Linux initially started as the OS of choice for servers, but not such a lot for PCs. However, that has drastically changed over the years, and currently, in 2021. Linux is quite capable of replacing the Mac or Windows installation on your desktop.
Reason Why You Should Switch To Linux Right Now
And to prove now, we’ve put together an inventory of the foremost compelling reasons you ought to use Linux. So without wasting any longer time by prolonging this introduction, let’s dive into what’s really important.
-Free and Open Source
Especially for private use, Linux is completely free with no strings attached. You can’t get a far better deal than that! As a result, you’ve got zero entry barriers to trying out the OS. But the thing which will make your stick with it’s its open-source nature. Unlike Windows and Mac (which are closed-source), the Linux operating system’s ASCII text file is out there to the overall public under the GPL license. This allows you to look at and modify the code to your likings and make a customized OS catered to your needs and requirements. Now I understand that this won’t appeal to non-coders. But believe what percentage doors it exposes for third-party contributions?
Because of this open-source nature of Linux, you’ve got solo developers and even mega-scale corporations performing on the Linux Core (a.k.a., Linux Kernel), beginning with their own spin on Linux – optimized for various uses cases. These are called Linux Distributions or “distros,” and it’s far and away one among the foremost appealing reasons for switching over to Linux. The open-source nature of Linux brings peace to an end-user because the code is very scrutinized by everyone out there. Any wrongdoing by developers is instantly highlighted. Hence Linux doesn’t track your usage and pays reference to your privacy which we’ll discuss intimately within the next sections.
-A Plethora of Distros
We slightly touched on Linux distros within the last point. Basically, the Linux Core is packaged with a software collection and a graphical interface, streamlined to suit a specific use case. Now it’s hard to pinpoint a particular figure on the amount of Linux distros currently available on the web. But what we do know is that there are over 500 distros in active development. and every one of those is optimized for various usage scenarios.
For example, we’ve Ubuntu – one among the foremost popular Linux distros – targeting people that are new Linux. then there’s Fedora, catering to tech enthusiasts trying to find the newest and greatest software within the FOSS community. We even have much more niche-flavours like Linux Mint, which aims to deliver a Windows-like user experience to Linux newbies. As such, regardless of what’s your usage pattern or work style, you’re sure to find a Linux Distro that matches the bill. But just in case you don’t – you’ll always customize it consistent with your needs. Speaking of which, on to subsequent point!
-Unparalleled Customization Options
Linux is unmatched within the number of customization possibilities it brings to the table. you’ll start with any distro and gradually tweak and alter certain aspects of it ‘till it’s and functions completely differently.
It’s practically possible to start out with Ubuntu then manually change things to figure and desire Fedora.
For the general design and aesthetics, you get the choice to settle on between various “Desktop Environments” like GNOME and KDE, this provides you with the general GUI for the OS. Needless to mention, each of those desktop environments is additionally populated with countless numbers of settings for further customization.
Then, you’ve got access to package managers, which you’ll increase your system to realize access to an outsized repository of software that you simply download & install with a couple of code lines. The possibilities are truly limitless. There are even tools available within the market that permit you to create your own Linux distro. How cool is that?
-Extremely Secure
Following the Open Source point we discussed earlier, a number of you would possibly be thinking- since the Linux ASCII text file is publicly available, doesn’t that make it insecure? Can’t hackers flick through the ASCII text file, find vulnerabilities, and attack it? Yes, it’s possible? But at an equivalent time, the ASCII text file is additionally available for scrutiny by good-willed developers. Ethical hackers are always on the lookout to seek out any security loophole in Linux and report it to be patched before any bad actor can misuse it. But what about viruses and malware? Well, Linux doesn’t enable root privileges for all its users – unless manually granted by you (the admin). It becomes virtually impossible for any threat like viruses or malware to attack the core of the system.
Linux is additionally the OS of choice if you’re worried about your online footprint. Linux distros respect your privacy and won’t spy – including store or collect – any of your personal data.
