Secure online communication with MOFO Linux
Communication
There are several applications for direct communication in the distribution. Besides the Signal messaging client, which supports telephony and messaging over the Internet and excels with end-to-end encryption using the free Signal protocol, Riot Messenger (recently renamed Element) is also in place. It also offers end-to-end encryption and supports various types of computer-supported communication using the Matrix protocol.
The still quite new Jami instant messenger takes a decentralized approach and does not require either a server or registration with a provider. Thanks to support for the SIP protocol, the software not only replaces messengers like WhatsApp, but it is also suitable as a VoIP telephony application à la Skype.
The program works with end-to-end encryption and stores data only on the participating computers, which rules out spying. For remote desktop applications, MOFO also comes with the Remmina RDP client, which also supports VNC or NX connections.
Filesystem
Through its use of InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) [6], MOFO Linux supports an innovative peer-to-peer filesystem where the available peers receive and pass on data in a similar way to BitTorrent-based protocols. This is why DDoS attacks, which are often used to force conventional websites off the Internet do not affect IPFS connections. Distributed content delivery also saves transmission volume.
You can launch IPFS via the IPFS Desktop entry in the Internet menu. The routine first downloads an AppImage off the web and integrates it into the operating system. The node activity is then visualized by a blue cube symbol in the panel.
Since installing the software also sets up a corresponding Firefox add-on, the node's activities can be monitored in your browser. This is also where you can access graphics for node utilization and the approximate locations of the currently active nodes on a world map via the Open WebUI option (Figure 3).
Other Features
MOFO offers additional applications for analyzing and configuring local data media. This includes, above all, tools for the use of data carriers and mass storage devices. In addition to GParted, which is used for partitioning mass storage devices, the graphical Disk Usage Analyzer tool provides detailed information about their allocation.
BleachBit (Figure 4), which is preinstalled in one version for users and one for administrators, helps you to safely dispose of obsolete data such as temporary files or configuration directories of deleted applications. The MATE system monitor and a logfile viewer are used to display logfiles, which in case of irregularities or problems often provide clues as to their cause.
MOFO's Accessories menu also contains a GUI tool for convenient encryption of folders and files in the form of the TrueCrypt fork VeraCrypt. To help users with this, the software creates encrypted containers to which you copy the data to be backed up.
« Previous 1 2 3 Next »
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
-
OSJH and LPI Release 2024 Open Source Pros Job Survey Results
See what open source professionals look for in a new role.
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.