Great for Programming and Development
This was the central reason I tried Linux for the first time.
Back then, I decided to learn web development.
The course I was following recommended using Ubuntu to set up the programming environment.
Jordan Gloor / How-To Geek
That’s how my journey started in the Linux world.
So is Linux better than Windows for programming?
It certainly has some edges over Windows that make it a great choice for many developers.
Jordan Gloor / How-To Geek
Linux supports most programming languages, no matter what project you’re thinking of creating.
But that’s not necessarily something only Linux can do, right?
Where it outshines Windows is the powerful package management in Linux distros.
you could download any necessary packages, libraries, and modules with a single command.
No need to go and hunt each one individually.
This makes it much faster to start a programming project and offers a smoother workflow.
This also makes documenting the project easier.
Developers can write the necessary commands needed to run a project.
Even better, they can create a Bash script that will do it.
So both users and other developers can simply use that and initiate the project on their devices.
Most Linux distributions also come with different compilers (gcc, g++) pre-installed and have native support.
you could just open a text editor, write your code, and compile and execute it.
Dave McKay/How-To Geek
No extra installations required!
Linux distributions also come with Python preinstalled, unlike Windows, where you need toinstall it.
Linux supports all majorIDEsand code editors.
If you have a specific one you like, most likely Linux has it.
Before Linux, it was running Windows 10.
And the performance was not great.
Apps took much longer to open, constant stutters, hangs, and whatnot.
After installing Ubuntu, things became much better.
It felt like I was using a different gadget.
Most Linux distributions don’t require high system requirements.
Of course, this solely depends on your use case.
Even if you have old hardware lying around the corner, you canrevive that devicewith alightweight Linux distribution.
You Get the Freedom of Customization
Linux is all about customization.
From visuals to functionalities, it gives you so many opportunities to make your desktop your own.
Each desktop environment has a different feel and look and excels in a particular area.
If you decide to use a particular one, you don’t even have to stick to it.
You canswitch to another desktop environmentwithout the need to re-install Linux.
Different desktop environments come with their own tools for customization.
For example, GNOME has GNOME Tweaks and KDE Plasma has System prefs.
These tools provide further advanced customization options.
you’ve got the option to evenmake your Linux distribution look identical to Windows.
When it comes to Linux, the sky’s the limit of how you’d like to customize it.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, you could always head over tor/unixporn.
Linux Is Privacy and Security Friendly
Privacy and security are both top priorities for desktop users.
With a Windows desktop, you need toset up a Microsoft accountafter installation.
Through this account, Microsoft tracks your activities and interests to serve you relevant ads.
It’s possible to opt out of some of these, but Windows makes it quite difficult.
it’s crucial that you dig into multiple controls to turn off the tracking.
However, it still doesn’t guarantee that you’re free from all kinds of telemetry.
With Linux, you don’t have to face this.
You also don’t get third-party apps on your system without your intervention.
However, there are instances where some Linux distros such as Ubuntu also have optional telemetry.
it’s possible for you to also use a distro that doesn’t have any telemetry at all.
Linux also takes a “rule of least privilege” approach that can protect against many security vulnerabilities.
Immutable Linux distributionsmake it even harder for any malware to penetrate your system.
you’re able to alwaysmake your Linux desktop more secureby following the best practices.
Distro Hopping Is Fun
Distro hopping in the context of Linux means continuously switching between different Linux distributions.
EachLinux distrois specialized in a particular segment.
Ubuntu and Linux Mint are geared towards beginners.Fedorais well-suited for professional use.
Trying out different Linux distros to understand how each one works feels novel and geeky.
There are so many distributions and each one gives you a slightly different desktop experience.
You’re bound to find one perfect for your usage.
This flexibility that you don’t have to stick to a particular distro is what makes Linux so lovable.
you’re free to usuallydual-boot a Linux distributionalongside Windows or usevirtualization software like VirtualBoxto do it.
That’s partially due to its stability.
Linux systems are known for their ability to run for extended periods without needing reboots.
This is particularly advantageous for servers but also results in a smooth desktop experience.
The Linux kernel, the core of the operating system, prioritizes stability.
Its modular design allows for isolated updates, minimizing the risk of crashing the system.
Linux applications don’t interfere with the kernel or other programs a lot.
Windows, on the other hand, has a large system.
With so many applications installed and services running, things can often go wrong.
If you’ve ever facedthe Blue Screen of Death, you know what I mean.
Windows has made significant strides in stability in recent years.
Linux Distros Are Free and Open Source
Linux distributions are free of charge.
But these are all optional.
you’ve got the option to install and use Linux without ever being required to spend a dime.
A genuine copy of Windows can cost about $140.
Devices that come with Windows pre-installed can cost more than devices that come with free operating systems.
While you might find websites selling Windows keys cheaply, these are mostly illegal depending on where you are.
Not to mention, Windows will keep nagging you to buy its services such as OneDrive and Microsoft 365.
If you use Linux, you could spend the saved money on something worthwhile.
Most of the software desktop users need have free alternatives for Linux (LibreOffice instead of Microsoft Office).
So you don’t even have to pay for software most of the time.
Linux is also open source.
So anyone (yes, even you) can check out its source code at any time.
This means Linux bugs can be treated faster.
Going back to security, anyone can find out if there’s anything fishy in there and fix it.
And if you know how to code, you’re free to even try fixing the problem yourself.
Linux for the Win!
Linux isn’t perfect.
If you’d like to use Linux without leaving Windows, check outour full guidefor that.
