Linux.

[–] [email protected] 41 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

Firefox also has a built-in list of user agent overrides for websites that don't work on Firefox for no reason.

You can create an issue here, and maybe they'll fix it at some point. Not sure what the normal turnaround is for fixes like this though, could take a while.

You can see the list in about:compat btw

[–] [email protected] 26 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (3 children)

Thanks - I had not thought of this. I'll give it a go... [edit: no dice :(] It works in chromium, so there is a solution... its just tiring to remember which browser to use for which site.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 4 months ago (1 children)

If you do find their site works on a other browser (and I mean, the browser, not due to an addon, etc.) then complain to the company / bank / etc.

If they take your complaint seriously then I'd persevere with them... if they don't then they're not customer focused and your business (money) goes elsewhere.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

if they don't then they're not customer focused and your business (money) goes elsewhere.

Yeah, let's NOT pay taxes! /s

Unless you're talking about the bank, in that case they're literally here asking for a good alternative bank.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I gave up and used a Windows VM for such shenanigans. It's hard when even the government doesn't want to listen. This is a good project which bridges the gap -> https://github.com/Fmstrat/winapps.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

First time hearing this. Is WinApps stable? Does it consume too much resources?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago

I found for sites that I have to run in Chromium I use Tools -=> Create Shortcut, then Run in Windowed Mode. This puts a shortcut in your app list for the site, and runs it without menus like a web app. It helps me since my brain treats it like the company's application vs site.