Why is linux used

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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Here Is Why Linux Is a Good Choice of OS for Software Developers

Linux might just be the best operating system for software development.

Is there a perfect operating system (OS) for software development? According to some, Linux might just be as close as you can get.

Let’s take a quick look at what Linux has to offer and suggest some great Linux distributions (distros) that you might want to check out for yourself.

What is Linux?

Since you’re actually reading this article, chances are you already have an idea of what Linux is. But for the uninitiated, Linux is a type of an operating system just like Windows, iOS, macOS, etc.

It is a very popular OS. In fact, the Android operating system is built on top of the Linux kernel, so you could say that the Linux kernel is the foundation on which Android is built. But Linux also powers many other internet and business servers, including numerous stock exchanges around the world. It has been around since the mid-1990s, give or take. Linux is literally everywhere today.

It is widely considered one of the most reliable, stable, and secure operating systems too. In fact, many software developers choose Linux as their preferred OS for their projects. It is important, however, to point out that the term «Linux» only really applies to the core kernel of the OS.

One of the most important aspects of Linux is the fact that it is open source. This means that the code used to create it is free and available to the public to view, edit, and even contribute to its development (if you are skilled enough).

Linux is similar to other operating systems you might be used to, like Windows and macOS, etc. It comes with a graphical interface, and even has versions of common software you are probably accustomed to like word processors, photo editors, video editors, etc.

But as the core pieces of it are generally open-source, Linux differs from other operating systems. There are also many distros of Linux available that include different software options.

What this means in practice, is that the operating system, unlike many of its competitors, is incredibly customizable. Many different aspects of it, not just applications, can be swapped out and experimented with to suit your specific needs and tastes.

Linux users can also choose core components, for example, which system displays graphics and whatnot.

It is important to note, however, that the term «Linux» is a little misleading. Technically speaking, any Linux operating system consists of a combination of the GNU software with a Linux kernel. The former is actually a standalone operating system that was originally designed to be a replacement for Unix.

«GNU is an acronym for «GNU’s Not UNIX!». It is a replacement for UNIX and contains no UNIX based code. Also, this operating system contains an extensive collection of software.» — pediaa.com.

For the remainder of the article, we will refer to GNU/Linux as simply Linux for brevity. You should also be made aware that the use of either of these acronyms alone is something of a controversial subject.

Is Linux good for developers?

As we have already touched upon above, Linux is widely considered one of the best operating systems around. This is especially true for software programmers.

Your choice of the operating system, as we described in a previous article, will ultimately depend on your personal taste, software development environmental needs, etc.

However, there is a vast swathe of programmers who swear by the benefits of Linux over its competitors. This is for various reasons, but arguments tend to praise its open-sourced nature and its overall user-friendly ecosystem.

Some of the main reasons programmers love Linux are as follows.

1. You can’t get any cheaper than free

Linux, being open-source, is free to download and install on your computer. This makes it great for software developers, whether they are a hobbyist, student, aspiring programmer, or a professional.

Since you don’t have any financial upfront costs, the only cost to you is gaining an understanding of it. Of course, this excludes the cost of getting your hands on a Linux-compatible computer (which is fairly common).

Most of the software for it is also open-source, which is a nice bonus.

2. Linux is easy as pie to install (usually)

If you have never built a computer from scratch, chances are you have never had to install an operating system yourself. Thankfully, installing Linux is relatively straightforward — you don’t need to be a seasoned IT professional (though that helps).

It isn’t that much different from installing a software program in Windows. Another benefit is that you can also keep any existing operating system, like Windows, by using a dual-boot option.

Though, some Linux distros can require a bit more technical knowledge. Consider yourself warned.

3. If you love to customize stuff, Linux is for you

Linux is an ideal operating system for those who love to tinker and customize. Being open-source, pretty much every element of it can be played around with, from the GUI to the core kernel.

You will have near-absolute freedom to play around with different options and you won’t have to worry about any legal ramifications. In fact, you normally aren’t required to agree to any user license agreement.

4. Linux has great support for most programming languages

Whether you need to write in C, C++, CSS, Java, JavaScript, HTML, PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby, or Vala, Linux supports them all. While you may come across some issues at times, in most cases you should have a smooth ride.

Generally speaking, if a programming language isn’t limited to a specific operating system, like Visual Basic for Windows, it should work on Linux. But do a proper research first to make sure.

If you do run into support issues, you can usually get your hands on the required packages from Linux’s distribution repositories.

5. Linux has a ton of apps to choose from

Linux has a lot of great supported apps that are handy for many programmers. While you could just write your code using a simple text file, Linux has some very useful, and time-saving, text editors to make your life a lot easier.

By default, you get apps like Gedit and Kate. These are usually all you need, but you can also get your hands on Emacs, nano, and Vim, which can be used inside of a terminal. Not to mention Atom, of course.

You can also take the nuclear option and go with a full-blown integrated development environment (IDE) with Linux as well.

6. May we introduce to your programmer lord and savior, Bash scripting?

If you need to program something a bit more specific and don’t need to care about the language, you can «Bash script» using Linux’s commands. A Bash script is a plain text file which contains a series of commands. Linux comes with these commands as standard, but you can also install others if needed. These are incredibly efficient, not to mention powerful, and many Linux-loving programmers prefer to practice their trade in the terminal.

«With a Bash script, you can put commands together to create more complex combinations. For example, someone managing a mailing list can create a script that merges lists of subscribers, removes duplicates, and formats it so that other programs can read it.» — makeuseof.com.

7. Learning to use Linux can land you a great job

Linux is a great option if you simply live and breathe programming. But most of us need to pay the bills, too.

This is where learning to use Linux can actually improve your employability in the market. Experience in using Linux is a very desirable skill for many high-paying positions.

