What is the advantage of Linux over Windows?
What is Linux?
Linus Torvalds created the Linux operating system while a student at the University of Helsinki. Linux was created and intended to be used as an alternative or replacement for other operating systems used by computer users, such as MS-DOS, Windows, Mac OSX, and so on. Linux is not a single program or a collection of programs, such as a word processor or an office suite. Linux can help your company save money. Every day, powerful Linux applications power servers, desktops, and laptops in enterprises and small businesses. Our websites are open source, our support module is Linux, and the CRM application and accounting system we use to run our business are all open-source software. The best part is that all of our Linux tools, operating systems, and applications are free to use.
Linux users are unique. They seek power and function, but that is not the only thing they seek. People who use Linux believe that software should be freely distributed. The Linux community admires Microsoft; it is a fantastic company whose products, such as Office, have improved the lives of millions of people. The dark secret in Linux circles, however, paints Microsoft as a dinosaur; Linux users believe that expensive software with painful upgrade fees is doomed.
A Brief History
Linus used a version of the UNIX operating system called ‘Minix’ while studying at the University of Helsinki. Linus and other users sent Andrew Tanenbaum, Minixs’ creator, several requests for changes and improvements to the operating system, but he felt they weren’t necessary. As a result, Linus decided to develop his own operating system, one that would incorporate user feedback and suggestions for enhancements.
A kernel is the central processing unit (CPU) of any operating system. Without going into too much detail, the kernel instructs the CPU to do what you want the program or application to do. A kernel is required for an operating system to function. A kernel, on the other hand, is useless in the absence of any programs or applications.
Two critical situations arose in 1991 that would serve as the foundation for Linux. Linus had already created a kernel, but he had no programs to use it with; some programs were available from GNU and Richard Stallman, but they didn’t have a working kernel. As a result, Linux was created by combining the programs developed by Richard and GNU in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with the kernel developed by Linus in Helsinki, Finland. Because there was a lot of ground to cover and a long distance to travel, the Internet became the primary method of bringing the Linus kernel and the GNU programs together. It’s almost as if Linux is an operating system that arose from the Internet.
Not For Everybody at First
Other software companies will sell you software on a CD or a set of floppies, along with a brief instruction booklet, and you will be able to install a fully functional operating system on your computer in half an hour or less. To install it, you only needed to know how to read and follow instructions. When those companies designed their operating systems, they had this in mind. However, when Linus Torvalds created Linux, this factor was not initially considered. Later on, Red Hat and other like-minded companies set out to develop Linux to the point where it could be easily installed, just like any other operating system on the market, by anyone who could follow simple instructions, and we can confidently say that they have accomplished this goal.
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Linux Today
Nowadays, there are many favourable reactions from computer users regarding Linux. The fact that Linux has proven to be impressively stable and versatile, especially as a network server, surely has played a big part in this popularity. Down-time is minor or insignificant when Linux is installed and used as a web server or in corporate networks. Many cases have been reported wherein Linux-powered servers have been functioning smoothly for even more than a year without needing to re-boot, and when it had to be taken down, it was only for a brief period for maintenance purposes. Its cost-effectiveness has become to be one of its strongest selling points. Linux can be installed and run on either a home PC or a network server, without having to spend as much as it would be for other software packages. More reliability and less cost – it’s ideal.
Linux On Your Desktop?
Sun, IBM, and HP have all produced servers that run Linux, and Linux has thrived in the server–database environment since its inception. Novell and Red Hat are the two major software companies that have produced successive versions of Linux software, both of which have taken an open-source (free) operating system and outfitted it with a variety of software packages tailored to various requirements to create proprietary products.
While Linux-based systems power some cell phones and are found in standard PCs, Red Hat and Novell’s primary competition has been in the “enterprise space,” that segment of the software universe that focuses on connecting business users to databases. Red Hat has now announced its intention to enter the “business desktop” market with a new set of modifications. “This will be a more comprehensive offering that will target markets such as the small and medium-sized business [SMB] sector and emerging markets,” according to Red Hat. Part of this strategy is to bring the desktop to a wider audience than our current client currently receives.”
In the press release war, Novell claims to have already made these advances, and that what Red Hat defines as desktop functionality is actually an expansion of business functions – which Novell claims to have already accomplished. Indeed, a Red Hat spokesman states that the company has “no plans to go and sell this offering at Best Buy for the mass consumer market.” Customers will be able to download it and obtain a Red Hat Network subscription for it via the Web, which we believe is the distribution wave of the future”
So, how do home users who dabble in Linux feel about it? Many of those who have blogged about it believe it is the best operating system available, but it isn’t ready for mass consumption because too many ancillary software elements and computer appendages aren’t compatible with it. According to one self-described “geek” who uses Linux, Windows Vista, and XP, Linux is a great operating system for browser use, but simple tasks like connecting a printer to a Linux-powered PC can be difficult.
