In today’s world, it is essential to select the proper operating system for both personal and business computing needs. Two of the most popular operating systems are Linux and Windows with each offering distinct advantages depending on the intended usage. This article focuses on ten reasons why Linux is the better choice when compared to Windows.
Cost Savings on Total Ownership
Traditionally, Linux has been free of charge and Microsoft Windows is not, meaning that a large savings can be realized. With Windows, there are different license fees for both desktop and server versions and the expense is multiplied when an organization is purchasing licenses for multiple users. In the case of Linux, there is no charge, either desktop or server and related applications are typically open source with no cost attached. Additionally, with Linux, one can modify the OS source code and use it for free whereas Windows does not have the same capability due to its source code not being open source. Furthermore, support for Linux distros is often affordable in comparison to Windows license prices.
User-Friendliness that’s Beginner-Friendly
Microsoft Windows is easy to use and graphical user interface friendly. However, some Linux distros like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Elementary OS, etc. are now providing an easy-to-navigate user interface making the transition from Windows to Linux smooth and simple. The user has the option to choose from several different desktop environments such as Cinnamon, MATE, KDE, Xfce, LXDE, and GNOME. Moreover, if desired, the Wine Is Not an Emulator (WINE) can be installed to replicate the feel of Windows without actually installing Windows itself.
Unrivalled Reliability
Linux systems have long been noted for their unrivalled and up-time and are typically able to run for years without the need for any kind of reboot or failure. This is especially important when choosing a server system. Linux is a UNIX-like system and therefore is the better option when reliability is a priority.
Superior Hardware Support
Linux is known to run more efficiently with less resource usage like RAM, disk space, etc. compared to Windows. Nowadays, hardware vendors are designing both hardware components and drivers specifically for Linux compatibility. Furthermore, older hardware can still be used to run Linux and there are specific operating systems such as Lubuntu, Knoppix, LXLE, antiX, and Puppy Linux which are optimized for aging machines with minimal resource requirements.
Abundant Software Options
Windows has a large library of commercial software while Linux typically holds on to open source solutions that are free to use. Linux has package managers which makes installing and uninstalling applications effortless. Additionally, developers will enjoy Linux more as the terminal environment is superior and has plenty of GNU compilers and utilities for programming. System administrators will likewise find Linux more palatable due to the package managers and command line interface. For cases where minimal resource requirements are necessary, it is possible to install Tiny Core Linux at just 11MB in size while still providing a graphical desktop environment.
Security
Microsoft Windows has always been vulnerable to malware, trojans, and viruses which is not the case with Linux. The inherent design of Linux makes it nearly impervious to such malicious threats. The installation of commercial anti-virus/anti-malware packages is generally not necessary with Linux. Moreover, Linux does not invade a user’s privacy with logs which upload data from the user’s machine as does Windows.
Freedom for Users
Linux offers a multitude of uses as it is available for desktop, firewall, file server, and web server applications. Additionally, due to its open source roots, users have free reign to modify the source code and make it theirs. Additionally, software can be installed that is the exact desired fit thus minimizing bloatware software solutions. The user will also have the freedom to choose from various desktop themes from which to customize the Linux experience. In cases where users want to sample a Linux distro before committing to it, booting up via live USB mode is a great way to test-drive it before installation.
Fewer Crashes and Unnecessary Reboots
One of the major drawbacks of Windows is the notorious message which often appears telling the user the machine needs to be restarted. Apart from this, there is the annoyance of perpetual updates which are categorized as; critical, security, definitions, update rollup, service pack, tool, and feature pack -all of which will require a computer restart. With Linux, it is not usually necessary to reboot the computer during the software installation or updating process.
Linux on the Server Segment
Linux is the overwhelming choice for servers due to its minimal resource footprint and high levels of reliability. With cloud applications becoming increasingly popular, Windows is beginning to slowly lose its grip on the server segment to Linux. This is especially true with large organizations which rely on servers which must remain operational 24/7 with no or minimal downtime.
Linux Everywhere You Look
Linux is making a huge impact on a variety of devices in many industries such as cars, planes, satellites, routers, phones, medical devices and more. This is a testament to its widespread use and popularity and shows how much of an impact Linus Torvalds and Richard Stallman have had in their respective fields.
Conclusion
The amount of choice associated with Linux is truly amazing. From the hundreds of available Linux distros, users can pick the one which best suits their needs. Be it desktop, firewall, server, or web server applications, Linux is powerful, flexible, secure and reliable and only getting better! When all factors are weighed against one another, it is clear that Linux is the best choice, leaving users attempting to decide their preferred distro.
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