Whether your prospective job will require you to manage a company’s server, or develop their cloud-based services, potential employers are crying out for people who know the ins and outs of Linux.

Even if you have no real ambition to become a Linux-legend, having some basic functional knowledge of it will give you a competitive edge as a programmer.

What have you got to lose?

Is Linux hard to learn?

Like anything in life, just how easy, or difficult something is for that matter, is determined by your personal experience, dedication, and willingness to learn. After all, how long did it take you to get used to Windows, macOS/iOS, Android, etc?

The operating system is actually fairly simple to learn. But this comes with a caveat — it helps if you have some experience with technology as well as learning syntax and basic commands of an operating system.

One of the best ways to get to grips with Linux is to develop some projects using it. This will help accelerate your grasp of Linux.

As previously discussed, learning the syntax is key. You will also need to develop a knowledge of the basic commands.

Simply put, start using it and practice, practice, practice. If you are a newbie to Linux, here are some of the basic steps you need to master the OS.

Is Linux necessary for programming?

In short no, but it is very popular among programmers for various reasons. Unless, of course, you want to join, say, RedHat or be a developer using Linux — in which case it is a must.

For everybody else, there are some distinct advantages of Linux over other OSs. We have covered some of them above, but other advantages of Linux over competitor operating systems are as follows:

• Linux tends to come with most of the compilers and interpreters you’ll need to get the job done. Other operating systems, like Windows, usually do not.
• If Linux doesn’t have the compilers you need, you can usually get them from the OS’s command line. Example commands include «yum install » or » apt-get install».

Source: Daan Berg/Flickr

• Linux tends to contain the best suite of low-level tools like sed, grep, awk piping, and so on. Tools like these are used by programmers to create things like command-line tools, etc.
• Many programmers who prefer Linux over other operating systems love its versatility, power, security, and speed.
• Linux has a massive community to help you out if you get stuck for any reason. They are, usually, very patient with novices, but prepare yourself for some light-hearted banter.
• The operating system also comes with a handy, built-in package manager.
• The ability to customize Linux with any of its different distros is great for tailoring the OS to your needs.
• Error messages on other operating systems, like Windows or macOS, for example, tend to be less than helpful. On Linux, you can usually find the solution from someone else who has solved it. If not, just ask the community support staff.
• One great thing about Linux is that you can often automate many repetitive tasks using simple lines of code. For example, say you are learning C and want to create a new file, you can run some simple code to automatically create a file with the same syntax you use regularly.

Which Linux distro is best for software development?

If you are now sold on using Linux as a software developer, your next question might be which distribution is the most useful for your needs? As it turns out, there are quite a few options that will really set you up for a faster, smoother, more secure, and happier Linux-powered programming future.

But please bear in mind any choice of this kind is ultimately subjective by its very nature. That being said, you should look for the most secure, stable distros that offer a thriving support community, too.

By doing so, you will benefit from regular updates and loads of resources, such as official forums or wikis, as well as third-party resources like subreddits. Here are s ome of the most highly rated Linux distros.

1. Debian comes highly rated

The Debian distro is not only one of the most popular distributions around but it also forms the mother operating system for many other Linux distros. The reason for its popularity is the fact that it comes with a large number of packages aimed at stability and security.

For beginners in the world of Linux, it has an absolute ton of tutorials and other support on the net to solve many of the common issues you’ll run into.

One important thing to remember with Debian is that if you want to use Linux to learn the nuances of coding, it might not be the best option for you. Better options include Ubuntu 20.04, Linux Mint, or Zorin.

2. Ubuntu is very good too

If you are into web development, Python, etc, then Ubuntu is probably one of the best Linux distros for you. Thanks to the support from the likes of Canonical and the open-source community, Ubuntu has also grown to become one of the shining lights of the Linux ecosystem.

A Debian derivative, Ubuntu is widely used in cloud and server applications today. This distro also comes in a variety of forms with different desktop environments and other features to suit most tastes.

Its huge user support community and polished user experience, not to mention regular Long-term Support (LTS) releases make this a great choice for software developers. It also supports the highly-rated .deb package management system.

3. CentOS is great for Red Hat development

Red Hat Enterprise Linux’s (RHEL) free community edition CentOS is a great alternative to the premier RHEL. A lot of it is the same as the paid-for version of Linux by Red Hat with one crucial difference: it is free.

It is a highly stable Linux distro and also comes with the Developer Toolset, which offers a range of essential tools for most software developers. CentOS’s Xen Virtualisation Platform also offers a way to compartmentalize your projects and run applications safely inside a virtual machine.

4. Pop!_OS is awesome for programmers

Pop!_OS is yet another great Linux distro. The difference with this one is that it was designed from the ground up to be programmer and maker-oriented.

It is based on Ubuntu and also features the very popular GNOME desktop environment that you will learn to love too. It comes with a ton of useful functions like handy keyboard shortcuts, a robust app store, and access to repositories such as TensorFlow (an open source machine learning platform).

Its great window management system and seamless switching between the integrated and dedicated graphics offer what many think is an unparalleled programming experience.

5. Fedora is favored by the creator of Linux’s kernel, Linus Torvald

And finally, on our shortlist of top Linux distros is Fedora. Similar in a sense to CentOS, it packs many of RHEL’s features and is even one of the preferred distros of Linus Torvald.

It comes with cutting edge features and is very popular among software developers around the world. This is because of its stability, u p-to-date feature set, and awesome developer portal.

Fedora is also a neat alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux and comes with a multi-language IDE in Eclipse which can be used for things like PHP, Java, C, C++, and many more.

And that’s a wrap.

Are you sold on switching to Linux for your software development needs? If so, enjoy the adventure you are about to depart on. If not, feel free to let us know why.

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