Just because you and everyone you know has a Windows-based computer, except for a few Macintosh friends, doesn’t mean that other operating systems aren’t also used. Linux is an open source operating system, which can be downloaded free by anyone, and it has a whole community of people who wouldn’t trade. Let’s take a closer look at Linux and how it compares to Windows in various ways.
Although people who are technically minded may tell you that Linux is simple to use, this may not prove true for everybody. Linux takes more attention and study than Windows, as it’s made more for programmers and people who are used to playing with technology. Although both operating systems are very highly technologically advanced, Windows has the user in mind and Linux designed for the programmer. New versions of Linux are released consistently year after year. Windows is very easy to install, especially in comparison to Linux which takes a little know-how. The best way to determine if Linux is the OS for you is to do research on the topic. Learning how to use Linux is definitely possible for anyone but it will take some time to get used to it. Perhaps the main benefit of Linux is that it is open-source which means that it is free to download and use. Windows, on the other hand, is quite expensive. Buying the latest version of Windows 7, for example, can cost close to $100. Sure most of the new PCs come with Windows pre-installed but you can still be sure that you are honestly paying for it. With Linux, all that you must do is download it and you can start using it. Open source also means that you can copy and give out the software without having to worry about any copyright infringement. Of course, this advantage might not be so apparent to those who have chosen to buy a computer that comes with an operating system already installed. If you want to save money, you can always buy a computer that doesn’t cost as much that doesn’t come with Windows and then download Linux cost free.
When comparing Linux to Windows, you will find that security issues is where Linux has a big advantage. If you want a secure operating system on your computer, then you would choose either Macintosh or Linux over Windows. Because of its massive popularity and the way it is designed are mainly the reasons for this. If you have windows, then you already know that you are dealing with viruses, spyware, malware, and even other programs that cause problems. 100% security on a computer doesn’t exist, but malware and viruses are almost never experienced by Linux users. You don’t have to constantly worry about your privacy being invaded or always updating your anti-virus software. When you are sharing information that is personal, you need to be careful on any computer, even on Linux and their better security. There are many factors to consider when choosing an operating system. Deciding between Linux and Windows depends on whether you want the flexibility that Linux can offer you or the extended compatibility that is offered through Windows for the different software programs. This is just the tip of the
iceberg in terms of why you should select either Windows or Linux for your computer.
For more information consult Mark Glatman