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. By looking at Linux in a closer way, we will be able to compare it to Windows.
People that use software on a daily basis will definitely have no problem with Linux; however, regular people that are used to Windows might have some problems. This OS, Linux, is great for people that interact with raw technology on a daily basis, but it’s not so great for those that are used to the simplicity of the Windows operating system. 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. It’ll take a little bit of time, but if you are willing, you can probably learn Linux very easily.
If you choose to use Linux, you might think there will be limited support, and it will be hard to find. A lot of the technical support that can be found, is dealing with problems for users of Windows, mainly because Windows is used by most people. This isn’t actually the case, though. If you need some tech support for Linux, it is quite good, as long as you do some searching. It’s only more informal and mostly found on forums. Usually the answers will come quite quickly, when you ask a question on a Linux forum. So while you don’t have the same type of official support you get when you buy a computer with a licensed version of Windows, the answers and technical support are available all the same.
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. The main reasons for this come from being so popular and the design that is used. 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.
No system by itself, works the best for all computer users. There are good and bad points that come with both Linux and Windows. The computer that does what you want, might not do what another person wants. You might like Linux, if you like knowing how things work on the inside. Windows is the best option for all of those people who like things when they are user friendly.
For more information consult Mark Glatman