Top 10 Reasons to Use Linux
So you're thinking about using Linux? Smart move. It's one of those things that, once you try it, kind of makes you wonder why you put up with the alternatives for so long. At its core, Linux is a family of operating systems built around the Linux kernel. It was originally developed by Linus Torvalds back in the early '90s. Over time, it has grown into a vast and versatile ecosystem with different distros to suit all kinds of users. If you're new, Ubuntu is a solid place to start. It's friendly, it's polished, and it won't leave you staring blankly at a terminal wondering what just happened.
One of the coolest things about Linux is that you're not locked into one way of doing things. You want a clean and simple interface? You got it. Prefer something that lets you tweak every single detail? There's a distro for that too. It's kind of like building your own sandwich at a deli. You pick the bread, the fillings, the toppings, and it's exactly what you wanted. You're not being force-fed a pre-packaged combo that assumes it knows better than you.
This list is all about the reasons people choose Linux. Maybe you're tired of invasive updates that hijack your computer for half an hour. Maybe you're a fan of open-source software. Or maybe you just like the idea of using something that doesn't constantly ask for your email, phone number, blood type, and firstborn child.
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It's FOSS
FOSS stands for Free (libre) and Open-Source Software. Open-source software is software whose source code is available to the public. Because of this, anyone can inspect the code and look for flaws. It's also beneficial for people who want to configure the code so it works the way they want it to.
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It's Secure
One thing that Linux is known for is its security. You don't need anti-virus software. The package management system is highly effective at preventing malware from entering your system.
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It's Free
Linux costs absolutely nothing. In contrast, most operating systems cost around $200. This is advantageous for obvious reasons. Why use an expensive proprietary OS when you can use a free distro with all these benefits?
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It Respects Your Privacy
Linux does not collect any of your data. The software that different distros ship with is always FOSS, which does not track you. Moreover, these applications run as well as their Microsoft and Apple counterparts.
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It Performs Well
Linux is also known for running extremely well, even on old, low-end computers, due to its lightweight nature. Many people have reported improved performance on their poorly performing computers after installing Linux.
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It's Customizable
Another advantage of Linux is the extensive customization options. I've seen people make their systems look like a Windows computer, a Mac computer, or even design their own concept for a handheld device. Some even customize it to look like nothing that has existed before. The level of customization available is astonishing.
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It's Good for Programmers
This is another feature that Linux is known for. It supports many different programming languages and has a variety of applications for those languages. The terminal is also favored by programmers for its ease of use.
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It Comes in a Variety of Flavors
There are many Linux distros out there. For instance, there is Ubuntu, a popular distro for newbies due to its ease of use. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Arch Linux, which is known for its customizability. Then there's Linux Mint, generally regarded as a well-rounded distro. I haven't even begun to scratch the surface. I personally use Manjaro KDE.
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It Doesn't Have Forced Updates
Many operating systems force their updates on you. It's very easy to accidentally update your computer, and sometimes the updates are literally forced. I remember using Windows 10 on school computers. You weren't allowed to simply log out. You either had to stay logged in or log out *and* update. I've also had an experience with a Mac where it literally shut down in the middle of me writing an essay.
Linux, on the other hand, does not force updates on you. It's still a good idea to update it, but you can do it whenever you want, as opposed to having updates forced on you.
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It's Easy to Get Support
Linux support is everywhere. If you need help, you can just look it up and find support easily. There are support forums everywhere, and much of the support you find is from enthusiasts who probably know what they're talking about. Other operating systems may also have excellent support, but it typically comes from employees, making it hard to find.
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It Supports Android Custom ROM Development
The thing that got me into Linux.