If you are looking for a more secure, customizable, and efficient operating system, Linux might be the perfect solution for you. It is a free and open-source operating system that offers numerous benefits, ranging from customization to security. Let’s dive into the reasons why you should think about switching from Windows to Linux.
1. Linux Is Free!
Yes, Linux comes at the glorious prices of precisely $0.00. To make it even better, you can use it on any devices and repurpose it to anything you want.
While Windows and most of its proprietary software can cost you an arm and a leg to acquire the licenses, you can forego paying for any of that by using the alternatives available in Linux. There are tons of open source and free software for Linux, and even those premium software are pretty affordable too.
You can easily get a fully working Linux desktop with a full suite of software you need without having to shell out anything.
2. It Is Open Source
Unlike Windows, which is mostly closed source, Linux is completely open source. This means that Linux’s source code is publicly visible for anyone to inspect, modify, and distribute. For example, developers and security experts can modify and improve the source code to enhance its safety, transparency, and security.
Not only is the Linux kernel open source, but the majority of the software that comes with it is as well. Applications like LibreOffice, GIMP, and Firefox are prime examples. In contrast, Windows’ source code is not publicly available, so only Microsoft has full knowledge of how it works.
3. Breathe New Life Into Old Computers
Unlike Windows, which demands increasingly powerful machines with each new version, Linux can run smoothly on older computers. It is incredibly lightweight, especially with distros like Lubuntu or Puppy Linux, which are specifically designed for older hardware. These deliver smooth performance on machines that would struggle with modern Windows versions.
I recently helped my neighbor revive their 8-year-old laptop with Linux, and now they use it daily for web browsing, writing, and even watching Netflix.
4. Choose From a Variety of Linux Distributions
Linux comes in various distributions tailored to different needs. For example, if you’re switching from Windows to Linux and want distros that resemble Windows, try Zorin OS, Linux Mint, or Kubuntu.
Prefer something that looks like a Mac? Try Elementary OS. Into gaming? Try using Pop!_OS Linux distro. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced user, there’s a Linux distribution that suits your needs. I started my Linux journey with Ubuntu.
5. It’s Easier Than Ever (No Terminal Needed)
One of the biggest misconceptions about Linux is that it’s difficult to use and requires a lot of technical expertise. However, the truth is that most Linux distributions are built to be user-friendly and accessible to everyone. You can play with Linux without ever touching the terminal, thanks to intuitive graphical interfaces and software managers.
Some Linux distributions will have their own app stores that contain a repository of software that’s curated for your use in case you want something centralized, like Google Play or the Apple App Store. On Ubuntu, it’s called the App Center, and on Linux Mint it’s called the Software Manager.
In general, if you want to find your app store, just search for Software in the Applications menu, and you should see some kind of repository you can click into and find all of your favorite apps.
6. Installing Software on Linux Is Simple With Package Manager
Installing software on Linux is often simpler than on other platforms, thanks to package managers like APT, DNF, and YUM. These tools let you search for, download, and install software packages with just a few commands. You don’t need to search for compatible drivers or set up complex installers – package managers handle everything for you, including dependencies.
For example, to install the Vim editor on Ubuntu, you only need to type:
sudo apt install vim
This streamlined installation process saves time and effort compared to hunting for installers online and resolving compatibility issues.
7. Linux Is Secure
Whereas you often have to install antivirus software with subscription fees on Windows, Linux asks, Anti-what?
Although it could be argued that hackers don’t bother to write viruses for Linux because of its small reach, there are other things preventing malware from accessing core parts of your system.
For example, those password prompts that you’re constantly barraged with whenever you try to do something that requires root privileges will also appear when another program running on your system requires them.
8. Gaming and Programming on Linux Are Awesome
The Linux gaming community has grown rapidly in recent years, driven by advancements in open-source game development and powerful compatibility tools. With platforms like Steam supporting many titles natively on Linux, gamers have access to an extensive library without needing Windows.
You can also play many modern games on Linux using tools like Steam’s Proton, Wine compatibility layers, and Lutris. Lutris is a game management platform for Linux that uses tools like Wine to enable playing Windows games on a Linux system, including running the Epic Games Launcher.
For programming, Linux is a top choice for many developers due to its lightweight, open-source nature, efficiency, and security. Since many servers run on Linux, it’s an excellent option for web developers who want to mirror their production environments locally.
9. Not too Many Large, Compulsory Updates
Have you ever been frustrated by Windows forcing updates at the worst possible times? These updates can interrupt your work and sometimes even introduce new bugs that require further updates to fix.
In contrast, Linux updates are smaller, faster, and far less intrusive. They rarely require a full system restart, and you have complete control over when and how to apply them. You can choose to update your system at your convenience, avoiding interruptions during critical tasks.
Additionally, Linux makes it easy to roll back changes. If a new kernel causes issues, or you’d like to try an alternative kernel, you can do so effortlessly.
10. You can Customize Everything!
While Windows allows for some customization, your options are often limited and predefined. On Linux, you can customize virtually everything, from the desktop environment to the window manager, giving you the freedom to create a system that truly reflects your preferences.
Don’t like where the taskbar is? Move it. Want different icons or fonts? Change them. Linux allows you to adjust window appearances, animations, and more.
The operating system consists of multiple key components that can be torn away and swapped out for others. If you want a new desktop environment that provides completely new graphics and effects to your liking, you only need to install it and get it running.
Don’t like how GNOME works? Swap it out for XFCE! Don’t like the default look and feel of GNOME? Swap it with plenty of themes out there.
11. You Can Run It without Installing
Not sure if Linux is the right fit for you? No problem! Many Linux distributions, like Ubuntu and Fedora, offer live boot options. This means you can boot directly from a USB drive or DVD and use the OS without configuring it on your hard drive.
Running Linux through a live environment allows you to have a poke at it without any risks, getting a feel for what it’s like while making none of the sacrifices of a full installation. This way, you’re more capable of making an informed decision on what kind of flavor you’d like or whether you’d even like to stick with it after making the switch from Windows to Linux.
If you’re truly having a crisis of choice and just starting to dip your toes into the pool, I’d recommend either Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or a much more transitional distribution like Solus. It’ll only take you an hour or so to create a live USB, and try all three and make up your mind.
Wrapping up
Why not give Linux a try? Whether you’re a tech geek, an expert, or someone seeking a better computing experience, Linux has something for everyone. Download a live version today and discover how this incredible operating system can transform your computing experience.
If you’re still unsure, read the answers to commonly asked questions from Windows users looking to switch to Linux. If you are not ready to make the full switch from Windows to Linux, you can try dual-booting both OSes in your PC.
article curated from: https://www.maketecheasier.com/switch-windows-10-to-linux/