-Better Stability and Reliability
Following the point, Linux is additionally a particularly stable OS and much more reliable than other offerings on the market. There’s a reason why Microsoft uses Linux to power their Azure cloud computing service and not Windows Server, Aside from the Redmond Giant, Linux is additionally employed by Google, Facebook, and most major cloud servers. And all this is often because the OS puts an unprecedented amount of attention on process management and uptime With Linux, you’ll rarely run into issues like system crashes or BSOD-like freeze-ups. In fact, most of the Linux servers boast year-long uptimes without having one restart. There’s also no got to restart the OS after installing updates or patches. Besides this, you’re also unlikely to note your Linux PC slowly downs with age. Unlike Windows, where you’ve got to format the OS every 6 months approximately. Linux will keep offering an equivalent performance level as you bought once you installed it for the primary time. These are a number of the main reasons why Linux is so popular in professional work environments, especially by server administrators and software developers.
-Perfect for Programmers
With Linux, you’ve got support for nearly all the main programming languages out there, including Python, Java, Ruby, Perl, C, C++, etc. On top of that, you’ll also find plenty of libraries natively developed for Linux.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. the important advantage of software development on Linux is that you simply get access to the Linux Terminal, which is miles before the Windows Command-Line. It gives you access to powerful tools, making your coding experience far more efficient and productive. Other useful tools that you’ll get on Linux to assist with software development and programming support bash scripting, native SSH support, and even package managers – which many programmers reported as a useful asset.
-Runs on Any Hardware
Linux features a reputation for running on almost any hardware, including, yes – even a toaster. But what we have an interest in is its ability to rejuvenate older systems and make them work nearly as good as new. Do you have a 10-year old laptop running on 2GB RAM which will barely boot up Windows? Well, install Linux, and it’ll become a wonderfully usable system for browsing the online, watching videos, and even getting some actual work done – like data processing. Magic, isn’t it?
Linux is extremely resource-efficient and doesn’t require top of the road specs to run smoothly. There are even specifically designed Linux distros for older, more limited hardware.
-Easy to Use & Promotes Productivity
One of the large reasons why Windows and Mac seem user-friendly is that you simply grew up using them at college, at home, and maybe now, even at work. But as you’ll recall, back then, it did require a touch time to urge to understand and understand how everything works. Linux also comes with an identical learning curve. it’ll take a while to use the OS productively and know where every option is found without having to try to do a google search now then. But that being said, the GUI on Linux has progressed leaps and bounds over the last few decades. Right now, you’ve got access to desktop environments that offer you almost an equivalent GUI you’re wont to on Windows and Mac. this enables you to urge comfortable with the OS right after your first boot.
Furthermore, once you get the hang of Linux by learning a couple of commands and the way to use the terminal, you’ll realize just how powerful and efficient the OS truly is. You’ll end up far more productive and efficient than you ever were on Windows or Mac.
-Complete Control Over Software Updates
Unlike Windows, where the OS forces you to put in bug-riddled updates now then, Linux gives you complete control over the ‘when and which update’ you would like to put in on your system. You can configure Linux such all the newest updates are installed as soon as they’re available. otherwise, you can manually install select updates only after ensuring that it offers some value over its current version. With Linux, you get the quality-of-life feature to update the OS and every one third-party software installed thereon from an equivalent terminal, using only a couple of code lines. And the better part is, you don’t get to reboot the OS after installing an update.
-An Awesome Community
Linux has blessed an outsized and active community of software developers, contributors, and Linux enthusiasts who are always welcoming new users. No matter what’s your question or what sort of problem you’re facing, you’ll rest assured that somebody has the solution which someone is on one among the various online Linux forums. It’s amazing how quickly you’ll get a response to questions you ask on these free community threads. And most of them are well-detailed answers to assist you to resolve your issue. There’re also plenty of well-written resource pages equipped with all the knowledge you would like to raised understand before using your OS . the foremost notable of which is ArchWiki – a site you ought to have bookmarked if you’re a Linux user.
