Ubuntu Linux was the last system standing in a multi-platform hacking competition last week (yes, they actually conduct those), but for all intents and purposes, does that really mean it is more secure?

The results were as follows:

Apple's Leopard OS lasted all of 30 seconds (great!), while Windows Vista Ultimate hung on until the third day (not too shabby).

It was Ubuntu's Linux distribution alone that was still secure at the end of the "Pwn to Own contest" at CanSecWest in Vancouver, however.

James Turner, a security analyst from IBRS said that "in this particular instance, which supports the conclusion that Ubuntu is more secure."

However, he cautioned the result is unlikely to suddenly cause an increased uptake of Linux amongst business users.

"Most people who are advocating Linux do it to improve their own skill set rather than actively support the business. That creates a problem for CIOs who are there to support the business," said Turner, who pointed out that support remained a major issue for CIOs when considering Linux implementation.

Jeff Waugh, who runs an open source consulting firm, commented that this competition's results should not be seen as a guarantee that Ubuntu based systems are definitively more secure across the board.

"There are not a lot of people focusing on [Ubuntu], because it's not a high profile system.

The kind of people participating in this event ... would want the crowning glory from finding something tasty in Windows or Mac OS X," he said.

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