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!?

  • Aggravationstation
    3·
    6 months ago

    It’s not that much work. I created a VM which is running the same distro as the host. I removed all of the apps except for the terminal. Then I cloned it for each VM I need.

    The Whatsapp/ email client VM and the Librewolf VM start with my OS so it’s like having them in separate windows. The others I only start if needs be.

    • atzanteol@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      1·
      6 months ago

      It’s a lot of effort for the benefit you get, which is practically nothing. Especially considering there are even easier ways to get the same result

        • atzanteol@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          2·
          6 months ago

          Just use tabs they can’t access each other’s data. Or use a tab session manager. Or separate Firefox profiles.

          • Aggravationstation
            1·
            6 months ago

            I don’t trust Chrome, Zoom or Teams, but sometimes have to use them. I will keep them in a separate VM but will look into Firefox profiles.

            • atzanteol@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
              2·
              6 months ago

              So it’s just paranoia then… Which makes sense as it’s way over the top.

              Heck, even just creating separate system accounts and doing ‘sudo -u social firefox’ would be easier than spinning and maintaining VMs…

              • Aggravationstation
                1·
                6 months ago

                So it’s just paranoia then…

                Yea, not going to lie that is probably the primary motivator here.