What linux is like windows

11 Reasons Why Linux Is Better Than Windows

Last updated September 21, 2020 By Ankush Das 609 Comments

Brief: Are you wondering if Linux is better than Windows? Don’t wonder. Linux is better than Windows and in this article, we’ll see the advantages of Linux over Windows.

If you are not a power user, it might seem that “Windows” OS is a better (or easier) choice when compared to Linux. In either case, if you are not enjoying using a Linux distro then Windows would be your obvious choice.

However, in reality, we tend to experience something different, which lets us jump to the conclusion where Linux gets the edge over Windows OS.

Advantages of Linux over Windows

In this article, we will take a look at 11 of the compelling reasons why Linux is better than Windows. Some of the points mentioned here are already discussed in our earlier article on why switch to Linux.

1. Open Source Nature

What is it like when you buy a car, but you cannot see what’s under the hood? Similar is the case with when you use a Windows-powered system.

However, in contrast, Linux is completely an open source project. You can have a look at the source code of a Linux OS, which is a plus.

I know, most people don’t care about this openness of Linux, but to me, this is the most important feature of using GNU/Linux.

2. Secure

Let’s face it; Windows OS is vulnerable to different types of attacks (or hacks). However, Linux is not as vulnerable as Windows. It sure isn’t invulnerable, but it is a lot more secure. Although, there’s no rocket science in it.

It is just the way Linux works that makes it a secure operating system. Overall, the process of package management, the concept of repositories, and a couple more features makes it possible for Linux to be more secure than Windows.

When you have Windows installed, you need to download/purchase an Antivirus program to keep your computer safe from hackers and malware. However, Linux does not require the use of such Anti-Virus programs. Of course, a couple of software tools still exist to help you keep your system free from threats, but it is often unnecessary when you have a Linux system.

Being secure by nature would make things easier for you and save money as well because you will not have to get a premium Antivirus software!

3. Can revive older computers

As the operating systems evolve, so do their hardware requirements increase exponentially. For instance, if you purchase a genuine copy of Windows 10, you will have to meet the minimum hardware requirements to run it successfully, and you cannot run it on just about any low-end system.

Nevertheless, with Linux, you could even utilize one of your oldest computer systems to achieve a task. However, that does not mean that every Linux distribution would work with 256 MB of RAM coupled with an outdated processor. However, there are options which you can install on such low-end systems as well (such as Puppy Linux).

So, being an efficient OS, Linux distributions could be fitted to a range of systems (low-end or high-end). In contrast, Windows operating system has a higher hardware requirement.

Overall, even if you compare a high-end Linux system and a high-end Windows-powered system, the Linux distribution would take the edge. Well, that is the reason most of the servers across the world prefer to run on Linux than on a Windows hosting environment.

4. Perfect For Programmers

Linux supports almost all of the major programming languages (Python, C/C++, Java, Perl, Ruby, etc.). Moreover, it offers a vast range of applications useful for programming purposes.

The Linux terminal is superior to use over Window’s command line for developers. You would find many libraries developed natively for Linux. Also, a lot of programmers point out that the package manager on Linux helps them get things done easily.

Interestingly, the ability of bash scripting is also one of the most compelling reasons why programmers prefer using Linux OS.

Linux also brings in native support for SSH, which would help you manage your servers quickly. You could include things like apt commands which further makes Linux one of the most popular choices of the programmers.

5. Software Updates

Microsoft pushes a software update when it receives a set of problems or if something major needs to be fixed. And, for this reason — your system potentially breaks with an update or you end up waiting for an update to fix your issue for a significant amount of time.

I’m sure if you have a Windows-powered system for a long time, you may have encountered issues with every update.

However, with Linux, you would observe software updates to address every little bug and most of which isn’t system-breaking if you’re using an LTS version of a distribution.

So, with Linux, you will notice more effective and faster updates to fix the problems you might be facing. That’s not the case with Windows.

6. Customization

One major advantage of using Linux instead of Windows is customization. If you like tweaking your system’s looks, Linux is just perfect for you.

Apart from installing themes, you have tons of beautiful icon themes. In addition to that, you can use Conky to display system information on the desktop in the coolest way possible. Needless to say that you can do a lot around Wallpapers in Linux.

7. Variety Of Distributions

There are no flavors of Windows. Yes, you may have different plans & packages which differ in licensing terms, the period of activation, packaged features, and price.

In contrast, you will find tons of Linux distributions catered for a different set of needs. So, you can choose to install any of the available Linux distros according to your requirements.

For example, there are Linux distributions for hackers, there are Linux distributions for programmers, there are Linux distributions for extremely old computers, and the list goes on. There is a Linux for everyone.

If you’re curious, you might want to learn what is Linux to know why there are 100s of Linux distributions.

8. Free to Use

Linux is accessible to the public for free! However, that is not the case with Windows!

You will not have to pay 100-250 USD to get your hands on a genuine copy of a Linux distro (such as Ubuntu, Fedora). So, it is entirely free.

