Linux is a computer operating system. It’s an open source alternative to Windows, which is the OS most familiar to casual users.
Although it’s different in a lot of ways, Linux can be used for many of the same functions as Windows – it runs hardware systems and software applications, stores files, and provides a user interface to make navigation simple.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to know coding or be fluent in commands to run Linux on your home computer. And there are several potential advantages to choosing the OS over Windows. This article explores those advantages.
Security and stability
Linux was built from the ground up for security. The open source nature of the system means that thousands of developers have viewed and improved upon the source code. Most of the security flaws have already been ironed out.
Additional features on the Linux OS mean that each user needs explicit permission from the administrator in order to access and update the system. Viruses, which are already less likely to occur, only affect one user account, making them easier to spot and resolve.
Linux is so secure that it is used by 38 percent of all websites – including 23 of the 25 top websites in the world – as well as to run supercomputers. Although rarely needed for casual use, if you do need extra security you can get antivirus software for Linux, such as ClamAV.
Free and open source
We’ve already touched on the open source nature of Linux, and this is one of its biggest advantages. Developers have been able to view and modify the code and create their own versions of the operating system.
Users can pick from popular options like Ubuntu, or opt for specialist versions that are made for specific purposes, like coding.
This is also the case with software. Once created, other developers can dive into the coding to make improvements. What you’re left with is a flexible and powerful OS combined with free, high quality apps.
Libre Office, for example, is a completely free program that offers pretty much the same features and functionality as Microsoft Office. You can use Firefox as your web browser, VLC for playing media, Audacity for making music, the list goes on. And it’s all free.
Compatibility for gaming has improved
Linux used to have a bad reputation when it came to gaming. With most casual PC gamers opting for Windows, developers had little incentive to create titles compatible with Linux.
But this compatibility has improved in recent years. Valve were one of the first game development companies to port their game engine to Linux. They were followed by Unity, Feral, GOG and Epic Games.
Open source emulators such as MAME are also available in abundance, allowing Linux users to run old console games on their PC.
Runs on any hardware
The latest Windows operating systems require high spec machines to run. This forces people to update hardware that would otherwise be perfectly well suited to their needs.
Linux is very efficient and not very demanding of resources, meaning it can run on a much lower spec machine. The installation process involves options to customize the OS and choose only certain modules. You can choose lightweight versions of Linux that will run fine on older hardware.
If you want to keep a PC going once it’s beyond the Windows 10 expiry date, or you’re looking to revive an old machine, Linux is the perfect choice.
Customization options
Linux has far more options for customization than Windows, as a more static product, could ever dream of offering.
For starters, users can choose from thousands of distributions, known as “distros”. Each distro contains files, applications and services. Think of these as ready made Linux packages. Ubuntu is known to be the most user friendly, and Linux Mint feels similar to Windows.
Once you have a distro on the go, you can choose to add your own software or change a range of options. You can customize themes, wallpaper, icons and much more.
Just one more reason why Linux could be a better choice than Windows.