“If you’re used to watching DVDs, Windows Media or QuickTime files on your computer, you’re in for a challenge,” he adds. Because the codecs (software that displays the various encoded video file formats like Windows Media) aren’t free, most Linux distributions (at least the major ones) don’t include this functionality by default. They are, in many cases, illegal. The same is true for MP3, arguably the most popular audio format (particularly audio ripped from your CD collection).”
It’s an excellent operating system, but plug-and-play functionality for home computers is still lacking. And neither Red Hat nor Novell intend to infiltrate the “space” of the home consumer. For the time being, they’re content to compete by expanding their business-based products.
10 Major Reasons To Switch To Linux
1. It Doesn’t Crash
Linux has been proven to be a dependable operating system over time. Although Linux has long been used on the desktop, the majority of Linux-based systems have been used as servers and embedded systems. High-visibility Web sites like Google use Linux-based systems, but Linux can also be found inside the TiVo set-top box found in many living rooms.
Linux has proven to be so dependable and secure that it is widely used in dedicated firewall and router systems used by high-profile companies to secure their networks. For more than a decade, Linux systems have routinely run for months or years without requiring a single reboot.
2. Viruses Are Few and Far Between
Although it is possible to develop a virus that targets Linux systems, the system’s design makes infection extremely difficult. A single user could cause local damage to his or her files by running a virus on his or her system; however, this would be an isolated instance rather than something that could spread out of control.
Furthermore, nearly all Linux vendors provide free online security updates. The general philosophy of the Linux community has been to address potential security issues before they become a problem, rather than hoping that the vulnerability will go unnoticed.
3. Virtually Hardware-Independent
Linux was designed and written to be easily portable to a variety of hardware platforms. For desktop users, this means that Linux has always been, and will continue to be, the first operating system to take advantage of advances in hardware technology, such as AMD’s 64-bit processor chips.
4. Freedom of Choice
Linux gives you the freedom to choose which manufacturer you want to buy your software from as well as which application programs you want to use. Being able to select the manufacturer means you have a genuine say in the type of support you receive. Because open-source software is available, new manufacturers can enter the market to meet customer demands.
You have a choice of application programs, which means you can choose the tools that best meet your needs. Three popular word processors, for example, are available. All three are free and work with Microsoft Word, but each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The same can be said for web browsers.
5. Standards
Linux, as well as many popular applications, adhere to open standards. This means that an update to one system does not render other systems obsolete.
6. Huge Applications
Each Linux distribution includes hundreds, if not thousands, of application programs. For each desktop system you configure, this alone can save you thousands of dollars. Although this is a small subset, consider that it includes the OpenOffice.org office suite, as well as the GIMP, a program similar to (and many people say more capable than) Adobe Photoshop; Scribus, a document layout program similar to Quark Xpress; Evolution, an e-mail system similar to Microsoft’s Outlook Express; and hundreds more.
Development tools, such as compilers for C, C++, Ada, Fortran, Pascal, and other languages, as well as Perl, PHP, and Python interpreters, are included for the more technically inclined. This category also includes editors and versioning tools.
Whether you’re looking for Instant Messaging clients, backup software, or Web site development tools, they’re almost certainly all included with your base Linux distribution.
7. Interoperability
Networks are being connected to by an increasing number of computers. No system would be complete unless it included tools for interacting with computers running other operating systems. Once again, Linux excels in this area.
Samba, software that allows Linux to act as a client on a Microsoft Windows-based network, is included with Linux. In fact, Samba includes server capabilities, allowing a Linux system to serve as the server for a group of Linux and Windows-based client systems.
Linux also includes software for networking with Apple networks and Novell’s Netware. NFS, a networking technology developed on UNIX systems, is also supported.
8. It’s a Community Relationship, Not a Customer Relationship
Other operating systems are made by a single vendor. Linux, on the other hand, is an open-source project whose technology is shared among vendors. As a result, rather than being a customer of a single manufacturer, you become a member of a community. Furthermore, rather than preaching a “one size fits all” philosophy, the supplier community can easily adapt to the needs of various user communities.
This means you can choose a Linux vendor who appears to best meet your needs and be confident that you can switch vendors at a later date without losing your investment–both financially and in terms of learning.
9. It’s Not How Big Your Processor Is…
Because of the internal design of Linux and development contributions from a diverse community, Linux tends to be more resource-efficient in its use of computer resources. This may manifest as a single desktop system running faster with Linux than another operating system, but the benefits extend far beyond that. It is possible, for example, to configure a single Linux system to serve as a terminal server and then use obsolete hardware as thin clients.
With this server/thin client configuration, older, less powerful hardware can share the resources of a single powerful system, extending the life of older machines.
10. Linux Is Configurable
Linux is a multi-user operating system in the truest sense. On a single computer, each user can have his or her own unique configuration. This includes the appearance of the desktop, which icons are displayed, which programs are launched automatically when the user logs in, and even the language in which the desktop is displayed.
Finally, there will be no Bill Schmendrick characters telling you what you can and cannot do.
How do I choose a Linux distro?
