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!?

  • UraniumBlazer@lemm.eeEnglish
    46·
    3 days ago

    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.

    • Ghoelian@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      43·
      3 days 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

    • fellowmortal@lemmy.dbzer0.comOP
      25·
      3 days ago

      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.

        • s08nlql9@lemm.ee
          1·
          2 days ago

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

      • SayCyberOnceMore@feddit.ukEnglish
        111·
        3 days ago

        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.

        • Fonzie!@ttrpg.network
          3·
          3 days 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.

      • fmstrat@lemmy.nowsci.comEnglish
        3·
        3 days 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.