14 DAY TRIAL // Canonical is now providing a lot more options for the users who are concerned with their privacy, allowing them to customize the way Ubuntu 13.10 (Saucy Salamander) behaves.
Ubuntu operating systems have been criticized for their lack of options when it comes to the privacy of their users. These issues has been worked on since the previous version, Ubuntu 13.04, but the new one that's about to launch, Ubuntu 13.10, is even more comprehensive.
If you didn't know already, the search in Unity's Dash is done online, by default. This particular feature can be disabled if you feel that you don't need it. The System Settings menu contains the tools to deal with these issues, and even more.
Inside the System Setting there is a button called Security and Privacy. In there, you will find various options pertaining to those two categories.
The first one is Security. Users will be able set the behavior of the operating system when it returns from suspend or from a black screen.
The next tab is called Files & Applications. In here, users will be able to stop the operating system from recording various functionalities provided by applications, for documents, pictures, chat logs, and so on. It's also possible to exclude only precise applications by using a simple filter,
The third tab is also the simplest one. It only has one option regarding the online search. With a switch, users can turn the Unity Internet traffic completely off.
The last component is called Diagnostics. Ubuntu collects various pieces of information about your system, like app preferences, how many devices you connect, and other hardware related details. This behavior can be turned off.
Users can also turn the Error reporting off, although it helps developers track problems faster if they get accurate reporting on time.
Ubuntu 13.10 (Saucy Salamander) is scheduled for launch on October 17 and users have nothing to fear when it comes to security and privacy.