If something is free but useful, it is always the best thing one could expect. With the money you just saved, you can consider enhancing your system (just saying, you can go to Starbucks as well!)

9. Better Community Support

You do not need to hire an expert to solve a problem you are facing on your Linux system. You just need to search for a similar thread on the web for a solution or post a thread to let others solve the problem.

Within minutes of posting a thread on any of the Linux forums, you may expect a reply along with a detailed solution which would finally help resolve your problem at no cost! Not to forget, you should find solutions to most of the common problems in the forums properly explained without needing to do a lot of research.

There are a lot of active Linux users who are always ready to respond to a relevant thread one might have created. The number of community users active on such forums is more than the number of active members on any Windows-focused forum.

However, the community response might vary depending on the Linux distribution being used. You can also reach out for help through our community forum.

10. Reliability

Windows, as we know it, becomes sluggish day after day. You will want to re-install Windows after a while when you encounter crashes or slowdowns on your system.

If you are using Linux, you will not have to worry about re-installing it just to experience a faster and a smoother system. Linux helps your system run smooth for a longer period (in fact, much longer!).

Also, with Windows, you will have to adapt to a habit where you keep on rebooting the system for just about everything.

• If you just installed software, reboot!
• If you recently uninstalled software, reboot!
• If you just installed a Windows update, reboot!
• If the system seems to slow down, reboot!

However, in the case of Linux, you will not have to reboot for the situations mentioned above. You can comfortably continue with your work, and Linux will not bother you.

Another fact that proves Linux to be reliable are the web servers. You could observe that most of the Internet giants like Google and Facebook run on Linux. Even almost all of the supercomputers run on Linux.

So, Why isn’t Windows preferred over Linux for mission-critical tasks? It is because Linux is far more reliable than Windows OS. Period.

Of course, it doesn’t mean Linux does not have issues. But, if we look at the bigger picture, Linux is reliable by design. If you consider trying any of the Linux distribution for your computer, you might want to try Pop OS (my personal favorite) or any of the best Linux distributions we have listed.

11. Privacy

Microsoft certainly tries to anonymize the data collected from every user. However, it does not look convincing with Microsoft’s latest Windows 10. It has already received an enormous amount of criticism of how it collects data, what it should collect and what it should not.

If you have ever used Windows 10, you could only head into the privacy settings to know that everything is enabled by default. Even if you opt out to send Microsoft information about your data, it is still being collected. Of course, Microsoft will not bother revealing it officially with a press statement, but it surely does. So, you would need a set of tools to disable the spying modules of Windows.

In contrast, Linux would be the perfect solution for a privacy buff. First of all, Linux distributions do not collect much data (or none). Moreover, you will not be needing additional tools to protect your privacy.

Do you also think Linux is better than Windows?

Now that you know the advantages of using Linux instead of Windows, what do you think?

If you’re still going to keep using Windows as your primary OS, what reason could you think of choosing it over Linux? If you’ve already made the switch, and using Linux, what more benefits do you observe?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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5 Best Linux Distros looks like Windows 7/10/XP Interface

Why is the Windows operating system popular among us? It is because of ease of usage, availability of software and tools, and graphical user interface to perform any task. But everything comes at some price, no doubt the Windows is really an easy to use OS but lag somewhere behind in terms of security and customization. On the other hand, the Linux is open source, free to use, can customize highly, and very secure too. If you are new in the Linux world and confused with lots of Linux distributions, that which one you have to choose and which not. Then this article would help you. Because users those are moving from Windows operating system are much familiar with its interface and definitely want something like in Linux too. There are a couple of Windows alternative in Linux those almost looks similar to Windows and help the users a lot to get familiar with Linux’s strange world. So today, I will introduce several such Linux distributions those desktop environment is very similar to the Windows systems, let’s get started!

Note: If you think you know any better Linux OS than those mentioned in the article, please let us know…

Here is the list of best Windows like Linux distributions with a similar interface for beginners

Linux Mint

The first very popular Windows like Linux distribution I would like to introduce to you is the ” Linux Mint Operating System“. When you decide to use a Linux system instead of a Windows system, you should have heard of the Linux Mint distribution in some places. Most of the websites recommend the Linux Mint as Windows the best WIndows look like an alternative operating system to beginners. It is Ubuntu based and like the Ubuntu system, Linux Mint is recognized as one of the best Linux distributions. They also provide LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edition) which is based on Debian. The Linux Mint system is known for its simple, easy-to-use, powerful Cinnamon desktop environment. Cinnamon is very easy to use, and you can use a variety of desktop themes, icon libraries, desktop widgets, and application components to configure the Linux Mint system to be the same as the Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 system. Cinnamon is also one of the most popular desktop environments in Linux. You will love this easy-to-use, most stable and powerful desktop environment.

