If you are tempted to try the Linux open-source operating system, or if you are simply tired or have problems with Windows, especially in older hardware, check out 12 reasons to switch operating system.
Windows 10 has been around for some time, and many users have already purchased the computer with the latest Microsoft offer pre-installed. We have to admit that Windows 10 is a big improvement over Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 and, as an operating system, it is very good. The ability to run Linux BASH commands on Windows is a good feature, as well as virtual workspaces, where you can run applications on different desktops. This article, however, provides an extensive list of reasons why you should choose to use Linux instead of Windows 10. But remember that what is good for one person is not necessarily good for another.
Table of Contents
12 Reasons to migrate from Windows to Linux
1. Windows 10 is slow on older computers
If you are using Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 on an old PC, the computer will probably not be powerful enough to run Windows 8 or Windows 10.
You have two real choices: Buy a new computer with Windows 10 or migrate to Linux.
Certain Linux distributions probably do not provide much performance boost since their desktop environments use a good amount of memory, but there are Linux versions available that work brilliantly on older hardware.
For newer hardware, try Linux Mint with the Cinnamon Desktop Environment or Ubuntu. For hardware that is 4 years or older in use, you can also try Linux Mint, but use the MATE or XFCE desktop environment, which provides a lighter interface.
For very old hardware, go AntiX, Q4OS or Ubuntu.
2. Windows 10 User Interface
Most people get a bit disoriented when they start using a new operating system, especially if the user interface is very different.
The truth is that it takes little time to get accustomed to the new way of doing things. Soon you end up liking the newest interface than the old one.
However, if, even after a while, you are unable to familiarize yourself with the Windows 10 interface, you may prefer an interface a bit more like Windows 7, or you may decide to try something completely different.
Linux Mint offers a modern look, but with menus and toolbars working in similar ways, and you’ll find that the Linux Mint learning curve is no more difficult than upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
3. The size of the Windows 10 download
If you are using Windows 7 or even Windows 8, and you are thinking of upgrading to Windows 10, you should realize that the Windows 10 download is too large.
Do you have a download limit with your broadband provider? Most Linux distributions can be downloaded in less than 2 gigabytes, and if you’re really low on bandwidth, some can be installed for about 600 megabytes. There are some Linux versions even smaller than that.
You can, of course, buy Windows 10 on physical media, but it will cost a reasonable amount of money.
4. Linux is free
The free update offered by Microsoft a few years ago has run out, which means you now have to pay for it.
Many manufacturers sell computers with Windows 10 installed, but if you are unhappy with your current system, the only way to get a new operating system is to pay for the latest version of Windows, or download and install Linux for free.
Linux has all the features you might need on an operating system and is fully compatible with hardware. Some people say that what is free is not good, but this is an example where this saying is not true.
If Linux is good enough for the top tech companies then it’s definitely good enough for a home computer.
5. Linux has many more free applications
Windows has some important products, such as Microsoft Office and Visual Studio, that make some people feel blocked in Linux.
However, you can run Microsoft Office on Linux, using virtualization software, or use online versions.
Most software development is currently web-based, and there are many good IDEs available for Linux. With the advancement of .NET Core, you can also create APIs to use with your JavaScript Web applications.
Python is also an important programming language that can be used across platforms on Windows, Linux and Macs. The PyCharm IDE is as good as Visual Studio. So Visual Studio is not your only option.
Linux has a great set of applications that for most people provide all the features you might need. For example, the LibreOffice suite is great for 99.9% of people’s average needs. Rhythmbox audio player is better than anything Windows offers, VLC is an excellent video player, Chrome browser is available, Evolution is excellent email software and GIMP is a great image editor.
6. Security
While no operating system is completely risk-free, Windows is a major target for virus and malware developers.
There is very little that Microsoft can do about this problem, and as such you should install an antivirus application and firewall software, which will ultimately consume memory and CPU usage, as well as the constant stream of downloads needed to keep this updated software.
On Linux, you just need to be smart and maintain repositories, and avoid using Adobe Flash. Linux, by its very nature, is more secure than Windows and practically immune to the virus.
7. Agility
Linux, even with all the brilliant effects and features of modern desktop environments, runs faster than Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.
Users are becoming less reliant on software and more dependent on the web. Whether you need all of your busy processing power with the operating system, or you just want something with a lighter footprint, allowing you to continue with your work and play time, Linux is a good option.
8. Privacy
The privacy policy of Windows 10 has been well documented in the press. The truth is that it’s not as bad as some people want you to believe, and Microsoft is not doing anything that Facebook, Google, Amazon, among others, have not been doing for years.
For example, Cortana’s voice control system learns about the way you speak, and it gets better as you send usage data to Microsoft. They can use this data to improve the way Cortana works. Cortana, of course, will send you targeted ads, but Google already does that and there’s no escape.
It pays to read the privacy policy for clarification, but it is not extremely alarming.
Having said all that, most Linux distributions do not collect your data. You can stay hidden. (As long as you never use the Internet).
9. Reliability
Windows is not as reliable as Linux. How many times have you, as a Windows user, had a program that you tried to close via task manager (assuming you can open it), and it remained open? There may have been several attempts to close the locked program.
On Linux, each application is stand-alone, and you can easily delete any application with the XKill command.
10. Updates
It’s terrible when we need to print something quickly, we turn on the computer and see the following message:
“Installing Update 1 of 356”
Even more annoying is the fact that Windows chooses when it wants to install updates, and suddenly it just displays a message saying that your computer will be rebooted.
As a user, it should be your responsibility to decide when you want to install the updates, and they should not be forced, or you should at least have a decent notice period.
Another disadvantage is that Windows usually needs to be rebooted to install the updates.
Linux operating systems also need to be updated. There is no escaping this because security breaches are fixed all the time. But in Linux, you can choose when these updates will be applied and, in most cases, the updates can be applied without rebooting the operating system.
11. Variety
Linux distributions are highly customizable. You can completely change the appearance and adjust almost all sections so that everything works exactly as you want it to.
Windows has a limited set of settings available, but Linux allows you to change absolutely everything.
12. Support
Microsoft has plenty of customer support, but it is not always enough. It’s not that Microsoft’s support is bad because, on the contrary, it’s actually very deep and good.
However, the truth is that they employ people to offer support and there is so much money that is budgeted for that support, that the wealth of knowledge spreads very little.
Linux support is much easier to find, and there are dozens of forums, hundreds of chat rooms, and even more sites dedicated to helping people learn and understand Linux.
If you need help, have doubts or concerns, do not hesitate to leave a comment in the comment box below and we will try to help you as soon as possible!