For many PC users, the prospect of switching away from Mac or Windows and onto Linux can be a nerve-wracking one.
After all, Linux holds only a minority share of the desktop market, and not all of us know people who are already using it. The idea of making the switch can often feel like taking a blind leap into the unknown.
On the other hand, those of us on Windows are now facing the prospect of Windows 8, which by most accounts is not a happy one. Will it be more painful to jump into Modern UI, with all its attendant quirks and learning curve, or to move to a Linux distribution and at least have a choice of desktop interfaces and experiences?
I'd like to make the case for the latter.
Linux today has at least caught up with Windows for most purposes; in many areas, it's actually overtaken it. And now, with the transition required by Windows 8, it can be a whole lot less painful getting used to a Linux distribution that's at least based on conventions you're used to.
Need more convincing? Here are five reasons why I think there's never been a better time to switch to Linux.
1. Windows 8
For years Windows users have been able to coast along contentedly in a familiar paradigm, but with Windows 8 that's all changed. A mobile-style interface without a Start button is now the reality facing Windows users who upgrade, and it's not necessarily an easy transition. Linux--and especially Ubuntu--now offers what may well be a more comfortable alternative.
2. Flavors for every taste
Choice is one of the defining hallmarks of Linux, and that includes not just the choice of which distribution you use but also what desktop environment you prefer. So, you're free from the dictates of any single OS maker and can customize your experience pretty much to your heart's content. Fans of Ubuntu who don't like its new, default Unity interface, for example, can simply swap in something they like better.
3. Superior security
Thanks in large part to its ubiquity, Windows is notorious for the viruses and other malware it tends to pick up; Macs, apparently, aren't a whole lot better. Linux, on the other hand, is renowned for its superior security--so much so that security experts recommend it for sensitive applications like online banking, for instance. There are even extra-secure distributions available for those focused on security.
4. Modest requirements
Whereas the Windows ecosystem is often referred to as a "treadmill" for the way it forces users to keep upgrading their hardware so as to keep up with the software's requirements, Linux is quite the opposite. In fact, it's long been embraced for its ability to run flawlessly even on older or low-resource computers. Wouldn't it be nice to keep your existing hardware a little longer and put that money towards something else instead?
5. Open and free
Last but certainly not least is that Linux is totally free and unencumbered by license restrictions. You can download, use, and customize it at will without fear of the wrath of any vendor. You're free, in other words, to make it your own.
Comments
Bob Dunn said: I have been useing Linux now for about 2 years on diffrent machinesand love it Up until recently i had to keep anwinsows machine for running Steam games on Now steam has a native Linux version i can say goodbye and good ridence to bad overpriced rubbish so goodbye MS My prefrence at present is for ubuntu 1204 useing unity it slick fast and makes windows look like a dinosour
Omendata said: Except for the Amazon spyware built into the OSlolIts still a better bet than windows 8 though
Digger11 said: KatherineDo you actually believe what you have writtenLinux for Joe Blog publicis an absolute nightmare to configure in my 30 years in computers even now I have trouble sometimes Its great to play with if you have an idea what you are doing but thats about it certainly nowhere near ready for the general publicThe only reason it has less security attacks than any other OS is that it has an absolute microscopic share of the desktop so it is not WORTH the effort for hackersWindows 8 and MACs operating systems are fantastic systems and LIGHT years ahead of LinuxI do agree with you that Linux is free to play with and there are loads of different flavours that are cobbled together in various ways but in reality Joe Public wouldnt have a Clue what to do with themIf we talk about nerds then that is a slightly different story but even then all my Linux boxes have a tweak or two to get them to run properly as I want them toBut then Katherine I suppose the article was a little tongue in cheek and I bitwell done girlDigger