After all that about software gripes, you’re probably wondering why you should bother switching. Here are some reasons you may want to switch…
Speed
Like-for-like, Linux-based operating systems are usually faster than Windows. This is due to the different architecture of the OS and its open source nature- there is no incentive to develop marketable new features at the expense of speed or stability, the aim is simply to create the best possible operating system. The flexibility of Linux also enables using an interface (“desktop environment”) that sacrifices bells and whistles for speed e.g XFCE, MATE, LXQT. This means that Linux can be used on old computers while still using a secure, up-to-date kernel, unlike clinging on to old and unsupported versions of Windows.
In my own real-world test, I achieved a speed increase of over 30% running Linux on an old computer compared to Windows 10. *
Better update process
Sick of ‘installing update 1 of lots, please do not restart your computer’? Most updates on Linux can be installed seamlessly while you use your device, and there is no noticeable delay when restarting if this is necessary to install the update.
Security
It is rarely contested that Linux is less prone to Viruses and malware than Windows. Due to its architecture and small target for developers, you are much less likely to have issues with malware on Linux.
Stability
Because Linux developers don’t have a commercial incentive to develop lots of marketable new features, they can focus on making everything more reliable.
No licensing
The vast majority of Linux distributions are free of charge, so you don’t need to deal with the hassle of licensing- or parting with your cash!
Plug-and-play
Because most software on Linux is open source, it can be built right into the OS, so Linux distros are usually ready to use out of the box with web browsers; office suites; pdf readers and more!
Flexibility
When I first started using Linux, I didn’t think customisation really mattered, but I have come to expect it from all of the software I use. Linux users are spoilt for choice with flexibility in every aspect of the operating system.
Software installation
Believe it or not, installing software is often easier on Linux than Windows. Linux has been using app store-like “repositories” since the early days, so it is rare for installing anything to involve anything more than simply clicking “install” in a software management application. Find out more on the Using Linux page.
Pre-installed drivers
Missing drivers may be especially difficult to find, but most drivers are built in to Linux. My current laptop works perfectly with Linux out of the box, but reinstalling Windows involves installing a constant stream of missing drivers.
Community
You will almost certainly have some issues when switching to Linux, but the solution to just about every problem you could face is a quick Google search away. A passionate community surrounds Linux to support open source software, which comes in handy when you need help- which may happen regardless of which operating system you use. See the Using Linux page for links to Linux support.
Small
Linux-based operating systems use up much less of your hard drive than Windows. This won’t really matter if your hard drive is large, but cheap laptops with tiny hard drives (e.g 32gb) can be a nightmare when a big update is released. Many Linux distros can be installed in the same amount of space as is used just to install a Windows 11 update, no matter Windows 11 itself!
Consistent
Many people are frustrated about the major design changes in Windows 8, Windows 10 and Windows 11. The same thing happens in the Linux world too. The advantage of open source operating systems is that code from discontinued software can be ‘forked’ and kept up to date, for example the retired GNOME 2 desktop environment lives on as the MATE desktop environment, so you can stick to what you’re used to.
Discover new software
While most Linux-compatible software can be used on Windows as well, switching to Linux usually forces you to re-consider the software that you use. You may discover a free of charge and/or superior alternative to software that you currently use that you would have been unaware of if you hadn’t decided to switch to Linux.
Linux is Free, Open Source Software
Free software brings many practical advantages, and by simply using open source software, you are standing up for greater freedom in the world of computing. Considering how essential technology is to modern life, surely it’s too important to be left to profit-hungry companies.
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*I tried the following real-world test on Linux-based Zorin OS 15.1 lite and Windows 10 using an old HP Stream laptop: turn on the computer, open a word processor, type ‘this is a test’, select the text and make it bold, save the document in the default location as ‘test’, close word processor, open a browser, go to youtube.com, search ‘HD’ and filter by ‘HD’, select the first result, open in fullscreen, close browser, open it again, go to cnet.com and scroll until the page loads fully, close browser, turn off computer. On Windows, it took 7 minutes and 11 seconds, which was reduced to 4 minutes and 59 seconds on Linux- a speed increase of over 30%! That is 2 minutes and 12 seconds saved. It was by no means a fair test, but the difference is pretty drastic!
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Last modified 14/01/2021
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