The best Linux distribution for you is determined by your use case and tool requirements. Certain Linux distributions are better suited to specific tasks. Some distributions are intended to be desktop environments, while others are intended to support backend IT systems (like enterprise or web servers). When selecting your next Linux distribution, the first thing to consider is whether you require an enterprise Linux distribution or a community Linux distribution.
Ubuntu
No matter what, you’ve probably heard of Ubuntu. It is the most widely used Linux distribution. Not only is it popular for servers, but it is also the most popular choice for Linux desktops.
It is simple to use, provides a positive user experience, and comes pre-installed with essential tools to get you started. Of course, Ubuntu managed to “simplify” the Linux experience years ago, which is why it is still so popular despite the availability of several other alternatives.
When compared to other non-Ubuntu-based Linux distributions, Ubuntu has the most user-friendly installation procedure and the best hardware compatibility.The GNOME desktop is used in the original Ubuntu. Even though it is simple to use, if you are coming from the Windows platform, the user interface may be unfamiliar.
In that case, you can try some official Ubuntu flavors, such as Kubuntu or Lubuntu, to get a Windows-like user interface.
Ubuntu provides excellent documentation and community support. The Ubuntu forums and Ask Ubuntu offer excellent quality support in almost every aspect of Ubuntu. You should be able to easily find answers to common problems, and if you notice something new, the community will assist you with troubleshooting.
Linux Mint
Linux Mint is widely regarded as the best Ubuntu-based Linux distribution for novices. Yes, it is based on Ubuntu, so you can expect the same benefits. Instead of GNOME, it offers Cinnamon, Xfce, and MATE desktop environments. Additionally, Linux Mint outperforms Ubuntu in a few areas.Not only will Windows users benefit from the familiar user interface. It delivers impressive performance while requiring minimal hardware, especially when used in conjunction with the Xfce or MATE desktop environments.
It also has access to the same software repository as Ubuntu. As a result, you do not need to be concerned about the availability of software for installation. Linux Mint is an excellent Windows-like distribution. So, if you don’t want a unique user interface (as in Ubuntu), Linux Mint should be a good choice. The most popular recommendation is to go with the Linux Mint Cinnamon edition. However, you are free to investigate whatever interests you. You may also be interested in our tutorial on how to install Linux Mint from a USB drive.
Zorin OS
Zorin OS is yet another impressive Linux distribution with a user interface similar to Windows. It may not be the most popular option, but as an Ubuntu-based distribution, it is ideal for beginners while also providing a slew of cool features.
Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based distribution that appears to be well-polished. It is perfectly tailored, in my opinion, for former Windows users who want a similar look and feel but something beautiful. It’s no surprise that Zorin OS is one of the most visually appealing Linux distributions available.
If you require all of the pre-installed goodies, the ultimate edition of Zorin OS is worth the money (fun games, office suite, and some additional features). However, the free edition works just as well. There are also “Lite” and “Education” editions, which are appropriate for old hardware and school requirements, respectively.
Pop!_OS
If you’re not looking for a lightweight Linux distribution, Pop OS is probably the best Ubuntu-based Linux distribution. When compared to the Ubuntu GNOME edition, it provides a more polished and snappy experience. Pop OS also includes some interesting features such as automatic window tiling, window stacking, and a few other extras.
The desktop environment is GNOME, but there are some customizations/built-in extensions to improve the user experience. It does not officially support other desktop environments out of the box, unlike some other options. As a result, if you dislike GNOME, you may have to experiment with other desktop environments. You might find the Pop OS 20.04 review useful if you want to learn more about it.
Deepin
Deepin OS will be an interesting choice if performance or hardware requirements are not a concern. It is well-known for its visually appealing user interface, making it one of the most beautiful Linux distributions available. Of course, if you don’t have a decent modern hardware configuration, it suffers from performance issues. However, if it works well on your system, it is simple to use and comes with a plethora of software tools to get you started.Some may argue that you should avoid it simply because it is project-based in Mainland China. If you have a problem with that, you could try UbuntuDDE (which is basically Ubuntu with Deepin’s eye-candy visuals).
Elementary OS
elementary OS is one of the most visually appealing Linux distributions. It was inspired by macOS at first but has evolved over time. Even though it is not a “macOS clone” in any way, it attempts to focus on the user experience in the same way that macOS does (or should). You’d love to try Elementary OS if you’re coming from the Apple ecosystem.
Again, because it is based on Ubuntu, you get all of its benefits as well as a rich user experience. The Pantheon desktop environment is included with Elementary OS. The resemblance to the macOS desktop is immediately apparent. The operating system is completely unobtrusive, allowing you to concentrate on your work. It comes with only a few pieces of software pre-installed. As a result, any new user will not be put off by excessive bloat. However, it comes with everything you need right out of the box. When compared to other Linux distributions, the App Center is also unique.
There are numerous applications designed specifically for the elementary OS. You can download the apps for free, but it encourages you to make a donation first.In terms of user experience, Elementary OS is a fantastic piece of software.
