If you’re in the market for a new operating system or want to switch from one to another, it can be overwhelming to choose between Linux and Windows. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to decide which features are most important to you and your business before deciding. Consider the following factors when you make your choice of the operating system.
What are the advantages of Linux over Windows?
If you’re currently a Windows user, switching to Linux might seem difficult. However, there are plenty of reasons to make that switch. For example, many Windows users are concerned about security issues. Although these problems do exist on Linux, there are also some measures you can take to secure your system and prevent unauthorized access to it. Much more makes switching worthwhile: no update fees (ever), no licensing costs, and customization possibilities are endless (with software like Ubuntu Customization Kit). And suppose you’re not sure whether Linux is right for you yet. In that case, there’s always Wine – an open-source implementation of Windows designed specifically to run Windows programs on non-Windows computers.
What are the advantages of Windows over Linux?
If you are a Windows user, there are several advantages to sticking with your current operating system. There is a larger support network of computers that run on Windows. If you want to use software specifically designed for Windows machines, it will be easier to do so if you stick with Microsoft’s operating system rather than switching to Linux. Additionally, suppose you are unfamiliar with how an operating system works (and not necessarily IT savvy). In that case, it can be harder and more time-consuming to learn how to navigate through a Linux-based computer than it would be with a Windows machine. Last but not least, depending on what version of Windows your computer runs and its hardware capabilities, many games, and high-resolution programs may not work as well as they would on a computer running Linux.
User interface and ease of use
The first major difference between Windows and Linux is their user interface. While both operating systems will be familiar to most users, they differ in key ways that may require users to re-learn how to do certain tasks. For example, when a new Windows user clicks My Computer from their Start menu, a new Ubuntu user might use Nautilus from their launcher. The files can still be found on both operating systems, but because of differences in functionality, a user would have to remember to open different applications and follow different menus depending on which operating system they use. Additionally, many apps work differently compared with similar applications running on another platform.
Performance and reliability
If there’s one thing most people believe about Microsoft, Windows crashes all of the time. Microsoft has worked hard to prove people wrong in recent years by heavily investing in its stability and security, but those perceptions are hard to shake for many people. If you work with a lot of technology-minded folks, then you’re probably familiar with virtual machines—that is, installing a second OS on your computer to try something out without affecting your main system. Using a VM (short for a virtual machine) is that if anything goes wrong on your second OS – whether it be an app crashing or damage done by malware – you can quickly revert to your original system without much loss.
Applications and software compatibility
If you’re interested in using certain software, such as Photoshop or Office, it might be hard to know if it will work on Linux. In general, these programs can be run on both Windows and Linux; however, they might not have drivers available, and they may require an emulator—software that simulates a different operating system so that programs written for another OS can run. Software compatibility depends greatly on what hardware and operating system you’re using.
The biggest difference between Microsoft and Linux operating systems, apart from price, has to do with available software. Compatibility with their existing applications is a key factor in deciding which OS to use for many users. Those who have already invested heavily in Microsoft-based software might be hesitant to switch to something that doesn’t offer a similar experience. Linux users can face limited choices when it comes time to make purchases with so many apps created just for Windows machines—not to mention those that come pre-installed on PCs.
What are some other operating systems to consider?
Both Apple’s Mac OS X and Google’s Chrome OS are gaining traction. But, their influence on PC hardware sales has yet to be fully felt—mostly because they’re not compatible with software designed for x86 processors. As time goes on, however, there may be a reason to consider ditching your favorite platform in favor of a MacBook Air or Chromebook Pixel.
It’s certainly something to think about if you want an OS more compatible with mobile devices—like smartphones and tablets. Although we haven’t seen any Android-based desktops hit store shelves just yet, it would make sense for a company like Asus or Samsung to make one, considering how popular mobile operating systems have become.
How much does it cost to switch from Windows/Linux to another operating system?
You don’t need both Windows and Linux unless you’re a developer. If you’re going to ditch one, it might be easier to ditch Microsoft altogether. But there are costs involved with switching from one operating system to another, so you may find that Linux is more expensive than Windows, depending on your reason for switching.
If cost is a concern when choosing an operating system, consider how much money you spend on various software applications and online services before deciding. The true cost of moving away from one operating system could potentially exceed any initial investment in hardware or software that comes with your new OS.
Should I switch from my preferred operating system to another platform?
The biggest draw to switching platforms is usually performance. For example, if you’re constantly waiting on your computer, you might have considered switching to a Mac (which performs better than PCs). If you’re looking at different operating systems, try out both Linux and Windows to see which you prefer.
There are many differences between them, and they don’t always play well with others — so be sure to do some research before deciding on a new platform. But once you make up your mind and decide to move forward with a platform switch, be prepared: There will likely be some work involved in getting everything up and running smoothly again.
Should I switch from my preferred operating system to another platform?
Many would argue that switching from one operating system to another is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. Is your primary concern price or performance? Do you need access to many pre-built apps, or are you willing to build everything from scratch? How important is familiarity in your decision-making process? It would be best to consider these things before deciding on a platform for your computing needs.
If you’re already unhappy with how much time you spend on computers, getting rid of an operating system altogether might not be bad. If it’s causing you stress, frustration, and wasted time, then it’s probably best to rid yourself of as many distractions as possible until things start feeling more manageable again.
To Conclude:
First, I’d like to remind you that there’s no wrong operating system here. While it’s easy to get wrapped up in arguments about which platform is better and more popular, both are good choices depending on your circumstances. If you have a dedicated, in-home office and a lot of free time to commit to training yourself and learning new technologies, you might be happier with Linux.
If your job requires you to work on files shared between teams of coworkers who all use different platforms, you may want to stick with Windows. The choice depends on your personal preferences and what kind of work environment suits your needs best.