• License: Free & Opensource
• Linux Mint latest version download Link
• Linux mint minimum system 19 requirements
  • 1GB RAM (2GB recommended for a comfortable usage).
  • 15GB of disk space (20GB recommended).
  • 1024×768 resolution (on lower resolutions, press ALT to drag windows with the mouse if they don’t fit in the screen).

Zorin OS

The Zorin OS operating system is also a very popular Linux distribution that can be used to replace Windows 7 systems. Its start menu and taskbar are very beautiful, the overall interface is beautiful and vibrant, and it is also very good in terms of speed and stability. If you like Windows 7 instead of Windows 10, then Zorin OS will be your best choice. Zorin OS also pre-installs a lot of software including Wine to run Windows software on Linux, so it means this is the Linux that runs windows programs, without the hotchpotch of Wine installation.

The interface style of its gorgeous imitation Windows 7 system is even more impressive. Try it out boldly. Zorin OS is translated into over 50 languages. This Windows like Linux includes multiple themes full office suite to professional photo editing software.

• License: Free & Open source
• Zorin OS download link.
• Zorin os minimum system requirements
  • Zorin OS 12 standard
    • CPU 1 GHz Single Core
    • RAM 1.5 GB
    • Storage 10 GB (Core) or 20 GB (Ultimate)
    • Display 800 × 600 resolution
  • Zorin OS Lite
    • CPU 700 MHz Single Core
    • RAM 512 MB
    • Storage 8 GB
    • Display 640 × 480 resolution

Robolinux

The Robolinux operating system is another Linux distribution with a Windows operating environment (Wine) embedded. It allows users to run Windows applications on a Linux system, so you no longer have to worry about your favorite Windows applications being unusable on Linux systems. In the Robolinux system, this feature is called “Stealth VM” that easily let you run Windows within the OS virtually. It has one-click installer for Window 10, 7 & XP. At the same time, the Robolinux system also includes several other desktop environments, you can choose a desktop environment according to your preferences. There is also a tool in this system for a full backup of the C drive that won’t let you lose any files. Very unique, right?

• License: Free & Open source
• Robolinux download link.
• System Requirements
  • 2GB RAM and 20 GB or more storage if you are planning to use Windows VM

ChaletOS

Has anyone used the ChaletOS operating system? This is one of the Linux distributions that are closest in appearance to the look and feel of the Windows’ interface, same icons, and style. The screenshot above is the result of the Windows 10 icon and theme package. After using this theme package, the desktop of ChaletOS can be made the same as the Windows 10 interface. Some pre-installed applications can also help you better use the ChaletOS system. In the process of using it, you seem to be back in the familiar Windows world. The screenshot above actually made my friends believe that it was true. Give a try to this Windows-like Linux distro, you will definitely like this release.

• License: Free & Open source
• ChaletOS download link.
• ChaletOS minimum system requirements
  • CPU: 1GHz+
  • RAM: 512MiB+ for Desktop / LiveCD – 768MiB recommended
  • Hard drive space: 8GB
  • Graphics card and monitor capable of 1024×768 resolution

Kubuntu

When we talk about the Linux distribution for a beginner that also look like Windows then how we can we forget the Kubuntu. The clean and sleek interface of the Kubuntu is really adorable. It developed by a worldwide community of developers and can be a best free and open-source alternative to Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. Kubuntu is an Ubuntu-based Linux operating system that combined with beautiful looking Plasma desktop environment. It comes with pre-installed applications to full fill most of our daily requirements. It includes productivity, office, email, graphics, photography, and music applications. For example, Firefox, Kmail, LibreOffice, Gwenview and more, the best part is it has the Discover software center to install the software with one click.

The benefit of the Kubuntu is it built using the Qt toolkit that gives it a sleek look and mobile-ready. Anyone can easily access this Linux desktop from Phone or Tablet just by installing the KDE connect from Google play store.

• License: Free & Open source
• Kubuntu download link.
• Kubuntu minimum system requirements
  • Processor 2 GHz dual-core (x86)
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM
  • Hard drive capacity 25 GB
  • Video card VGA @ 1024×768

Windows look like Linux distribution or operating system: Verdict

To neutralize the perplexion of Linux beginners, I tried to make this Windows-like Linux distribution list as comprised as with only the best available options from my point of view. However, if you have some proficiency in Linux you can customize any Linux distro to look exactly like Windows 10/7/XP. There are also some Linux distributions with the great user interface or desktop environment that are not mentioned in this article. If you want to know about them here it is 10 Top Most Beautiful Linux Distros or Operating systems. I hope that you will come up with the comments below to help our new friends make the right choices in the process of choosing a Linux distribution.

These five operating systems are the most widely used Linux distributions for new users from Windows to Linux, and of course, Elementary OS systems but that not look like a Windows that’s why it is not in the list. Which version you want to install is entirely up to you. In most cases, the Linux Mint operating system has always been the leader for Windows like Linux category. If you are just entering the world of Linux, I suggest you start with the Linux Mint system. Take action, install a Linux system of your choice, and move forward to become a member of the Linux open source world.

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